CAMP BETHEL
Camp Bethel is an outdoor ministry of the Virlina District Church of the Brethren established to foster and build relationships with God, each other, and God's creation. The Camp encompasses 470 acres of forests, fields, ponds, streams, and hills in Botetourt County. The property connects to the Jefferson National Forest and a 3-mile trail hike up through Horseshoe Bend to the Appalachian Trail. Programs at Camp Bethel began in 1927. The Camp is open all year for conferences, retreats, festivals, school groups, outdoor education, and other family, church and community events.
Camp Bethel offers Summer Camp Programs to include Resident Camps, Day Camps, Adventure Camps, Performing Arts Camps, Specialty Camps, and Family Programs. The Camp is ACA- Accredited (http://www.acacamps.org/) and is staffed with caring, professional counselors and staff. ACA Accreditation is a distinction that only the best camps achieve. The camp follows 300 health, safety and program quality standards covering all facets of operations: site and food services, transportation, health and wellness, program design and activities, aquatics, advertures and trips. The programs provide developmentally appropriate experiences, opportunities for service, leadership, growth, experiential education and discovery.
Lodges, cabins, cottages, shelters and meeting rooms in a rustic-modern style are available as facility rentals. Events and programs held at the Camp include festivals, outdoor education, banquets, weddings, group high-or-low ropes courses, school field trips and other varying offerings.
Camp Bethel annually grants "Camperships" to an average of 108 children for an average total of $27,165. Please give $400.00 which is the 2023 base cost for a child to attend one week of camp. Mail donate at CampBethelVirginia.org/donate or memo checks "Camperships" payable to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Rd, Fincastle, VA 24090 or online at www.CampBethelVirginia.org/donate.
Camp Bethel contact information: (540) 992-2940 Campbetheloffice@gmail.com. The Camp's location is 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090 Please see our "Links" section for the website information.
Pineview A-Frame Cottage is also a respite house. CadinsCure.org is a 501(c)3 organization focused on giving hope to children diagnosed with cancer. The dedicated familes behind CadinsCure.org have teamed with Camp Bethel to update the Pineview A-Frame Cottage for use as an occasional respite retreat house for families with children diagnosed with cancer. Learn more at CadinsCure.org.
Volunteers added new mountain biking trails in our "Adventure Forest", Eagle Scout Isaac Williamson constructed a new bike/foot bridge and St. John Lutheran Youth built connector trails, all of which expands our awesome trail system. We invite you to bring your bike and helmet to explore Camp Bethel's vast and beautiful acreage. Our newest trail map is at CampBethelVirginia.org/groups.
Updated "RV Village" site design is available. Site layout and images for Camp Bethel's long planned 15-site "RV Village" area are at www.VirlinaFuture.org. Plans include water, electric, sewer, picnic table, campfire ring, and parking for 2-3 cars. Donate today!
2026 Camp Bethel Events: Sign up at www.CampBethelVirginia.org/Events
December 6 2025 Christmas Together Banquet
January 2, 2026 Summer Staff Reunion & Potluck Dinner
January 3-4, 2026 Winter Camp Youth & Kids Retreat
February 7, 2026 Camp Supporter Luncheon
March 7, 2026 Sow The Seed Banquet - All funds go to camperships
April 4, 2026 Spring Volunteer Workday
April 17-18, 2026 25th Annual Sounds of the Mountain Storytelling Festival
May 22-25, 2026 Memorial Day Family Weekend
May 23, 2026 Family Day/Summer Camp Open House 1:00-4:00 PM
May 25-June 5, 2026 Summer Staff Training
May 29-30, 2026 Bring-Your-Big Camp
June 5, 2026 Summer Staff Commissioning Dinner - 5:30 PM
June 7 - July 24, 2026 Summer Camps
September 4-7, 2026 Labor Day Family Weekend
September 5, 2026 Camp Bethel PEP! 5K
September 23, 2026 32nd Benefit Golf Tournament
October 3, 2026 42nd Annual Heritage & Homecoming Day Festival
October 31, 2026 Trek-Or-Treat Family Event
November 7, 2026 Fall Volunteer Workday - 7:30 AM
Deember 3, 2026 Christmas TOGETHER Banquet
Camp Bethel Wishlist: Amazon Wish List can be found at: https://a.co/5qG5JYq. Sam's gift cards to help offset food cost for upcoming events. 15-passenger van (2015 or newer); Outdoor Storage Shed (used or new), Window air-conditioning units; Refrigerator (full); LED light bulbs; New first-aid supplies; 3' by 8' plyboards for bunks (any thickness or quality). Monetary donations are always appreciated and can be given at www.CampBethelVirginia.org/donate. Gifts are tax deductible.
