Camp Asbury

For Ohioans seeking a unique blend of outdoor adventure, spiritual enrichment, and community building, Camp Asbury stands as a beacon in Willoughby Hills. More than just a campground, Camp Asbury is a year-round camp and retreat center operated as a ministry of the United Methodist Church, though it warmly welcomes people of all faiths. Since its inception in 1957, it has provided a transformative environment where individuals, families, and groups can deepen their relationships with each other and with God, all while immersed in the wonder and beauty of creation.

Camp Asbury's mission is deeply rooted in assisting people to deepen their spiritual lives through outdoor adventure, Christian community, and outdoor worship. This commitment is evident in the profound impact it has on both campers and staff. As one staff member shared, they found a place where co-workers became "family" and where connecting with God was integrated into every aspect of camp life, from outdoor activities to mealtimes. The camp focuses on building enduring interpersonal relationships and honoring the uniqueness of each person, regardless of their background or learning style. It's a place where kids learn about God in an engaged way, "engrained in everything we do," through exploring nature, singing songs, and participating in diverse activities. Camp Asbury truly offers a "home away from home" experience, fostering a sense of belonging and community that encourages many to return summer after summer, or year after year for retreats.

Camp Asbury is beautifully situated at 34201 Eddy Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA. This address places it in a serene, natural setting within Willoughby Hills, a suburb of Cleveland in Lake County, Ohio. The location offers the perfect balance of a secluded, natural environment conducive to reflection and outdoor activities, while still maintaining convenient accessibility to urban centers and major transportation routes.

Willoughby Hills is well-connected within Northeast Ohio, providing straightforward access for visitors traveling from various parts of the state. Major roadways, such as Interstate 90 and Route 91, are easily accessible, making trips to and from the camp relatively simple. While the camp itself offers a peaceful escape, its proximity to larger metropolitan areas means that essential services, retail outlets, and emergency facilities in Willoughby, Mentor, and Cleveland are within a reasonable driving distance. This strategic positioning allows Camp Asbury to serve a broad audience, from local Ohio families seeking a summer camp experience for their children to groups from across the region looking for a tranquil retreat setting. The natural landscape of the camp itself, with its various outdoor program areas, enhances the overall experience by providing direct interaction with Ohio's scenic beauty.

• Year-Round Camp and Retreat Programs: Camp Asbury operates year-round, offering a diverse range of programs. During the summer, it hosts week-long day camp and residential camping programs for children and youth from 1st to 12th grade. During the school year, it serves as a venue for congregational retreats, family reunions, leadership events, and outdoor education programs for various organizations.

• Food Service: The camp provides comprehensive food services. Their dining hall can accommodate large groups and aims to "never run out, serve it hot, serve it on time, and be as flexible as possible for special diets." Some retreat centers on-site also offer kitchen facilities for groups preferring to prepare their own meals.

• Varied Accommodations: Camp Asbury offers diverse housing options to suit different group sizes and preferences. These include comfortable cabins, modern retreat centers (like Shaw, Otterbein, and Epworth), and rustic camping options, accommodating up to 120 guests during various seasons.

• Programmed Activities with Staff Facilitation: A wide array of activities are offered and often led by trained staff, including high adventure elements like zip-lining, Alpine Tower climbing, giant swing, and leap of faith, as well as archery, slingshot, canoeing, and swimming. These activities are designed to be age-appropriate and engage participants in outdoor experiences.

• Outdoor Education Programs: The camp leverages its natural setting to offer structured outdoor education experiences, connecting participants to the natural world through direct experience.

• Christian Curriculum and Spiritual Development: As a ministry of the United Methodist Church, Camp Asbury integrates Christian values and spiritual discussions into its programs, fostering an environment for deepening faith and connecting with God.

• Facility Rentals: Various groups, including congregations, schools, colleges, universities, and non-profit agencies, can rent Camp Asbury's facilities for their own events and retreats.

• Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities: To ensure accessibility, Camp Asbury offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities for summer camp programs, making the experience available to more children and youth.

• Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA): Camp Asbury's ACA accreditation signifies its commitment to high standards in health, safety, and program quality, providing peace of mind for parents and organizers.

• Inclusive Environment: Despite its Methodist affiliation, Camp Asbury welcomes "people of all faiths," fostering an inclusive and embracing community where everyone feels valued, regardless of their background.

• Focus on Community Building: A core highlight is the emphasis on forming "enduring interpersonal relationships" and building a strong sense of community, where staff and campers often become "family."

• Engaging Outdoor Adventure Programs: The camp boasts extensive outdoor program areas, including hiking trails, a natural waterfront, archery range, low and high challenge courses, climbing tower, giant swing, and natural mud slide, offering diverse opportunities for physical activity and skill development.

• Progressive Summer Programs: Summer programs are designed to be progressive, challenging campers as they mature to try new activities each year and catering to multiple intelligence learning styles.

• Beautiful Natural Landscape: The setting on Eddy Rd in Willoughby Hills provides a stunning natural backdrop, allowing for deep connection with creation through forests, water features, and hiking trails.

• Versatile Retreat Facilities: With modern retreat centers, cabins, and dormitory-style housing, the camp can accommodate a wide range of group sizes and needs for various events.

• Leadership Development Opportunities: Camp Asbury serves as a destination where people can "grow and polish practical leadership skills," particularly through its summer staff and Counselor In Training (CIT) programs.

• Year-Round Availability: Unlike many seasonal camps, Camp Asbury's year-round operation makes it a flexible option for retreats, conferences, and educational programs during any season.

Camp Asbury actively promotes its various programs and often offers incentives for early registration or financial assistance. While specific, real-time promotions can change, here are examples of common offers you might find:

• Early Bird Rates for Summer Camp: For instance, Camp Asbury has offered "Early Bird Rate!" discounts for summer camp, where a full week of camp that typically starts at $534 might be available for $499 if paid by a specific date (e.g., March 15th), saving participants $35.

• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Camp Asbury is committed to making its programs accessible. They offer "Summer Camp Financial Aid" to ensure that more children can experience the benefits of camp, regardless of their family's financial situation. Information on applying for financial aid is usually available through their registration portal or by contacting the camp directly.

• Family Camp Weekends: They promote "Family Camp" as a weekend experience that allows families to enjoy a condensed version of their core program, often with special pricing for family units.

• Group Retreat Packages: For organizations or congregations looking to book retreats, Camp Asbury likely offers customized packages based on group size, duration, and desired facilities/activities. It's advisable to "Request a Quote" through their website for specific pricing.

• Themed Summer Camp Programs: While not a discount, specialized and new programs (like "Curtains Up" for 2025 or "Night Owls" for high school campers) act as unique offerings to attract specific interests.

Prospective campers, families, and group organizers are highly encouraged to visit the official Camp Asbury website or contact them directly via phone or email. This will provide the most current information on program availability, pricing, and any ongoing promotions or financial assistance options.

To learn more about Camp Asbury, inquire about programs, or book a retreat, please use the following contact details:

Address: 34201 Eddy Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA (Note: While the provided address is Willoughby Hills, other public information indicates the main mailing address and physical location for Camp Asbury is often cited as 10776 Asbury Rd, Hiram, Ohio 44234. It's advisable for users to confirm the specific location they intend to visit or mail to).

Phone: (330) 569-3171 (Main Camp Number)

Mobile Phone: +1 330-569-3171 (This is the same as the main camp number. No separate mobile number is specified in public data, but rather a direct line to the camp office.)

Email: info@campasbury.org (General Information)

Website: campasbury.org

For Ohio residents, Camp Asbury in Willoughby Hills (or Hiram, as its main operations are sometimes cited) offers an exceptional and multifaceted destination for personal growth, community engagement, and spiritual connection. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its diverse programming, accessibility, and unique blend of outdoor adventure and faith-based learning.

For families across Ohio, Camp Asbury provides accredited summer camp experiences for children and youth, offering a safe and enriching environment where kids can develop leadership skills, forge lasting friendships, and connect with nature. The availability of financial aid further ensures that these valuable experiences are accessible to a wide range of local families. Beyond summer, the year-round retreat facilities make it an ideal venue for Ohio-based churches, schools, non-profits, and families to host their own events, offering a beautiful and well-equipped setting close to home.

The camp's commitment to an inclusive environment, welcoming people of all faiths, broadens its appeal across the diverse Ohio population. Whether seeking a meaningful summer for a child, a serene backdrop for a family reunion, or a purposeful retreat for a group, Camp Asbury offers a unique opportunity to step away from the everyday. It encourages individuals to deepen their relationships with others and with their spirituality, all within the beautiful, natural landscape of Northeast Ohio. For locals, Camp Asbury is more than just a destination; it's a vital community resource that fosters growth, connection, and cherished memories.