"God owned, Christian operated, since 1976"
About Us
God has called Ponderosa Bible Camp to be a ministry that clearly and boldly shares the Gospel of Christ to all who attend.
Ponderosa Bible Camp has a great reputation and has been operating since 1976! It is an affiliate of Children's Bible Ministries, a non-denominational ministry focused on children and teens.
Ponderosa is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Ministry.
Statement of Faith
What we believe, what we teach ... Ponderosa Student Ministries teaches the Bible as the true and accurate Word of God and the authority for faith and conduct. Please read our statement of faith below if you have any doubts about what we teach.
​
Children's Bible Ministries, Inc
aka CBM - Ponderosa's Parent Organization
Children’s Bible Ministries is an international, non-profit, non-denominational, parachurch organization, comprised of 13 Christian camps and ministries across the United States, as well as 5 international affiliates. Each location is unique – some specialize in Homeschool Enrichment Programs, others in Sports Ministry, and still others in Creation Education and Wilderness Programs, all with the focus of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Most of our locations offer retreat and conference facilities for church groups and families, as well as specials for Pastors and those serving in full-time ministry.
Our Mission
CBM desires to serve the local church by offering ministry for all age groups – summer camps/retreats, Released Time Bible Education, after-school Bible Clubs, and Bible Correspondence Lessons for school-age children; opportunities to meet community service requirements, be mentored, and participate in leadership training for teens; counselor and internship opportunities for college-age; full-time missionary and volunteer opportunities, as well as missionary training schools, for adults and retirees.
We invite you to join the Lord in what He is doing through the work of CBM! Get involved and help us serve the Lord and reach people with the transformational, life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ!
​
CBM Global Statistics – 8/23-8/24
-
People Reached through God's work in CBM - 84,792
-
Total of new Christians - 7,955
Our Purpose
Ponderosa Bible Camp's purpose is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to campers by giving them opportunities to experience God's power, presence, and peace; through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We seek to accomplish this by offering a camp experience that promotes the spiritual, moral, and educational condition of our campers.
Our History
The original "Camp Ponderosa" was built of rustic western cedar lumber in the mid-1960's by two psychology professors from the University of Alabama.
In 1976, Miss Bess Robertson discovered the property for sale, and CBM Ministries of North AL purchased the 80-acre camp, complete with 6 cabins, dining hall/kitchen, 2 small guest cabins, and craft building.
Mr. Glenn Miller served as the first Camp Director from 1976 to 1999. Jeff Nelson was one of the first campers in 1976 and became the Director in 1999.
(Glenn & Linda Miller are pictured here with Jeff Nelson in the early 80's)
​
