Celebrating 25 years of Family Camp

An adventure for the whole family.

Meet like-minded families, enjoy exciting activities, and receive spiritual encouragement in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether you are seasoned campers or prefer the comforts of home, we have a spot just for you.

We welcome you, not only as our special guests, but as family. Join us October 5–11, 2024!

 

2024 Theme:
His Way Is Perfect

Through an unexpected and challenging start to 2024, God clarified our Family Camp theme for us—HIS WAY IS PERFECT. It’s been said that “often the thing that causes us to think that God is not at work in our life is the very work that God is doing.” Few of us would choose painful circumstances, but it’s often through hardship that God forges our character and reveals His purposes.

This year has been difficult, but as we continue to take refuge in Christ, it’s been perfect, for the suffering is drawing us closer to His heart and His ways.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

Read about this year’s camp speakers here!

Family

Renew relationships and create lasting memories.

Faith

Biblical encouragement in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Fellowship

Meet like-minded families and create lasting friendships.

very blessed

“This was our first time to camp as a family. We were very blessed to have a Christian campground to come to where there are so many Christian families to meet. The experience as a whole was a blessing! I wanted to do all the activities, but of course could not do all in one week. It was very well organized and the workers were all so kind.” — Jodie

incredible

“Incredible time to bond with my family; great messages that bring practical value. Thank you for making this camp so much fun and entertaining.” — Inna

worth every penny

“It is worth every penny spent and every mile driven to bring your entire family to a place that they can safely fellowship with other believers, while being encouraged in our walk with the Lord! There’s fun activities to do as family while getting to know other sweet families! We all can’t wait to come back next year!” — Jonathan

best ever

“It’s the best week of the year! The sermons are so applicable to our daily lives.” — Jacob

family time

“We love the time we get to spend together as a family, whether it’s doing activities, or around the campfire at night. The messages from the speakers were so uplifting and encouraging!” — Joy

heaven on earth

“This year our family went through two major surgeries just weeks before camp and even though camp was an additional expense this place like heaven on earth was something we needed to forget the stress the worries and as a family to rejuvenate. It was great encouragement for us, and the messages were a great wake up call.” — Larisa

more than a vacation

“Family Camp was more than just a ceasing from work for a week – it was a spiritually edifying and encouraging experience that reminded us of why we do what we do. Our whole family benefited from spending time with others who love the Lord and seek to live a life that glorifies Him!” — Dawn

Like forever

“Only our second year coming but just feels like we’ve been all our lives!  So grateful.” — Dana

New friendships

“We met so many people! Our kids had the opportunity to develop new friendships with other kids their own age who also live their lives to glorify God!” — Jason

Safe Place

“We are so thankful for ALERT making family camp a safe place for us to come together for fellowship, and take our minds away from the everything the world may throw at us!” — Claire

Wonderful

“Such a wonderful experience!  The relaxed environment and beautiful facility allowed us time to spend together as a family.” — Leanna

Activities

Tournaments

Events

S'More Family

Bring “S’More Families” for FREE!  New families will not only receive  complimentary registration, but you will also receive a 50% discount on yours!  LEARN MORE >

Community Night

Tuesday’s Community Night (starting at 5:00 PM) is FREE and open to the community.   LEARN MORE >

Moms' Tea

Connect and share encouragement in Christ!

Young Adult Fellowship

Fellowship with current friends and connect with more!

Stick Horse Rodeo

Pick your favorite pony during our Stick Horse craft or bring your own! 

Western Day

Outdoor crafts & games, and delicious dinner on the grounds (available for purchase)

Family Camp 5K

Join us on our beautiful lake trails!

Trade Days

Buy and sell with other Family Campers!

River Crossing Event

For fathers and sons, hosted by our ALERT men!

Fishing Tournament

Enjoy a peaceful morning on Lake Loma!

Human Stratego

An comradarie building event for fathers and sons!

Sports Complex

The Family Camp Hangout. Coffee Shop, Games, Sports, WiFi, the works.

