Nestled in the picturesque landscape of High View, West Virginia, Timber Ridge Bible Camp offers a serene and spiritually enriching retreat in the heart of Appalachia. Located near notable landmarks such as the Cacapon River and the sprawling George Washington National Forest, this camp provides a perfect backdrop for reflection, learning, and adventure.

Timber Ridge Bible Camp has a rich history of fostering growth and spiritual development among its attendees. Founded with the aim of creating a nurturing environment that encourages personal and spiritual growth, the camp has been a beacon of faith and fun for several decades. It serves as a spiritual home away from home for many young campers each year.

The mission of Timber Ridge Bible Camp is rooted in providing a Christian-based experience that helps build strong moral foundations, encourages personal reflection, and promotes a life-long commitment to service and faith. This is encapsulated in the camp’s philosophy: “Nurture the spirit, foster community, and cultivate a deep-seated love for God.”

This camp is designed to cater to boys and girls across various age groups, offering tailored programs that suit different stages of youth development. By maintaining a balance between recreational activities and biblical teachings, Timber Ridge Bible Camp ensures a holistic experience that contributes to both the physical and spiritual growth of its campers.

Programs Offered by Timber Ridge Bible Camp

Timber Ridge Bible Camp offers a variety of programs that cater to different age groups and interests, each designed to enrich the campers’ spiritual and personal development. The sessions vary in length, providing flexibility for families and allowing campers to immerse themselves in the camp experience according to their schedules and interests.

Program Descriptions

Explorer Camps: These one-week sessions are perfect for younger campers, typically ages 7 to 12. They include a mix of recreational activities, Bible study sessions, and crafts, aimed at introducing campers to camp life and instilling basic biblical principles.
Adventure Camps: For teens aged 13 to 17, these two-week sessions dive deeper into biblical teachings alongside more challenging outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and wilderness survival skills. These camps aim to strengthen faith through adventure and exploration.
Leadership Development Program: Designed for older teenagers, this program runs throughout the summer and focuses on developing future leaders through mentorship, advanced biblical studies, and practical leadership opportunities within the camp setting.

Specialty Programs

Arts Program: Timber Ridge offers a special arts track where campers can engage in music, drama, and visual arts, culminating in a camp-wide showcase at the end of each session.
Sports Program: Focused on physical health and teamwork, this program includes coaching in various sports such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball, emphasizing sportsmanship and Christian values.
Nature and Science Program: This program allows campers to explore God’s creation through scientific eyes, with activities like stargazing, environmental science, and biology workshops.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Timber Ridge Bible Camp is structured to balance spiritual, physical, and recreational activities, ensuring campers stay engaged and energized throughout their stay. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

7:30 AM: Morning Devotion
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Bible Study
10:30 AM: Specialty Program Activity (Arts, Sports, or Science)
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Quiet Time/Rest
2:30 PM: Outdoor Adventure Activity
4:30 PM: Free Time/Optional Workshops
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening Worship and Campfire
9:00 PM: Cabin Reflections
10:00 PM: Lights Out

Each element of the day is designed to support the camp’s mission, ensuring that each camper not only has fun but also grows personally and spiritually.

Accommodations in Timber Ridge Bible Camp

Timber Ridge Bible Camp ensures that campers have a comfortable and safe stay while attending their programs. The accommodations are designed to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among campers while also meeting their basic needs for comfort and cleanliness.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation for campers at Timber Ridge is rustic yet cozy cabins. Each cabin houses up to 12 campers and 2 counselors, providing a communal living experience that enhances bonding and fellowship. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal items.
Tents: For specific adventure programs, campers may have the opportunity to spend part of their session in tents. This is usually part of the leadership and wilderness programs, giving older campers a chance to experience more rugged outdoor living.
Dorms: There are also a few dormitory-style accommodations available for larger groups or special events, which include multiple bunk beds in a larger, open-plan sleeping area with communal bathrooms.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Timber Ridge Bible Camp provides three well-balanced meals each day, included in the cost of the camp. Meals are served in the camp’s dining hall, where campers gather to eat together, fostering a family-style dining atmosphere.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all campers’ needs, the camp kitchen is equipped to handle various dietary requirements. Whether it’s allergies, vegetarian options, or specific dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs, camp chefs are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to ensure every camper enjoys nutritious and satisfying meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility, ensuring easy access for campers. These facilities are separated by gender and are equipped with multiple showers, sinks, and toilet stalls to accommodate the campers comfortably.
Hygiene: Emphasizing cleanliness, the facilities are cleaned and sanitized daily by the camp staff to maintain a high standard of hygiene. Additionally, campers are encouraged to uphold cleanliness and organization within their cabins and bathroom areas.

