Camp Cedarkirk Helps Rejuvenate Spirits

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is often difficult to find a quiet place to process your thoughts and just be free from the chaos. Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center offers a tranquil environment, free from distractions, where visitors can just let go.

“From its beginning, Cedarkirk has been dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with children and youth in fun, faith-forming summer camp programs as well as sharing a ministry of hospitality to adults and families throughout the year as a conference center,” explained executive director, the Rev. John Reiter.

Established in 1971 and only minutes from Brandon, Cedarkirk is nestled on the Alafia River within 170 acres of woodlands, wetlands and uplands. Owned by the Presbyteries of Tampa Bay and Peace River, this year-round camp and conference center offers a wide variety of activities including: swimming, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, arts and crafts, hayrides, hiking and recreational spaces. Challenge activities are also available such as high and low ropes courses, zip lines and climbing walls.

According to Reiter, Cedarkirk provides summer camp experiences for more than 900 youths who have completed first through 12th grade each season. It also serves a variety of church-related groups, family reunions, schools, community service agencies, Scouting groups and nonprofit organizations throughout the year.

In an effort to provide a great camp experience to those with financial hardships, Cedarkirk provides scholarships to many of its campers. It also offers mission work experience during the summer in which youth groups are invited to stay at Cedarkirk and perform mission work in the surrounding communities. In addition, Cedarkirk offers respite retreats for residents at  Metropolitan Ministries and provides programs for international college students during the Christmas holidays.

“We are just completing the first of several new retreat cottages that will allow us to serve even more guests and minister to even more campers. We are excited about its addition to an already great facility,” said Reiter.                                                                   

Taking time out to reflect and find peace is the main focus at Cedarkirk.

“Our mission is to be a place apart to build up the body of Christ in love. We strive to create a place free of distractions, where conversation around the dinner table, canoe trips on the river, and walks in the woods revive and feed your spirit,” said Reiter.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout this year, Cedarkirk will conclude with a daylong celebration on Sept. 3. Former directors and staff members will be in attendance as they reflect on the past and look toward the future with a special worship service.

For more information about Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center, call the camp office at 813-685-4224.