Mission, Vision & Values

Camp Arcadia’s Christian ministry is rooted in the Lutheran tradition. We believe by God’s love we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus—not because of anything we have done, not by works, but as a gift of God, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)  In response, we value Christ as the foundation of all our being, activities, events, programs, and opportunities to embody His love.

The Camp Arcadia community is united by the cross of Christ, and we are called to live in that unity. Our Christ-Centered community of campers, cottagers, and staff is to be a life-giving gathering of people who are:

• growing in relationship with each other and Christ.
• embracing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. 
• bearing with one another and forgive one another as God forgives us. 
• a safe and healing place for everyone to gather, worship, pray, question, learn, serve, recreate, have fun, and celebrate. 

This community, while long lasting in its impact, is temporary. Camp Arcadia is an oasis. Renewed and refreshed we return to our homes, schools, churches and communities inspired to share the love of Christ with others.  

Camp Arcadia is a community of believers gathered by the love of Christ where we welcome all as Christ welcomes us. At Camp Arcadia we believe Jesus Christ—God’s Son—died for the sins of the whole world. Through the salvation of all creation, all people are purchased by the blood of Jesus on the cross (Galatians 3). We are therefore united at the cross of Christ and called to live in that unity. We welcome all through radical hospitality, which encompasses not just excellent customer service but also opening one’s heart to another as a fellow child of God. We heartily welcome back those that have been to Camp Arcadia before and we also embrace new people and welcome them into the Camp family.

At Camp Arcadia we value families (immediate, extended and chosen) and passing the faith on to the next generation. We intentionally create opportunities for intergenerational interaction and connection because we want to strengthen these relationships and value the richness this brings to faith formation.

Camp Arcadia gives you time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life – precious time to be with family and friends to eat, rest, play, laugh, worship and learn – amidst God’s wonderful creation.  We will limit distractions, particularly those from electronic technology, so that guests can enjoy the abundant life that Jesus promises (John 10:10).  Because of this simplicity, guests are able to retreat from the urgency of everyday living and dwell in the presence of their Creator and community.

Camp Arcadia commits to nurturing our staff and volunteers, as they breathe life into our ministry and allow us to achieve our mission. Within their various vocations, Camp Arcadia will give opportunities to grow and develop personally, professionally and spiritually. As they work to provide renewal of spirit, mind and body, we aim for them to experience a measure of this as well.

At Camp Arcadia we hold ourselves accountable to operational and experiential standards of excellence. We strive to be good stewards of the gifts and resources God has given to us through the implementation of industry best practices and environmentally sustainable operations.

Camp Arcadia’s ministry seeks to bless our neighbors. We strive to maintain a strong and cooperative relationship with the Arcadia Cottage Colony (ACCA), Arcadia Township, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia. We look for ways to support, encourage, engage and partner with them.