Faith, fun cornerstones of Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center
Editor鈥檚 note: This article is a part of Helping the Helpers, our annual series to raise awareness for nonprofits throughout the area.
When those in the area think of Jumonville, their first thought is often the giant Cross of Christ.
What some may not realize is that the 60-foot-tall cross stands above Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center.
Founded in 1941, the 280-acre Christian camp welcomes young people, families and community groups, hosting nearly 12,000 people yearly.
鈥淥ur summer camp is the biggest event, but we do retreats and other gatherings year-round,鈥� said Heather Withrow, the president of Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center.
The facility also hosts a field trip experience for fifth-grade students in the area, helping them experience outdoor fun.
Withrow said the camp is known for its adventure program.
鈥淲e were pioneers in that area, creating ziplines and an indoor climbing center in the late 1980鈥檚 and early 1990鈥檚,鈥� she said.
Other activities in the program include a rappel station, a challenge course, caving and canoeing.
The goal is to inspire young people in the community to continue to grow and succeed.
鈥淲e hope their character has been built and reinforced, and they鈥檙e growing to be caring, kind and productive adults. We鈥檙e encouraging them on their faith journey, and we hope they get to know God better,鈥� Withrow said.
Young people can also participate in Hope Camp, which is geared toward children who have an incarcerated parent, who are in foster care or who otherwise can鈥檛 afford it.
鈥淚n 84 years, we鈥檝e never turned a kid away for financial reasons. We have such generous donors who pay for kids who couldn鈥檛 otherwise afford camp,鈥� Withrow said.
The camp鈥檚 property has a rich history. It was the site where the French and Indian War began.
鈥淕eorge Washington literally slept in the front yard,鈥� said Withrow. 鈥淭hen it served as a school for orphans who lost their father and mother in the Civil War or (if) the mother was unable to care for them. Some of these buildings are over 200 years old.鈥�
Anyone, she said, is invited to come to Jumonville and experience all it has to offer.
鈥淵ou can walk up to the cross at any time. If you call ahead or come to the office during open hours, you can get a gate opener that will allow you to drive up to the cross,鈥� Withrow said.
And for those looking for a spiritual connection, 鈥淥ur chapel is always open for those who want to come and pray or rest,鈥� Withrow said.
There are volunteer days in the spring and fall, and monetary donations can be made through www.jumonville.org/; however, Withrow said there are far more important ways to support them.
鈥淲e like to be supported with prayer. We want to know the stories of people who have experienced Jumonville as a child or a teen. We want to make a difference in our community,鈥� Withrow said.