CAMP BETHEL
Camp Bethel is an outdoor ministry of the Virlina District Church of the Brethren established to foster and build relationships with God, each other, and God's creation. The Camp encompasses 470 acres of forests, fields, ponds, streams, and hills in Botetourt County. The property connects to the Jefferson National Forest and a 3-mile trail hike up through Horseshoe Bend to the Appalachian Trail. Programs at Camp Bethel began in 1927. The Camp is open all year for conferences, retreats, festivals, school groups, outdoor education, and other family, church and community events.
Camp Bethel offers Summer Camp Programs to include Resident Camps, Day Camps, Adventure Camps, Performing Arts Camps, Specialty Camps, and Family Programs. The Camp is ACA- Accredited (http://www.acacamps.org/) and is staffed with caring, professional counselors and staff. ACA Accreditation is a distinction that only the best camps achieve. The camp follows 300 health, safety and program quality standards covering all facets of operations: site and food services, transportation, health and wellness, program design and activities, aquatics, advertures and trips. The programs provide developmentally appropriate experiences, opportunities for service, leadership, growth, experiential education and discovery.
Lodges, cabins, cottages, shelters and meeting rooms in a rustic-modern style are available as facility rentals. Events and programs held at the Camp include festivals, outdoor education, banquets, weddings, group high-or-low ropes courses, school field trips and other varying offerings.
Camp Bethel annually grants "Camperships" to an average of 108 children for an average total of $27,165. Please give $400.00 which is the 2023 base cost for a child to attend one week of camp. Mail donate at CampBethelVirginia.org/donate or memo checks "Camperships" payable to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Rd, Fincastle, VA 24090 or online at www.CampBethelVirginia.org/donate.
Camp Bethel contact information: (540) 992-2940 Campbetheloffice@gmail.com. The Camp's location is 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090 Please see our "Links" section for the website information.
Pineview A-Frame Cottage is also a respite house. CadinsCure.org is a 501(c)3 organization focused on giving hope to children diagnosed with cancer. The dedicated familes behind CadinsCure.org have teamed with Camp Bethel to update the Pineview A-Frame Cottage for use as an occasional respite retreat house for families with children diagnosed with cancer. Learn more at CadinsCure.org.
Volunteers added new mountain biking trails in our "Adventure Forest", Eagle Scout Isaac Williamson constructed a new bike/foot bridge and St. John Lutheran Youth built connector trails, all of which expands our awesome trail system. We invite you to bring your bike and helmet to explore Camp Bethel's vast and beautiful acreage. Our newest trail map is at CampBethelVirginia.org/groups.
Updated "RV Village" site design is available. Site layout and images for Camp Bethel's long planned 15-site "RV Village" area are at www.VirlinaFuture.org. Plans include water, electric, sewer, picnic table, campfire ring, and parking for 2-3 cars. Donate today!
2025 Camp Bethel Events: Sign up at www.CampBethelVirginia.org/Events
January 3, 2025 Summer Camp 2023 Staff Reunion and Potluck
January 4-5, 2025 Winter Camp Youth & Kids Retreat
January 30, 2025 Bethel Bistro - 6:30 PM Trivia Night
February 18 2025 Camp Suppporter Lunch at Noon, RSVP Meals
March 8, 2025 Sow The Seed Banquet, RSVP - All funds go to camperships
April 5, 2025 Spring Volunteer Workday, RSVP free breakfast and lunch - 7:30 AM
April 17, 2025 Bethel Bistro - 6:30 PM Campfire Cooking
April 25-26, 2025 Sounds of the Mountain Storytelling Festival
May 23-26, 2025 Memorial Day Family Weekend, RSVP Meals
May 24, 2025 Family Day/Summer Camp Open House
May 26-June 6, 2025 Summer Staff Training
May 30-31, 2025 Bring-Your-Big-Camp
June 6, 2025 Summer Staff Commissioning Dinner
June 8-July 25, 2025 Summer Camps & Family Adventures
August 7, 2025 Bethel Bistro - 6:30 PM Guided Hike and Trail Mix Bar
August 29-September 1, 2025 Labor Day Family Weekend
August 30,, 2025 Camp Bethel PEP! 5K
September 17, 2025 Camp Bethel Benefit Golf Tournament
October 4, 2025 Annual Heritage and Homecoming Day Festival
October 16, 2025 Bethel Bistro - 6:30 PM Pumpkin Carving and Fall Fun
October 25, 2025 Trek-or-Treat Family Event
November 4, 2025 Fall Volunteer Workday, RSVP Free breakfast and lunch 7:30 AM
December 6 2025 Christmas Together Banquet
Camp Bethel Wishlist: Skid Steer tracked or wheeled; 15-passenger van (2015 or newer); Pickup Truck (2010 or newer); Clothes Washer and Dryer; Refrigerator (full or mini); Chest Freezer or Upright Freezer; LED Light Bulbs; new first-aid supplies; brooms and dustpans; 3' x 8' plyboards for bunks (any thickness or quality); Tree Cookies (3" diameter and less than 0.5" thick). Donations can be made at:
www.CampBethelVirginia.org/donate
