Who We Are

Woodcrest Retreat began with a vision in 1957. After prayer and Bible study, a group of businessmen from several Sunday School classes of the Ephrata Mennonite Church, decided that a place of retreat was needed close to home for people to “come apart and rest awhile” through solitude, relaxation and appreciation of God’s creation.

Woodcrest Retreat officially became an entity on October 2, 1959. Today, Woodcrest is overseen by a Board of Directors and supported by believers from a wide variety of Christian denominations and churches who embrace the mission and vision of Woodcrest Retreat.

The initial purchase of land was 19 acres of woodland. At various times, God has allowed neighboring properties to become available for purchase which has increased our current total acreage to 110 of wooded lands that offer an unique space to experience the wonder of God.

The vision for a summer camp program, especially a program for low-income and unchurched children, grew out of the Ephrata Mennonite Church. The first camp was held the summer of 1969 and was staffed by members of the Ephrata Mennonite Church. That church sponsored and staffed a day camp program for 27 years. In 1993, Woodcrest Retreat staff organized their own summer camp program to reach additional children with the gospel. Over the years, camp programs have grown to include eight weeks of overnight camps, adventure camps and day camps. In 2023 Woodcrest reached nearly 2,000 youth with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Through the years, pavilions, cabins, shelters, a campground and many recreational activities have been added. Our desire is to discern God’s leading as we seek to stay committed to our legacy while offering new programs that create a space for people to get away and enjoy the peace and presence of God in a beautiful, wooded setting.

Woodcrest Retreat is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA)

Faith Statement

God
We believe in one true God, eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Creator
We believe that this only true and triune God has created all things visible and invisible.
Jesus
We believe Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His future personal return in power and glory.
Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit of God who brings conviction, regeneration and the ability to live a godly life.
Bible
We believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God and the true authority in all matters of life and conduct.
Humanity
We believe all persons are born sinners and therefore separated from God and need that relationship restored through salvation by grace which can only be received by repentance from sin and through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. We believe in the sanctity of human life, that God created male and female, and that life begins at conception. We believe that God designed marriage as a covenant relationship between one biological born man and one biological born woman and that sexual intimacy outside of this marriage covenant is contrary to God’s divine plan.
Destiny
We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to receive those who have been saved by placing their faith and trust in Him. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and unsaved—the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to eternal punishment.

Core Values

As a ministry Woodcrest strives to develop a Christ-centered culture of…

Grace
Being recipients of God’s amazing grace, we want to extend to grace to others.
Generosity
As God richly blesses Woodcrest, we desire to be a blessing to others.
Integrity
As Christians we will strive to walk worthy of Christ and demonstrate honesty and love.
Community
Being one in Christ we want to create a space for people to belong.
Excellence
Our primary service is toward Christ and so we will strive to serve Him in a worthy manner.