An example of bringing redemption for God’s glory and for the advancement of His kingdom is Pine Valley Camp, in Ellwood City, PA. Pine Valley is a local camp that is safe and available for kids who can’t afford summer camp. Pine Valley is a place where kids of all ages can find hope in the gospel and be loved and cared for, outside of their low-income and/or dysfunctional homes. This ministry was started by Mr. Matt and Miss Susan Reichart in 1995, and since then, the camp has been bringing redemption and meeting the spiritual and physical needs of children who can’t afford summer camp. The camp environment is playful and fun, both for the campers and for the staff that participate in the games with the campers.

I am aware of Pine Valley Camp because I have older cousins who were camp counselors. The Reichart’s are good friends with my extended family and are full of joy that only comes from the Lord. Mr. Matt has really created a culture of fun for campers and shares the gospel in a contextualized way, meeting the campers where they are. Also, Miss Susan brings kindness and care to the campers, many of whom come from rough families. For the campers, there are activities such as riding horses, pedal carts, archery, canoeing, swimming, and sliding down the “seriously awesome waterslide”. I have never worked at the camp, but have visited multiple times and have heard many stories from my extended family about the transformational experience that counselors and campers both experience during their time at Pine Valley.

Pine Valley Camp is on Facebook and Instagram. Also, the camp’s newsletter and blog can be found on their main website.

https://www.pinevalleycamp.org/