Ponderosa Press

Coffee and friends, the perfect blend.

Lake Day

Canoe races, games, sand castles... and hamburgers for dinner.

Fireworks Show

Finishing a great week with a bang

an adventure for the whole family

Speakers

Our CAMP SPEAKERS love God and love people. You won’t want to miss their inspiring, Christ-centered messages. Our past Family Camp messages are also available to purchase or stream through embassymedia.com.

Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne

Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne is the President of Living Waters, the official spokesman for the National Bible Bee organization, and a cohost of the National Bible Bee Game Show. He serves as an Executive Producer of the Way of the Master television program and all Living Waters films. A dynamic communicator, he speaks at conferences and churches nationally and around the world. E.Z. served as an associate pastor for several years. He and his wife, Rachel, have five children.

Caleb Reed

Caleb Reed was born and raised in Maine as one of eight children. After high school, he attended the ALERT Academy in 2010, where the Lord started him on a path of surrender. He went to Bible college in Wisconsin, where God called him to preach. Caleb and his wife Emma have three children. The Reeds launched into itinerate evangelism in 2020 and travel full-time preaching for revival in churches, camps, and Christian schools.

Rick Warner

Capt. Warner has been working alongside our ministry since 2014. With a heart for discipleship and a boldness that remains undaunted after 20 years in Mongolia as a missionary, Capt. Warner actively engages our community with the Gospel and encourages those around him into a deeper relationship with Christ—often using archery to illustrate concepts, or recalling profound life experiences from the past. If you catch him in a free moment, you’ll most likely find him scouting the lake in a canoe, spending time with his family, or in a meaningful conversation with a new friend.

Duane Blue

Duane left school in rebellion and rejection; drugs consumed his life. With no regard for others, he verbally and mentally mistreated his mother until he found her a victim of suicide. Stricken with grief, Duane hid behind a “tough guy” exterior despite his fear, loneliness, and guilt. Providentially, a stranger introduced him to Jesus and invited Duane to spend Christmas with his family. A month later, he surrendered to Jesus Christ. Duane and his wife Iris are passionate about sharing the gospel and the abundant life in Christ Jesus. They have both been Mission Service Corps Volunteers since the 1980s.

Dr. Aaron Baker

Dr. Aaron W. Baker has been in the ministry for over 25 years, serving on staff at churches in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi while assisting missionaries on four continents. Aaron holds degrees in theology and music and has taught at Bible Colleges in the US and the Philippines. He is currently the Associate Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. He and his wife Laura have 8 children.

Dr. Lew Sterrett

As a certified youth, marriage, and family counselor, Dr. Lew has a passion for biblical leadership development. Dr. Lew skillfully tames wild horses while illustrating our own spiritual stubbornness and our Master’s kindness to continue drawing us to Himself. Dr. Lew shares his “Sermons on the Mount” across the nation, encouraging and equipping others to surrender to the Master and become effective followers of Christ.

Schedule

PRICING

The latest on instagram

4 weeks out from Family Camp, featuring Family Camp Legend, Col. Moulton!

Col. Russell Moulton was involved with Family Camp from day one. His influence, attention to detail, organization, and communication were woven into the framework of Family Camp for over 10 years and set a precedence for excellence reaching far into the future. Under Russell’s guidance, over 10,000 guests attended Family Camp through the years and enjoyed original plays like El Socoh, yearly Stick Horse Rodeos, Canoe Races, and Volleyball Tournaments while he coordinated countless staff and volunteers who made such feats possible. Col. Moulton’s love for great music was also infused into the very nature of camp as he led worship, orchestra, and choir. While much of Col. Moulton’s work was behind the scenes, his fingerprints remain on Family Camp to this day. We are so thankful for his diligence, wise leadership, and care for others. His impact (along with his incredible wife Debbie!) is immeasurable.

#4weeksout #alertfamilycamp #countdown #alertfamilycamplegends
This year we're celebrating 25 years of the BEST VACATION EVER and we're bringing our celebration to social media!

