Outdoor Ministry

Green Lake Campfire

Who We Are

Outdoor ministries encourage spiritual growth for the whole person by providing encounter with scripture, the experience and care of the environment, witness of staff, and opportunities for worship, re-creation, and development of relationships through intentional Christian community. There are approximately 145 ELCA outdoor ministry programs in the United States and Puerto Rico, providing a place apart for people of all ages.

Metigoshe Girls

The Value of Camping

Camps build skills necessary to prepare youth to assume roles as successful adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff report growth in areas such as self-confidence, independence, making friends, exploring and learning new activities, and spirituality. Camp provides growth experiences for youth that can benefit them through adulthood. “Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience,” A study of the American Camp Association, 2005.

Family Photo

The Impact of Outdoor Ministry

Outdoor ministries provide growth experiences for people of all ages, many of whom become leaders in the church and their communities. In partnership with congregations, outdoor ministries strive to strengthen, support and lift up the body of Christ through building relationships with each other and with God.


Outdoor ministries encourage spiritual growth for the whole person by providing encounter with scripture, the experience and care of the environment, witness of staff and opportunities for worship, recreation and development of relationships.


There are approximately 145 ELCA outdoor ministry programs in the United States and Puerto Rico, providing a place apart for people of all ages.

To learn more, visit the Outdoor Ministry site on the ELCA Web archive.

To visit other program and service units of the ELCA, return to Churchwide Organization.