We Believe in God
We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who creates and sustains life. Every person is made in God’s image, is deeply loved, and is worthy of kindness, dignity, and care.
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Since 1936
Ninety years in the same valley.
Johns River Valley Camp is the outdoor ministry site of the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ. The buildings have changed. The river has not.
Our mission
Deep connections to God, real growth, and a community that holds.
Johns River Valley Camp is dedicated to creating transformative experiences in a stunning natural setting. Here, we nurture deep connections to God, inspire personal growth, and cultivate strong, supportive community.
Since 1936, JRVC has welcomed children, youth, adults, families, church groups, and organizations year-round. Generations of the same families still come, and the reason they give is almost always the same: something happened here that did not happen anywhere else.
A place like no other
The site
Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, JRVC rests beside a mountain stream on 150 acres, with access to waterfalls, hiking trails, an archery course, river activities, a climbing wall, a low ropes course, a basketball court, and two outdoor chapels.
The main site sits on a slope above the Johns River. The dining hall and lodge anchor the middle of it, cabins and bathhouses spread along the ridge, and the primitive Outpost sits furthest out — close enough to walk to the bathhouse, far enough to see the stars.
At a glance
- Founded1936
- AffiliationSouthern Conference, UCC
- Property150 acres
- OpenYear-round
- Group capacity120
- LocationCollettsville, NC
What we believe
Statement of Faith
Our camp is rooted in the Christian faith and the belief that God’s love invites us into a life of discovery, compassion, and community.
We Follow Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior, whose life, teachings, death, and resurrection reveal God’s forgiving and renewing love. We seek to follow Jesus by loving our neighbors, serving others, practicing forgiveness, and living with compassion.
We Trust the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is present and active among us, offering comfort, guidance, and strength. The Spirit helps us grow in faith and draws us together in community.
We Learn Through Scripture and Faith
We receive the Bible as a sacred witness to God’s work and a guide for faith and life. We approach Scripture with prayer, thoughtful reflection, and openness to deeper understanding. Honest questions and continued learning are welcome parts of a growing faith.
We Live in Grace and Community
We believe God’s grace is a gift, not something we must earn. We seek to reflect that grace by encouraging one another, making room for differences, and extending forgiveness when we fall short.
We Put Faith into Practice
At camp, we seek to make God’s love visible through friendship, worship, service, play, and care for creation. We encourage each camper to discover their gifts and use them to help others.
We Welcome All
Our Christian faith shapes our camp, and our welcome extends to campers and families of all backgrounds and faith traditions. Whether faith is familiar, new, uncertain, or still being explored, we welcome your questions, your curiosity, and your unique gifts.
Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here.
What we run
Four programs, one valley.
Summer Camp
Six residential sessions and six day camp weeks for rising grades 1–12, June through July.
Learn more
Mission Trips
Service trips for youth groups and college teams, built around home repair, hunger relief, and watershed care.
Learn more
Retreats
Group retreats, staff planning, family reunions, and weddings from August through May.
Learn more
Summer Staff & CIT
Resident leaders, activity specialists, and a counselor training program for 16-year-olds.
Learn more
From the director
“It is a place where strangers become friends.”
“It was a great honor to be called to this work. More than a camp, Johns River Valley has served as a sacred and transformative space for many in the Southern Conference and beyond. This ground, with a river running through it, has become a place where people learn anew that they are connected to God, to one another, and to all that is.”
“Join us throughout the year and you likely will be surprised by the encounters you have and the life they bring to your soul.”
Kevin Russell
Executive Director
In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
Our people
Who you will meet.
A small year-round staff, a seasonal team of resident leaders, and a lot of volunteers who keep showing up.
Contact the camp
- Executive DirectorKevin Russell
- Cell828-387-5736
- Camp office828-754-7067
- Emailkevin@jrvc.org
- Mailing355 Idlewood Dr.
Kannapolis, NC 28083 - Camp6211 NC-90
Collettsville, NC 28611