Impact 2818
Christian Summer Camping
Impact 2818 is the product of over 90 years of history. It consists of four unique camp sites operating as a ministry of the Indiana Conference United Methodist Church.
In 2002, a decision was made to merge Epworth Forest Conference Center, Camp Adventure, Pine Creek Camp and Camp Lakewood. These four existing camp sites became one purpose driven, cooperative, camping ministry. In 2009, these sites also joined with former South Indiana Conference Camps, Camp Rivervale, Camp Indi-Co-So, and Camp Mone'to as Impact 2818 Outdoor Ministries.These mergers have allowed Impact 2818 to form a more effective, relevant and progressive camping ministry that connects young campers and their families to Jesus Christ.
The name Impact 2818 was chosen to stress two vital components of our mission. These camps will "impact" Indiana and the world through our ministry to youth and children. The "2818" is from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) in which Christ gave us the mission and authority to go and make disciples.
Epworth Forest Conference Center
The grounds of Epworth Forest CC were purchased in 1922 on the shores of Lake Webster. The first buildings constructed were the Auditorium, Epworth Hotel or Freeland House (with a kitchen and dining room) and a craft hall. The first Senior High camp, Institute, was held at Epworth Forest Conference Center in 1924 with 1,334 youth registered.
Since that early beginning, Epworth Forest Conference Center has continued to grow and continues to be the home for Senior HighI Institute, as well as many other camps and retreats.
Impacting People
It's difficult to provide an exact number of just how many people the collective camping ministries of the UMC have impacted over their 90+ years of evangelism and service. We can say with certainty though, that our programmed summer camps and facilities for retreats have served the spiritual needs of over a million people. Bishops, pastors, teachers, fathers, business leaders, children...all and so many more have had their lives altered as they encounter God in a unique and uncommon place. In 2006, at the annual meeting for the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, Impact 2818 was recognized as the premier disciple-making ministry of the conference.
