Camp is full of moments kids never forget - the first fish they catch, the friend they didn’t know on Monday but don’t want to leave on Friday, the counselor who cheers them on, the belly laughs, the muddy shoes, and the courage to try something they weren’t sure they could do
But at Camp Anothen, we believe those moments can mean even more.
Camp is the setting. Ministry is the heart behind it.
Our hope is that every child who comes to Camp Anothen leaves knowing they are loved, valued , and created with purpose - and understanding a little more about the God who loves them.
A Summer That Stays With Them
Building More Than Memories
We absolutely want your child to come home talking about swimming, kayaking, fishing, archery, games, and the crazy things their counselors did.
But we hope they come home with something more, too.
A little more courage.
A little more confidence.
A new friendship.
A trusted role model.
A truth about God they can't stop thinking about.
And memories of a summer when they felt completely free to laugh, explore, grow, and be a kid.
Why Camp Matters
Childhood moves quickly.
As parents, we want our kids to have places where they can simply be kids - to get outside, make real friendships, and try hard things, build confidence, and be surrounded by people who genuinely care about them.
That’s the kind of place we want Camp Anothen to be.
Across our 22 acres in Mansfield, Texas, campers get to step away from screens and into a summer filled with adventure, laughter, friendship, and faith.
And woven through all of it is the Gospel.
Known. Encouraged. Loved.
Some of the greatest ministry at camp happens in the smallest moments.
A counselor sitting beside a camper who needs encouragement.
A child finally finding the courage to try something new.
A group celebrating someone else's victory.
A conversation about Jesus under the trees.
We intentionally choose and disciple staff who understand that their role is bigger than leading activities. They have the opportunity to be a trusted voice in a child's life—encouraging them, serving them, modeling Christ, and reminding them that they matter.
We want every camper to feel known—not lost in the crowd.
Faith Woven Into the Day
At Camp Anothen, the Gospel isn't something we save for one part of the schedule.
It's part of who we are.
Campers participate in age-appropriate Bible teaching and conversations about Jesus, but they also see faith lived out through the way our staff serve, encourage, forgive, lead, and love others.
Some campers arrive already knowing Jesus. Others may be hearing about Him for the very first time.
Wherever they are, they are welcome here.
Our desire is simple: to introduce campers to Jesus and help them understand how deeply they are loved by Him.
Investing in the Next Generation
Our ministry doesn't stop with our youngest campers.
Camp Anothen is also a place where teenagers and young adults are challenged to grow into Christ-centered leaders.
Through our Leadership in Training program and summer staff, young people are given meaningful responsibility, mentorship, opportunities to serve, and the chance to discover what it looks like to lead others with humility and purpose.
As they pour into the next generation of campers, they are growing too.
A Ministry for Our Community
Camp Anothen was created to be more than a place families visit for a week each summer.
We want to be a resource for families in Mansfield and the surrounding community—a place where children are welcomed, young leaders are developed, relationships are built, and families know there are people here who care about them.
Because when you send your child to camp, you're trusting us with someone incredibly important.
We don't take that lightly.
Fun. Safe. Gospel.
Three simple words guide everything we do.
Fun because childhood should be full of adventure, laughter, and memories.
Safe because kids thrive when they feel secure, cared for, and known.
Gospel because we believe Jesus is the reason behind it all.
That's Camp Anothen.
A place to be a kid.
A place to belong.
A place to grow.
A place to encounter Jesus.
Give Them a Summer They'll Carry With Them
The activities may be what gets them excited to come.
What happens in their heart is why we do it.
