Session activities include: Evening Chapel Services, swimming at the river with a rope swing, archery and slingshots, field games and water games, swimming pool (separate boys' and girls' swim times each day), gymnasium activities (basketball, foosball, ping pong, nerf wars), canoeing and kayaking on the river, arts and crafts including pottery and leather crafts, and a Team Challenge Course for trust-building activities.
Setting — 80+ acres on Lookout Mountain along Little River
Nestled on 80+ acres of mountaintop property along the banks of Mentone's scenic Little River — which flows all the way to DeSoto Falls — Ponderosa is the perfect setting for outdoor adventure and spiritual growth.
Cabin accommodations — air conditioning, indoor bathrooms
6 traditional, rustic outdoor cabins with air conditioning — each with indoor bathrooms and showers (no hiking to a bathhouse!). 2 larger, dorm-style cabins located inside our gymnasium. We designate 4 cabins for boys and 4 for girls. Capacity to host up to 39 boys and 40 girls each week.
Leadership — Jeff and Ann Nelson, 28+ years at Ponderosa
Meet Jeff, our Executive Director, and Ann, our camp photographer, registrar, and website/social media manager. Jeff's roots as one of our inaugural campers in 1976 have grown into a legacy of leadership. Jeff and Ann reside at camp year-round, embodying the spirit of Ponderosa. Their commitment to our community goes beyond a job; it's a way of life!
Staff — G.U.I.D.E. qualifications and responsibilities
G.U.I.D.E.s must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Each is paired with a SALT (Junior Counselor) to co-lead a cabin of 8–10 campers and is responsible for campers' spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. They supervise all camper activities and know their whereabouts at all times. G.U.I.D.E.s complete two weeks of hands-on training, including experience with Royal Family Kids Camp.
Ages 5-6 Day Camp: Ages 5–6 Day Camp, Jun 7–10, 2027
2027-06-07 – 2027-06-10
$195
Day camp
4-day session Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Minimum 6 registered campers required to hold session. Not included in Early Bird discount. Transportation not provided.
No campers younger than 7 or older than 10. Campers must be able to read independently. One-month grace period allowed. $50 early bird discount if registered before February 1st. $75 deposit due at registration, applies toward balance. Payment plans available.
No campers younger than 13 or older than 17. $50 early bird discount if registered before February 1st. $100 deposit due at registration, applies toward balance. Payment plans available. Includes off-campus white water rafting on Ocoee River; rafting waiver required. Financial aid not available for Teen Week.
Ponderosa Bible Camp has been sharing the Gospel with children and teens since 1976. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe, Christ-centered environment where campers can grow spiritually, build friendships, and make lifelong memories. Established in 1947 and rooted at our current location since 1976, we specialize in one-week overnight summer camp sessions for boys and girls aged 7–17.
SALT Member testimonial — Heath Romine on seeing God at work daily
"The main reason I like to work at Ponderosa is because I am shown something new about my walk with Christ practically every day no matter how small or big. It might be someone giving their life over to God, or just someone saying thank you." — Heath Romine
Cabinmate requests are part of the registration process. Each camper may request one friend, and the request must be mutual in order to be guaranteed. Cabin assignments are finalized 10 days before the session begins. For the safety and well-being of all campers, Ponderosa Bible Camp reserves the right to override roommate requests if returning campers have experienced ongoing conflicts, disciplinary issues, or have not gotten along well in previous years.
At Ponderosa, we strive to create a deeply immersive and spiritually enriching experience for every camper. To help campers fully engage, form real friendships, and enjoy God's beautiful creation, we maintain a technology-free environment. All campers must turn off and submit their phones to camp staff during check-in. Phones will be securely stored until Friday morning after chapel. Campers may request use of the camp phone if a genuine emergency arises.
Financial aid — Miss Bess Memorial Scholarship Fund
At Ponderosa Bible Camp, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience a life-changing week of camp. Inspired by Mark 10:14, where Jesus says, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them," we are committed to removing financial barriers through the Miss Bess Memorial Scholarship Fund. We offer scholarships of $100 or $150 based on financial need and available funds. Priority is given to first-time campers who would not be able to attend otherwise. Apply early — February through March — before funds run out.
Food allergies — shared kitchen, fees, and honest disclosure
We understand that some campers have special dietary needs, and we do our best to accommodate them safely and carefully. Special dietary meals are prepared in a shared kitchen. While our staff takes thoughtful precautions and makes every reasonable effort to reduce cross-contact with allergens — including gluten, nuts, and other common food allergens — there is always a risk of exposure in a non-certified kitchen environment. Ponderosa Bible Camp is NOT a certified gluten-free or nut-free facility.
