Setting — Rockhaven's location along the Gallatin River
Among the Douglas fir and lodgepole pine and along the rushing Gallatin River, many have found solace. It is, and always has been, an escape from the noise and traffic of town, a place where one can sit on a pine log and gaze into a fire until millions of stars come out to decorate the night sky. A place to play, to laugh, to pray; to disconnect, so that we might reconnect with our spirit, each other, nature and God.
10-acre property on the Gallatin River, 21 miles south of Bozeman, Montana, beneath Sheep Rock along Hwy. 191. Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. Adjacent to Yellowstone National Park corridor.
Ages
5–15
Activities
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Rock climbing
Zip line
More activities
arts and crafts
campfire
group games
high ropes course
low ropes / challenge course
music making
nature walks
prayer labyrinth
star gazing
whitewater rafting
Clues to fit
Board Chair message — relationships and community at Rockhaven
"Rockhaven is a place where you can drop your cares at the gate, look up at Sheep Rock for inspiration and focus on camps and projects while making a difference in this unique location along the Gallatin River. Rockhaven is about relationships and God is at work through each individual that comes thru the front gate." — Randy Larimer, Board Chair
Rockhaven mission and history — a place with over a century of community
As early as 1919 some travelers stopped for the night beneath Sheep Rock to take advantage of accommodations at Sheep Rock Ranch. Those who gathered at the river for the night would be the first of a long and inspired procession of folks, young and old, whose lives would be deeply enhanced by their time at Rockhaven Camp. On October 18, 1925 the Rutledges signed the deed which finalized the sale of ten acres along the Gallatin River to First Presbyterian Church of Bozeman, Montana, for the token sum of $1.
Adventure programs — High Ropes Course and Challenge By Choice philosophy
Our adventure and experiential programs are designed to help individuals and groups test their abilities and choose risks appropriate to their own comfort levels. Our High Ropes Course involves a series of elements that challenge participants to climb to a height of 35 feet, featuring the "Leap of Faith", a hair raising jump from the top of the course! Challenge by Choice is a philosophy on how to encourage campers to achieve their goals and provide them with a safe environment where they can go beyond their comfort level — it is not our place to push participants further than they are ready for or capable of.
Today Rockhaven operates as a full service camp and retreat center. This small but mighty 10 acre outdoor ministry flourishes more with each passing year with a cutting edge outdoor ministry program of free play, nature play and experiential education. A foot bridge crossing the Gallatin River provides access to the east side of Rockhaven's property otherwise known as Trinity Meadow. There guests can enjoy a walk away from the noise of the world, an outdoor vesper dell, our 9 circuit rustic prayer Labyrinth and Yellowstone Zip Line Canopy Tours which is a state of the art zip line operated through a partnership with Montana Whitewater.
Of course! Campers come from many different faiths, including some who do not have a faith tradition. Rockhaven welcomes every camper. Depending on the week of camp, we either have a daily worship or devotion time where we discuss themes of love, grace, peace, and patience and hear a brief message.
Former counselor quote — lasting impact and personal growth
"I was a bit lost in life when I came to Rockhaven, but when I left, I felt like I could do anything and that life would be okay! That's because Rockhaven taught me that I don't have to be one thing. I learned that I can be respected and taken seriously while also having a good time and letting loose. It's okay to get messy and not follow a schedule. I am so grateful for Rockhaven and everyone that made my summer truly a life changing experience." — Jlana, "Alpine", Former Counselor
Rockhaven UnCamp is an innovative summer camp program where nature-based free play is front and center. We create a safe environment where creativity, curiosity, and imagination can flourish, where kids can be kids, get a little (or a lot) dirty, connect with nature, and fellowship together. UnCamp at Rockhaven takes the expectations and strict schedules out of camp and puts back in genuine play, natural curiosity, and epic messes. Expect your camper to come home with muddy faces, sticky fingers and awesome memories that will last a lifetime!
Overnight campers stay in our bunkhouse which consists of 6 rooms, each with bunk beds. Approximately 5-7 campers to 1 counselor sleep in these bunk rooms with a co-counselor/group in the adjoining room. Each bunkhouse room has electricity and heat. We have a detached washhouse for all shower and bathroom needs.
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to attend summer camp. Rockhaven and First Presbyterian Church have established a Camper Scholarship Fund (Campership) for the purpose of providing assistance to those who would not otherwise be able to attend Rockhaven's summer camp program. Gifts towards the Campership Fund come from members of First Presbyterian Church and other thoughtful individuals who recognize the valuable impact of Rockhaven on campers. If you need financial assistance in order to send a family member to summer camp, please submit a Campership form.
One of the advantages of being a small camp is that we can usually accommodate most dietary restrictions, including allergies. Please be specific when completing the allergy and health forms at registration. If the restriction is more than our single camp cook can accommodate you are welcome to send your camper with special meals and snacks.
We love receiving mail for campers! The best way to ensure your camper receives mail is to bring your package or letter with you during overnight camp drop-off. After dropping off your camper, simply place the package or letter in the labeled box at the front gate. Mail will be distributed to campers at breakfast on Wednesday morning.