Timber Ridge Bible Camp’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to ensure that every aspect of a camper’s stay is comfortable, safe, and conducive to an enriching camp experience.

Activities in Timber Ridge Bible Camp

Timber Ridge Bible Camp provides a diverse array of activities that cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring every camper has the opportunity to try something new, refine existing skills, and enjoy their summer to the fullest.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: The camp features a large swimming pool, where campers can enjoy free swim periods under lifeguard supervision, as well as structured swim lessons.
Hiking: With trails winding through the nearby George Washington National Forest, hiking is a favorite for many campers, offering them a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Crafts: A fully equipped crafts center allows campers to engage in a variety of creative projects, from pottery and beadwork to painting and woodworking.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water sports are a significant part of the camp experience, with canoeing and kayaking on the Cacapon River.
Archery and Riflery: Taught by certified instructors, these activities focus on safety and skill development, offering campers a chance to learn precision sports.
Field Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other team sports are available, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Campfires and Outdoor Cooking: These essential camping skills are taught, along with the fun of roasting marshmallows and telling stories around a campfire.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Each session begins and ends with a ceremony that includes campfire stories, awards, and reflections, helping to strengthen the community bond.
Theme Days: Throughout the summer, special theme days (such as Superhero Day or Backwards Day) bring a fun and creative twist to the camp routine.
Talent Shows: Campers have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of their peers, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or comedy.
Spiritual Services: Weekly chapel services and daily devotions align with the camp’s Christian mission, offering spiritual guidance and reflection.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Summer camps can participate in leadership training sessions, where they learn about responsibility, conflict resolution, and leading by example.
Environmental Education: Through nature walks and conservation projects, campers learn about the environment and the importance of sustainable living.
Personal Development Workshops: Workshops on topics like self-esteem, teamwork, and communication help campers develop valuable life skills.

At Timber Ridge Bible Camp, the activities and events are carefully designed to ensure that campers not only have fun but also learn and grow in a supportive, Christian environment. These experiences help foster lifelong skills and memories.

The staff of Timber Ridge Bible Camp

Timber Ridge Bible Camp prides itself on having a dedicated and well-trained staff committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable experience for all campers. The camp maintains a high standard in hiring and training its personnel to ensure that campers receive the best care and guidance.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Staffing: Timber Ridge maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio, generally around 1:6, ensuring that each camper receives ample attention and supervision.
Specialized Activities: For activities requiring more specialized skills and safety measures, such as swimming and archery, the ratio is even lower, typically around 1:4.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection Process: The hiring process for camp staff is rigorous and includes multiple interviews, background checks, and reference checks. This thorough vetting helps ensure that only the most responsible and capable individuals join the camp team.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have experience in child care or education, and many are pursuing or have completed degrees in related fields such as education, psychology, or recreation. In addition to their educational background, staff members are often drawn from a pool of former campers, who bring a deep understanding of the camp’s values and traditions.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: All staff members undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and the specific skills needed for their assigned roles.
CPR and First Aid: Every staff member is required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional training in lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, and other relevant certifications are required for staff involved in specific activities like swimming, hiking, or any adventure-based programs.
Ongoing Education: Throughout the summer, the camp provides ongoing training and professional development sessions to ensure that staff skills remain sharp and up to date.

The commitment to a qualified and well-prepared staff ensures that Timber Ridge Bible Camp is a place where parents can feel confident about the safety and well-being of their children, and where campers can thrive under the guidance of caring and skilled mentors.

Safety and Health in Timber Ridge Bible Camp

Timber Ridge Bible Camp is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and health to ensure that every camper enjoys a secure and positive experience. The camp implements robust safety protocols, maintains well-equipped health facilities, and prepares meticulously for emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures in case of emergencies.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity offered at the camp comes with its own set of safety guidelines, which are rigorously enforced by trained staff. Equipment is regularly inspected, and safety gear is mandatory for activities like swimming, archery, and adventure sports.
Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times, with staff members present during all activities and in cabins overnight. The low staff-to-camper ratio ensures that supervision is effective and personalized.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Timber Ridge operates a full-service health center staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and, during peak times, a consulting physician. The health center is equipped to handle routine healthcare needs and minor emergencies.
Medications and Allergies: The camp health staff manage and administer all medications for campers and are trained to handle allergic reactions, including the administration of EpiPens. Parents provide medical information and instructions during the registration process.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Timber Ridge has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place, which includes protocols for various potential incidents, such as severe weather, health crises, or accidents. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear communication protocol to inform parents and guardians. This includes immediate notifications via phone or email, depending on the nature of the emergency.
Partnerships with Local Authorities: The camp maintains strong relationships with local emergency services, ensuring quick response times in case additional support is needed. This includes local fire departments, police, and hospitals.