It's a GIVEAWAY!! The winner will receive this year's Family Camp Tees for their whole family!*

How to enter:
1. Like & follow our NEW Facebook Page (facebook.com/alertfamilycamp - link in bio)
2. Post a favorite picture of your family at Family Camp on your Facebook profile
3. Tag @ALERTFAMILYCAMP in your post (If your post is private/for friends only, send us a message with a screenshot to prove you posted your family photo. We can only see public posts.)

The contest ends at 11:59pm CDT on Friday, September 13. The winner will be chosen at random and announced the following Friday, September, 20. Not able to come this year? (😭) We'll mail your tees to you!** 😊

Fine Print & Giveaway Rules
*Whole family: This means your immediate family, or up to 8 tees. Contest entries give @alertfamilycamp permission to post the winning picture on our public page.
**Tees will be mailed within the continental United States only.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Winners must live in the U.S.A. Sizes subject to availability. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram.

#alertfamilycampshirt #alertfamilycamp
5 weeks out from Family Camp, featuring Family Camp Legends Stacey Smith and Sarah Mandreger! Countless people have impacted Family Camp, and these ladies are no exception.

Stacey Smith came to volunteer with her family in 2002 and plugged into our Program Support department. Needless to say, she influenced and supported Family Camp before she ever joined our crew as the Event Registrar in 2007. After joining our team, Stacey was crucial in streamlining our Family Camp registration process. With growing attendance and a customizable database at her fingertips, her inquiries to our skilled programmers yielded automated name tag and door tag printing, payment tracking, and easy-to-find outstanding invoice totals — functionalities we still use today! Just as important, however, was the trust and relationship she built with our guests through the years — Stacey was their friend who caused them to feel seen and understood. We are so grateful for her influence and precedence of skillful detail and heartfelt communication.

Sarah (Perkins) Mandreger joined our Family Camp team in 2007. Sarah’s joy and creativity transformed our dreams into reality. Whether coordinating costumes for the entire campus, or making phone calls to recruit additional volunteers, Sarah was dynamic, willing, and relational. Sarah helped us build teamwork and community within our staff and intentionally connected us with volunteers interested in joining our efforts. Her communication skills soared further in skits and stories as Sarah’s natural way of interacting with children delighted and inspired them. Sarah brought life and passion to Family Camp and increased connection and community. We are grateful for her investment and enthusiastic ministry! 

#5weeksout #alertfamilycamp #countdown #alertfamilycamplegends
We're excited to announce our camp survey winners this year! 🥁 Congratulations, Spivey Family, on winning free registration to ALERT Family Camp this year! We're so grateful for your friendship and the intentional, thoughtful way you bring the Family Camp community closer together. 🤗 Looking forward to seeing y'all soon!

(Winners picked yearly! Our surveys are sent at the end of camp; we look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can keep making Family Camp enjoyable and family-friendly!) 

#alertfamilycamp #campsurveywinners
6 weeks out from Family Camp, featuring Family Camp Legends David Herring and Randy Zachry! These two individuals helped guide Family Camp as it developed and grew through the years. 

Capt. David Herring supported and inspired Family Camp from 2004–2008, bringing creative ideas, vision, and big dreams to the table. With the help and support of a growing Camps and Conferences crew, David and his team made Family Camp fun, exciting, and memorable. David loved connecting with people and was passionate about families enjoying fellowship with each other. The sky was the limit, and David helped us dream big.

Maj. Randy Zachry coordinated Family Camp from 2009–2013. Randy was a great boss and had a wonderful balance of being organized and yet relational. His heart for discipleship and eternal mindset was breathed into Family Camp as he intentionally connected with the many staff and volunteers that made Family Camp possible. We are grateful for his thoughtfulness, care, and kindness that he showed to the entire team.

Both of these men brought a lot of heart to Family Camp and prioritized an atmosphere of connection and fellowship. We are grateful for your investment, David and Randy!

#6weeksout #alertfamilycamp #countdown #alertfamilycamplegends