Shining in Jesus' Love.
An overnight church camp at Historic Santa Claus Campground for kids heading into 4th through 7th grade. Swimming, canoes, archery, crafts, campfires, and a cabin full of new friends. Every kid is welcome.
The basics
Three steps to a spot at camp
Registration for 2027 opens soon. Check back here for the online form, or call or email with questions.
The 2027 form will be posted when registration opens. The 2026 version is here so you know what to expect. It covers allergies, medicine, and anything else that helps us care for your camper. Campers need a tetanus shot within the last ten years.
Look over the 2026 schedule so your camper knows what is coming. Times may shift a little in 2027.
Who is this camp for?
Lighthouse Camp is a Christian church camp with the door wide open. Your child does not have to share our beliefs or know a single person here. Kids come from all kinds of families and backgrounds, and some of them learn and think differently from their classmates. We have quiet kids, loud kids, kids who love bugs, and kids who get nervous about sleeping away from home. There is a spot at the fire for each one.
Our camp motto is Shining in Jesus' Love. We sing, pray, and hear Bible stories every day, always as an invitation. Questions are welcome. So are doubts. Nobody is ever pushed to say, sing, or pray anything they do not want to.
Summer 2026 at camp
A few snapshots from our 2026 week.
What campers do
Here are eight favorites from the week.
A swim every afternoon, plus free swim some mornings.
Paddle the pond in a life jacket, then take aim at the target.
Walk the trails and see what the woods are up to.
Tie-dye camp shirts, tin punch lanterns, and string art to take home.
Scavenger hunts, capture the cones, relay races, water games, and the Game Show Extravaganza.
Songs, stories, and the glow of the fire at the end of the day.
Morning and evening worship with songs, Bible stories, and room to wonder out loud.
A small group with your counselors, where you can ask anything.
How the week builds
Our 2026 theme came from Matthew 5:14 to 16, "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others." Each day builds on the one before it, from being called into the light to carrying it out into the world.
Jesus invites us to follow the Light.
We are learning how to live as light-bearers.
God is our safe place. God's light is with us in hard times.
Our faith grows strong and steady when we stay close to God.
We go and shine for others wherever we are sent.
Camp runs Tuesday to Friday in 2027, so the daily plan may shift a little. We will post the 2027 theme here.
A day at camp
This is a typical middle day from the 2026 schedule. Times may shift a little in 2027.
In 2026, the first day began with camper registration at 9:00 am, and the last day ended with a Closing Celebration and dismissal at 4:00 pm.
What to pack
Check off each item as you pack it, and write your camper's name on everything.
Cell phones, tablets, and other valuables. The director carries a phone during camp for anything that comes up.
Taking care of your kid
Here is how we look after the kids in our care.
Join the crew
Camp takes a village. Anyone 16 or older can volunteer, and every volunteer gets a background check. You do not need camp experience or a good singing voice. Choose a role that fits you. Most volunteers end up doing a little of everything.
The heart of the camp experience. You shepherd a small family group, sleep in the cabin with them, lead family group time and cabin devotions, and serve as their go-to person all week. Each family group has at least two counselors.
Give first aid, and hold and hand out camper medicine. You need first aid and CPR certification, such as an RN, LPN, or EMT. Supplies are provided, and the nurse sleeps at camp.
Plan the meals and snacks, buy the food, and lead a kitchen team. One person or a whole team can share the job.
Plan what campers do between activities, from box hockey and nine square to bead bracelets and coloring.
Lead or help with arts and crafts, recreation, games, music, or tech.
Give extra attention to an anxious or homesick camper, or step in as an extra adult when a family group needs one. Grandparents are welcome.
Tag-alongs are the young children of volunteers. A Tag-Along Counselor spends the day with these little ones in a caring leadership role.
For churches, families, and friends
You do not have to be a camper or a counselor to be part of Lighthouse Camp. Here are some ways to pitch in.
Ready to help? Call (812) 404-9510 or email co************@***mc.org.
Good questions
Here are answers to a few things families wonder about. If yours is not here, ask us.
Still wondering? We are happy to talk it through.
Call (812) 404-9510
or email co************@***mc.org
Yes. Campers sleep in cabins, and their counselors sleep in the same cabin with them. Camp runs Tuesday to Friday.
It happens, and we are ready for it. Counselors keep a close eye on every camper, and a counselor aid can give extra one-on-one attention to anyone who feels anxious or homesick. You can also follow along with photos on our Facebook page all week.
That is true for plenty of campers. Every camper joins a small family group with counselors, so there is a ready-made crew from day one.
Yes. Camp is open to every child. Faith is part of every day, with worship, prayer, and Bible stories, and we share it as an invitation. Nobody is ever pressured to say, sing, or pray anything they do not want to.
Put the name your child goes by on the Preferred Name line of the registration form, and tell us their pronouns when you call or email. Our volunteers will use both. If your child needs anything else to feel safe and comfortable at camp, including a plan for where they sleep, call or email before camp and we will work it out with you.
The Health and Release form has space for physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, including ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Share what helps your child, and we will plan with you so they can join in as much of the week as possible.
List allergies and dietary needs on the Health and Release form, such as vegetarian, lactose intolerant, or gluten free. The camp nurse holds all medicine, except inhalers for severe asthma, and hands it out at the right times. No medicine is given without a parent's signed consent.
Camp is $300 per camper. Scholarships and sponsorships are available, so tell us if cost is a worry and we will work with you.
No. Please leave phones and tablets at home. The director carries a cell phone during camp, so you can reach someone if something comes up. We email families before camp, and photos go up on our Facebook page all week.
We move activities and games to different days to fit the weather, so rain changes the order of the fun without canceling it.
A director team and a crew of volunteers. Every volunteer follows Safe Sanctuary guidelines and passes a background check.