By focusing on preventive measures, thorough training, and clear protocols, Timber Ridge Bible Camp ensures a safe environment where campers can focus on enjoying their activities and growing in their faith. This proactive approach to safety and health is a cornerstone of the camp’s operation, reflecting its commitment to camper well-being.

Cost and Registration in Timber Ridge Bible Camp

Timber Ridge Bible Camp offers a variety of camping sessions at reasonable costs, ensuring that as many children as possible can enjoy the enriching experience it provides. Detailed information about costs, registration, and financial assistance helps families plan and prepare for their children’s summer adventures.

Cost of Attendance and What It Includes

Fees: The cost of attending Timber Ridge Bible Camp varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, fees for a one-week session start around $500, while two-week sessions are approximately $950. These fees include lodging, all meals, activities, supplies for crafts and sports, and any camp t-shirts or memorabilia.
Included Services: The fee covers full participation in the camp program, including instructional materials and any special events scheduled during the session. Transportation to and from the camp is typically not included unless otherwise specified.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Timber Ridge Bible Camp offers an online registration system where parents can fill out forms, choose sessions, and submit payments. Registration typically opens in early January and continues until sessions are full.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as spaces fill quickly. Some programs, especially specialty camps, have limited enrollment. Deadlines for each session are typically set about one month before the start date to allow for planning and preparation.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: The camp offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost over several months. These plans can be set up during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations: If cancellation is necessary, a full refund minus a processing fee is available up to one month before the session begins. After that, refunds are given only for medical reasons or family emergencies, with appropriate documentation.
Insurance: Families are encouraged to consider camp insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations or interruptions in attendance.

Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid

Scholarships: Timber Ridge Bible Camp provides need-based scholarships to help families afford the camping experience. These scholarships can cover a portion or all of the camp fees, depending on the family’s financial situation.
Application for Aid: Parents can apply for financial aid during the registration process by filling out an additional form and providing necessary documentation of financial need. The camp strives to ensure that no child is turned away due to financial constraints.

By offering a clear and accessible registration process along with various financial assistance options, Timber Ridge Bible Camp makes it possible for many children to enjoy a transformative and fun-filled summer experience.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Timber Ridge Bible Camp

To ensure that both campers and parents are well-prepared for the camping experience at Timber Ridge Bible Camp, it is important to consider several key areas, including what to pack, understanding camp rules and policies, and gaining some practical tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List

Essential Items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire including shorts, t-shirts, long pants, and layers for cooler evenings. Include a raincoat and sturdy footwear for hiking.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or bed linens for a twin bed, pillow, and a warm blanket.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, hats for sun protection, and sunglasses.

Optional Items:

Sports Equipment: Any specific gear relevant to the camper’s preferred sports or activities, such as a tennis racket or a fishing rod (if applicable).
Musical Instruments: For campers interested in music sessions or talent shows.

Do Not Bring:

Electronics: Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are generally discouraged to help campers engage fully with their environment and peers.
Valuables: Expensive items and excessive amounts of money should be left at home to avoid loss or theft.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: The camp has a strict policy limiting the use of electronic devices, promoting a more immersive and socially interactive camp experience. Devices, if brought, are collected and stored safely by the camp staff and returned at the end of the stay.
Visitation: Parents are generally encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days, which are scheduled to minimize disruption to the camp program and to allow campers to settle into the camp routine.
Behavior: Respectful and responsible behavior is expected at all times, with specific guidelines provided to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all campers.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:

Engage Fully: Dive into the activities offered, even those outside your comfort zone. It’s a chance to learn new skills and make new friends.
Communicate: Speak up about any worries or issues; camp staff are there to help you have the best experience possible.

For Parents:

Prepare Your Camper: Talk about what to expect at camp, focusing on the fun and growth opportunities. It can help alleviate any pre-camp nerves.
Stay Positive: When discussing camp, focus on the positive aspects, especially if your camper is feeling anxious.
Pack Together: Involve your child in the packing process, ensuring they know what they have brought and where their belongings are in their luggage.

By adequately preparing for camp, both parents and campers can ensure that the experience is enjoyable and rewarding, setting the stage for a summer filled with growth, learning, and fun at Timber Ridge Bible Camp.

Timber Ridge Bible Camp in High View, WV, stands out as a beacon of spiritual growth, personal development, and boundless fun set against the backdrop of Appalachia’s stunning natural beauty. With its diverse range of programs, from one-week exploratory camps for younger children to intensive leadership programs for teens, Timber Ridge provides a comprehensive, enriching summer experience that caters to a wide array of interests and ages.

The camp’s commitment to safety, coupled with a robust lineup of activities and well-qualified staff, ensures a nurturing environment where campers can safely explore their potential. Whether engaging in arts, sports, or nature programs, each camper is encouraged to grow in faith, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships.