Camp Kirchenwald

- 1 Cut Off Rd, Palmyra, PA 17078

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a meaningful and adventurous local retreat, Camp Kirchenwald stands out as a unique destination. More than just a simple campground, it is an established year-round camp and retreat center managed by the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania. This deep-rooted connection to faith and community imbues the grounds with a special, welcoming atmosphere, which is why patrons often call it their "favorite place!"

Set on 340 acres of scenic, undeveloped timberland, Kirchenwald offers an immersive experience in nature, perfectly balanced with modern recreational and lodging facilities. It is a place dedicated to strengthening faith, fostering Christian fellowship, and providing challenging outdoor ministry experiences to all ages. The ability to bring your dog—a point highlighted by a local reviewer—adds to its appeal as a true family-oriented escape. Whether you are looking for a summer camp for your children, a weekend retreat for your organization, or simply a place to pitch a tent and commune with nature, Camp Kirchenwald provides a high-quality, memorable Pennsylvania experience.

Camp Kirchenwald, located in the Colebrook/Palmyra area of Central PA, functions as a holistic outdoor ministry center. It operates year-round, not only hosting seasonal summer camp programs for children, youth, and families but also serving as a vital retreat destination for churches, schools, and private groups. The camp sits adjacent to 4,000 acres of State Game Lands, ensuring a truly expansive and undeveloped wilderness setting for exploration and reflection.

The core mission of the camp, as an extension of congregational ministry, focuses on growth through challenge, Christian leadership development, and stewardship of God's creation. Its facilities are varied, ranging from comfortable retreat lodges suitable for large gatherings to more rustic Adirondack shelters and dedicated tenting sites. All programs are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), a crucial detail for local parents, signifying a commitment to the highest standards of health, safety, and program quality in camp operations.

Kirchenwald's programming philosophy centers on the unique blend of adventure, service, and spiritual reflection, ensuring that every local visitor, regardless of their specific goal—be it a high-energy youth trip or a tranquil family weekend—leaves with a renewed sense of purpose.

The camp is conveniently nestled off the beaten path while remaining easily accessible for residents across the Central Pennsylvania region. Its physical address is 1 Cut Off Rd, Palmyra, PA 17078, USA. While the official mailing address may differ for administrative purposes, this location places it in the beautiful, rolling landscape between Lebanon and Hershey.

• Regional Proximity: The location allows for relatively easy travel from major metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Reading, making it an excellent choice for local groups seeking a quiet, yet convenient, retreat space.
• Secluded Setting: The 340 acres of timberland, paired with the adjacent State Game Lands, give the camp a distinctly secluded and wild feel, offering a true escape from urban life.
• Year-Round Access: The camp is designed for year-round operation, meaning roads and main facilities remain accessible in all seasons, accommodating winter retreats and conferences.

This setting provides an ideal environment for hiking, nature study, and a variety of outdoor pursuits, all within a short, manageable drive for most Pennsylvanians.

Camp Kirchenwald provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of diverse groups, whether they are attending a managed camp program or renting a facility for a private retreat.

• Diverse Lodging Options: Accommodation ranges from modern retreat centers (like Myers Retreat Center and SchreiberHaus) with comfortable amenities to rustic cabins, three-season shelters, and the primitive Wilderness Village Campsite for tent camping.
• Dining Services: The Main Camp Kitchen and Dining Pavilion is a three-season space fully equipped for meal service to large groups (up to 150 people), offering the option for catered dining.
• Program Staffing and Facilitation: Camp staff are available by reservation to lead a wide array of adventure and team-building programs, including Low Ropes initiatives and group games.
• Rental for Private Retreats: Facilities are available for year-round rental by outside organizations, offering a beautiful, well-equipped space for non-camp events.
• Accessibility to All: The Lutheran Camping Corporation is committed to providing outdoor ministry experiences regardless of financial capacity, offering campership applications for families in need of financial assistance.

The distinctive features of Camp Kirchenwald are centered around its expansive natural environment and its extensive, high-quality outdoor adventure facilities.

• High-Challenge Course: Features a climbing tower, a high ropes course, and a zip line, all available by reservation for groups seeking challenging, professionally-staffed, goal-setting experiences.
• Water Activities: The camp boasts a lake for canoeing and an on-site swimming pool, ensuring aquatic recreation is a key part of the summer experience.
• Worship and Reflection Spaces: Multiple designated worship sites, including Lakeside, Hillside, and Woodland areas, provide inspiring natural settings for spiritual gatherings and quiet meditation.
• Recreational Facilities: Includes athletic fields, a Gaga Pit, a Labyrinth, and the unique Fort Kirchenwald for games and activities.
• Nature Immersion: Guests have access to numerous on-site hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, and a Yurt Nature Center for educational and environmental programs.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: The camp is recognized for being dog-friendly, allowing residents to fully include their pets in their outdoor adventures (with required adherence to camp policies).
• Specialized Youth Programs: Offers unique summer camps like "Diaconos" for youth groups, which combines community service opportunities with adventure outings, focusing on spiritual growth and local service.

For more information on program schedules, retreat facility rentals, and to check availability, please use the following contact details. Note the separate number for retreat reservations.

Address: 1 Cut Off Rd, Palmyra, PA 17078, USA

Phone: (717) 964-3121

Retreat Reservations Phone: (717) 677-8211

Camp Kirchenwald is uniquely suited for Pennsylvanians because it represents a readily accessible, yet profoundly transformative, local resource. For local churches, schools, and youth organizations, it is an invaluable retreat center that meets the high standards of ACA accreditation while offering customizable, faith-based programming.

The affordability and accessibility of the camp, especially with the availability of camperships, ensure that this experience is not restricted by financial barriers, truly serving the entire Central Pennsylvania community. From a family perspective, the combination of exciting adventure features—like the zip line and ropes course—the natural beauty of the 340 acres, and the cherished dog-friendly policy makes it an ideal destination for creating meaningful local memories. It’s more than a camp; it is a long-standing, well-maintained institution where local residents can grow, reflect, and reconnect with nature and community, all within a short drive from their homes.

Camp Kirchenwald

1 Cut Off Rd, Palmyra, PA 17078, USA