About Us

Camp Eder’s Mission Statement

Camp Eder, Christian Camp and Retreat Center, supported by the Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren, seeks to offer a place where persons can learn to know Jesus Christ through Bible based ministry in an outdoor environment.

History of Camp Eder

Camp Eder was born of a dream when Rev. A. W. Geigley donated 155 acres to the Southern PA District Church of the Brethren in 1958. When the land was transferred, Rev. Geigley shared his dream when he said, “We came to think of this spot as a place where children and young people could come to listen to the sounds of nature, away from the noise of men, and learn through God’s creation to feel His presence.” We believe there is no greater gift one can give a child than to set his feet on a path that leads to God.

The first summer camp was held in 1960 with 39 attendees. Camp Eder has grown over the last 50 years and now offers year-round activities. In addition to summer camp, our lodges offer weekend opportunities for youth and adult retreats. An additional 250 acres was purchased in 2001 from an adjoining orchard. This land will be used for future growth.

If you are interested in a more detailed history of Camp Eder, our 50th anniversary book entitled, “Our Home in the Hills”, is now available.

Church of the Brethren Beliefs

Camp Eder is affiliated with the Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren, which has 46 congregations. The Church of the Brethren was founded in Germany in 1708. We are a nationwide denomination with about 1100 congregations and 140,000 members. The central emphasis of the Church of the Brethren is not a creed, but a commitment to follow Christ in simple obedience, to be faithful disciples in the modern world. We hold the New Testament as our guidebook for living, affirming with it the need for lifelong and faithful study of the Scriptures. We hold the New Testament as the record of the ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and of the beginnings of the life and thought of the Christian church. Faithful following of Jesus Christ and obedience to the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures have led us to emphasize principles that we believe are central in true discipleship. Among these are peace and reconciliation, simple living, integrity of speech, family values, and service to neighbors near and far. For more information about the Church of the Brethren, visit http://www.brethren.org/.