Willerup Bible Camp

For over a century, Willerup Bible Camp has been a beloved institution nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Ripley in Cambridge, WI. More than just a campground, it’s a cherished retreat that has woven itself into the fabric of countless Wisconsin family memories. Located at N4314 Alpine Village Ln, Willerup Bible Camp is known for its rich Christian heritage, providing a sacred place for learning, worship, friendship, and spiritual growth amidst the natural beauty of the Wisconsin outdoors. Reviews from former campers resonate with deep nostalgia, describing it as a place that shaped lives, offered "best memories," and where families gathered "every summer for a week."

Managed by the Lake Ripley Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization, Willerup Bible Camp is committed to preserving its historical charm while offering modern amenities suitable for various groups. Beyond its own Institute Week, the camp facilities are available for rent, making it a versatile option for churches, youth groups, families, and other organizations looking for a unique setting for their camps, events, or retreats. With 3.5 acres of grounds featuring a sand beach, swimming platforms, and diverse lodging options, Willerup Bible Camp continues its legacy as a welcoming haven where new traditions are formed and old ones are celebrated, fostering a genuine sense of community and connection to both faith and nature.

Willerup Bible Camp boasts an idyllic and remarkably accessible location at N4314 Alpine Village Ln, Cambridge, WI 53523, USA. Nestled directly on the shores of the expansive Lake Ripley, the camp offers unparalleled lakefront access, making it a prime destination for water-based activities and scenic enjoyment. Cambridge, a charming village in Jefferson County, provides a quintessential small-town Wisconsin experience with unique shopping and dining options, adding to the allure of the camp's setting.

The camp's geographical position offers excellent regional accessibility for visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond. It is conveniently located about 20 miles southeast of Madison, Wisconsin’s vibrant capital city, making for a relatively short drive for many locals. For those traveling from Milwaukee, the camp is approximately an hour's drive west off I-94, a major interstate highway. This strategic location ensures that Willerup Bible Camp is easily reachable from various parts of Southern Wisconsin, minimizing travel time and maximizing enjoyment.

Beyond the immediate lakeside beauty, the surrounding area is rich in recreational opportunities. Jefferson County and the broader Dane County area offer a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, additional fishing spots, boating opportunities on other nearby lakes, golfing, and even cross-country skiing in the winter months. The camp is also adjacent to the Ripley Community Park, which further expands recreational options with amenities like tennis, basketball, and grass volleyball courts. This combination of a serene lakeside setting, a charming local village, and superb regional accessibility makes Willerup Bible Camp an ideal and convenient retreat for groups and individuals seeking to connect with nature and community in the heart of Wisconsin.

• Diverse Accommodations: Willerup Bible Camp offers a variety of lodging options to suit different group sizes and preferences. This includes dorm-style living (Epworth Hall, Boy's Dorm, Girl's Dugout), lakefront cottages (Overman Lodge, Cabin One, Olsen Cottage), and staff cottages. Each accommodation type comes with varying capacities and amenities like bedrooms, bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens, ensuring flexibility for renters.

• Event and Retreat Rentals: Beyond its own annual Institute Week, Willerup Bible Camp is available for rent by other Christian churches, youth groups, families, and organizations. The facilities can be rented for weekends or for full weeks, providing a customizable space for camps, events, or retreats.

• Meeting and Worship Facilities: The camp features an Edith Kenseth Chapel with a capacity of 60-100 people, ideal for services, meetings, and smaller weddings. The Dorm also includes a combination dining/meeting room that holds up to 64 people, and a Recreation Hall suitable for meetings as well as games.

• Dining Facilities: A fully equipped kitchen is available within the Dorm building, and there are dining areas to accommodate groups, including the main dining/meeting room. This allows groups to self-cater or arrange for catering.

• Recreational Facilities: The camp's 3.5 acres are designed for fun, including a sand beach, swimming platform and rafts on Lake Ripley, a fishing pier, and an outdoor volleyball court. An attached Recreation Hall offers an indoor combination basketball/volleyball court, ensuring activities regardless of weather. Adjacent Ripley Community Park provides additional courts.

• Lake Access and Activities: Direct access to Lake Ripley means groups can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating activities. The camp provides platforms and rafts for swimming and a pier for fishing.

• First-Aid Responsibility: While not a direct service provided by the camp staff, Willerup Bible Camp requires groups to be responsible for their own first-aid care, recommending a designated qualified adult and a first-aid kit, ensuring safety preparedness for all events.

• Year-Round and Three-Season Availability: While some facilities are fully heated for winter use (Dorm), others are primarily for three-season use (spring, summer, fall), offering flexibility for bookings throughout much of the year.

• Historic Charm and Legacy: Willerup Bible Camp boasts a rich Christian history spanning over a century, founded in 1915. This deep heritage provides a unique and meaningful atmosphere for campers, with many recalling it as a place of formative memories and lifelong friendships.

• Prime Lakeside Location on Lake Ripley: The camp’s most prominent feature is its direct frontage on Lake Ripley. This includes a sand beach, swimming platform and rafts, and a fishing pier, offering unparalleled access to water activities and stunning lake views.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: From comfortable dorm-style rooms (Epworth Hall, Boy's Dorm, Girl's Dugout) to charming lakefront cottages (Overman Lodge, Cabin One, Olsen Cottage), the camp provides a wide range of lodging to suit various group sizes and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

• Abundant Recreational Opportunities: Beyond the lake, the camp features an outdoor volleyball court and an indoor Recreation Hall with a combination basketball/volleyball court. Its adjacency to Ripley Community Park adds access to tennis and additional basketball courts, ensuring ample options for sports and active play.

• Dedicated Chapel and Meeting Spaces: The historic Edith Kenseth Chapel serves as a central point for spiritual gatherings and meetings, complemented by dining/meeting rooms, making the camp ideal for retreats and conferences focused on spiritual or communal growth.

• Sense of Community and Tradition: As highlighted by past campers, the camp fosters a strong sense of community, with cherished traditions like campfires, VBS-type Sunday schools, and communal singing. This cultivates an environment where new memories are made alongside existing ones.

• Versatile Rental Options: The ability to rent the entire camp or specific facilities by the weekend or week makes it highly flexible for external groups, allowing a wide array of organizations to utilize its unique setting.

• Commitment to Christian Values: Owned and operated by the Lake Ripley Institute, Inc., the camp maintains a commitment to its Christian heritage, ensuring an environment that supports faith-based activities and teachings, which is a key highlight for many groups.

Willerup Bible Camp, as a non-profit organization focused on providing a meaningful camping and retreat experience, primarily operates on a reservation and fee structure for its various facilities and programs. While it may not offer "promotions" in the commercial sense, there are specific opportunities and aspects that can be considered valuable to prospective groups and individuals:

• Institute Week: The camp hosts an annual Institute Week every July, which is a core program designed for spiritual growth and fellowship. While a fee is associated, it's a structured program offering a comprehensive experience.
• Group Rental Options: The primary "offer" for external groups is the ability to rent the camp facilities for their own events. This allows organizations to customize their experience, choosing specific buildings and durations (weekend or weekly rentals) to fit their needs and budget. Pricing for rentals is available upon inquiry.
• Security Deposit Waiver: For groups with an established history of responsible use at the camp, a security deposit waiver may apply. This can be a significant benefit for returning organizations.
• Fundraising Initiatives: The camp actively engages in fundraising efforts, such as the WBC Memorial Plaque Program. While not a direct discount on services, participating in such programs allows individuals or families to contribute to the camp's future while also memorializing a loved one or a Bible verse.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding rental rates, availability, specific program fees (like Institute Week), or details on any current initiatives that might offer value, it is highly recommended to contact Willerup Bible Camp directly. You can reach them by phone at (262) 989-9042 or +1 262-989-9042. Visiting their official website, , is also an excellent resource for exploring accommodations and understanding their mission and offerings. Early booking is advisable, especially for group rentals during peak seasons, due to limited availability.

To learn more about Willerup Bible Camp, inquire about renting their facilities, or get details on their programs, you can use the following contact information:

Address: N4314 Alpine Village Ln, Cambridge, WI 53523, USA

Phone: (262) 989-9042

Mobile Phone: +1 262-989-9042

Website: (highly recommended for exploring accommodations and further details)

Email: churchoffice@willerupchurch.org (for inquiries related to Willerup Church and potentially the camp, as they share historical ties and some contact information).

It is advisable to call during typical business hours or use their official website/contact forms for the most efficient communication and to get the most current information regarding bookings, availability, and specific program details.

For Wisconsin locals, Willerup Bible Camp stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination, embodying a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and communal spirit that resonates deeply with the state's values. Its century-long legacy has etched it into the hearts of many, as evidenced by reviews recalling "best memories" and being a place where individuals "grew up here, every summer for a week." This deep-rooted connection to generations of Wisconsin families makes it more than just a camp; it's a living part of local heritage.

The camp's prime location directly on Lake Ripley in charming Cambridge, WI, is a significant draw. Locals can enjoy immediate access to swimming, fishing, and boating, activities that are quintessential to the Wisconsin summer experience. The "sand beach, swimming platform and rafts, fishing pier" are inviting features that cater to traditional lakeside recreation, while the adjacent Ripley Community Park adds further opportunities for tennis and basketball. This integration with the natural environment and local community infrastructure provides a comprehensive outdoor experience right in their backyard.

Beyond recreation, Willerup Bible Camp offers a versatile and supportive environment. Whether a local church group seeks a peaceful retreat, a youth organization plans a summer camp, or a family reunion looks for a unique gathering spot, the diverse accommodations—from dorms to lakefront cottages—can cater to various needs. The emphasis on "fellowship with family" and shared experiences, such as "campfires" and communal singing, fosters a strong sense of belonging that many Wisconsin families cherish.

The camp's enduring commitment to its Christian heritage provides a specific draw for faith-based communities, offering a dedicated space for spiritual growth and reflection. However, its broader appeal as a rental facility for various organizations demonstrates its flexibility to serve a wider local audience. The nostalgia and positive experiences shared by former campers, describing it as "just as I remember" after decades, speak to its consistent quality and enduring charm. For Wisconsin locals, Willerup Bible Camp is more than just a place to stay; it's a place to create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and experience the timeless appeal of Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors in a setting rich with history and community spirit.