About
Rock River Bible Camp includes games and activities, outdoor games, and outdoor adventures such as adventurous hikes and canoeing on the river. Campfires are a regular part of the experience, including serene moments by the campfire. The program also includes worship, Bible teaching, and small-group time.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Price: In 1958, the registration fee for Senior Camp and Junior Camp was $15.50.
Rock River Bible Camp opened its doors in 1958 after earlier Evangelical Congregational Church camps were held at Beulah Beach in Ohio from 1946 to 1950 and on the south shore of Lake Geneva in Illinois starting in 1950. By 1962, the camp offered six weeks of programming for campers from age eight through adults and hosted 240 campers, and in 1977 it expanded to include additional retreats and family camps. The camp states that it exists “to know Christ and make Him known” and describes its mission as reaching people with the good news of Jesus, teaching campers to know Him intimately as His disciples, and partnering with what it describes as God’s work in its corner of the world.
All volunteers at Rock River Bible Camp go through vigorous background checks and are DCFS mandated reporters, and a camp nurse is present during each camp session to handle minor injuries, illnesses, and health concerns, with OSF Hospital in Dixon, Illinois noted as being within a close distance for more serious medical needs. The camp notes that campers are safely sheltered onsite in case of severe weather or emergency and that camps are fully run by volunteer counselors and leaders, with an all-volunteer team and donations used to keep costs low. Leadership roles include Board President Kenny Paoli, Camp Director Gary Brown, Project Manager Lewie Frye, Board Vice President Zach Van Dyke, Registrar Kelsey Van Dyke, Treasurer Merle Saunders, Secretary and Cedarville Representative Rhonda Giedd, and several pastors and church representatives from area Evangelical Congregational churches.
Rock River Bible Camp describes itself as a Christ-centered camp that has been helping kids and teens grow in faith and friendship through outdoor adventures since 1956 and focuses on creating a space for campers to unplug and experience distraction-free community. The camp is powered entirely by volunteers who invest their time, and churches in Illinois may apply to have two full members on the Camp Board of Directors. The camp also hosts church retreats and offers its facilities year-round for churches, ministries, and family groups.
Last updated May 23, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Price: In 1958, the registration fee for Senior Camp and Junior Camp was $15.50.
Rock River Bible Camp opened its doors in 1958 after earlier Evangelical Congregational Church camps were held at Beulah Beach in Ohio from 1946 to 1950 and on the south shore of Lake Geneva in Illinois starting in 1950. By 1962, the camp offered six weeks of programming for campers from age eight through adults and hosted 240 campers, and in 1977 it expanded to include additional retreats and family camps. The camp states that it exists “to know Christ and make Him known” and describes its mission as reaching people with the good news of Jesus, teaching campers to know Him intimately as His disciples, and partnering with what it describes as God’s work in its corner of the world.
All volunteers at Rock River Bible Camp go through vigorous background checks and are DCFS mandated reporters, and a camp nurse is present during each camp session to handle minor injuries, illnesses, and health concerns, with OSF Hospital in Dixon, Illinois noted as being within a close distance for more serious medical needs. The camp notes that campers are safely sheltered onsite in case of severe weather or emergency and that camps are fully run by volunteer counselors and leaders, with an all-volunteer team and donations used to keep costs low. Leadership roles include Board President Kenny Paoli, Camp Director Gary Brown, Project Manager Lewie Frye, Board Vice President Zach Van Dyke, Registrar Kelsey Van Dyke, Treasurer Merle Saunders, Secretary and Cedarville Representative Rhonda Giedd, and several pastors and church representatives from area Evangelical Congregational churches.
Rock River Bible Camp describes itself as a Christ-centered camp that has been helping kids and teens grow in faith and friendship through outdoor adventures since 1956 and focuses on creating a space for campers to unplug and experience distraction-free community. The camp is powered entirely by volunteers who invest their time, and churches in Illinois may apply to have two full members on the Camp Board of Directors. The camp also hosts church retreats and offers its facilities year-round for churches, ministries, and family groups.
Last updated May 23, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.