Camp Of Rising Sun

What Camp Of Rising Sun does

Camp of the Rising Son (CRS) is a nonprofit Christian summer camp founded in 1980 and operating as a ministry of French Camp Academy in French Camp, Mississippi. The organization serves children and teens ages 6-17 through a multi-tier program portfolio: week-long Overnight Camp ($560/session) for ages 7-13, Day Camp ($330/session) for ages 6-9, the application-based Camp Intern Adventure (CIA) for ages 14-16, a new Leadership Training Camp (LTC) launching in 2027 for ages 16-17, and a Family Camp weekend for multi-generational guests. The camp sits on 300+ acres along the Natchez Trace Parkway with a 30-acre Lake Ann waterfront, rustic cabins, a pool, climbing tower, and the 37,000-square-foot Utley Horse Arena that anchors the parallel French Camp Farms equine vertical.

The underlying technology stack is conventional third-party SaaS rather than proprietary: CampBrain handles online registration and payment processing, Bunk1 provides daily photo galleries (300-500 photos per day) and bunk notes to parents, DonorPerfect/Interland3 processes donations, and Square powers the camp store. The core 'innovation' is operational rather than technical — a 12-camper-per-cabin staffing ratio, structured activity award progressions, weekly themed programming, and a Ministry Safe compliance layer for child safety.

Revenue flows from four streams: session-based camper registration fees (~$330-$560 per session plus a non-refundable $100 deposit), recurring and one-time donations processed through DonorPerfect, episodic trail rides and farm rentals ($70-$100 per person) targeting Natchez Trace tourists, and ancillary camp store merchandise. The organization is governed by the French Camp Academy Board, led by Director Dwayne Doyle and COO Carrie Browning (in role since 2008), and employs 1-10 year-round staff supplemented by 65 seasonal summer staff. ACA accreditation, CCCA membership, and Mississippi state licensing underpin the compliance posture.

Name

Camp Of Rising Sun

Legal name

Camp of the Rising Son

Website

https://campoftherisingson.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Camp of the Rising Son is a nonprofit Christian summer camp in French Camp, Mississippi, serving children and teens ages 6-17 through overnight, day, teen leadership, and family camp programs, alongside an equine facility (French Camp Farms) offering trail rides, vaulting, and equine therapy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Summer Camp Services

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Leadership, Debate & Model UN Camps (EDAMALAK), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)

Keywords

• Summer camp programs
• Youth ministry services
• Christian camping
• Adventure camp experiences
• Equestrian programs

Headquarters

HQ city

French Camp

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Camp Registration Fees: Session-based fees charged to families for camper attendance. Pricing varies by program type (overnight camp, day camp, teen programs, family camp). Non-refundable $100 deposit required at registration.
2. Donations: Monetary contributions from donors supporting camp facilities, programs, and camper scholarships. Monthly and one-time giving options available.
3. Trail Rides and Farm Rentals: Guided trail rides by appointment ($70-$100 per person) and facility access for visitors traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway
4. Camp Store Sales: On-site merchandise including snacks, camp T-shirts, and CRS memorabilia available during camp sessions
5. Family Camp Accommodations: Weekend lodging fees for Memphis Guest House rooms ($230), Open Air Cabins ($80), and RV Parking ($60)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Camp of the Rising Son operates Christ-centered overnight, day, and teen summer camp programs on 300+ acres along Lake Ann and the Natchez Trace Parkway in French Camp, Mississippi, serving children ages 6-17. The organization also runs family camp weekends, teen leadership programs (CIA, LTC), and a separate equestrian operation (French Camp Farms) offering trail rides, arena lessons, vaulting, equine therapy, and 4-H programs.

Product overview

Camp of the Rising Son offers a comprehensive portfolio of Christ-centered overnight and day camp programs for children ages 6-17. The core offerings include Overnight Camp (ages 7-13) and Day Camp (ages 6-9), supplemented by Teen Programs (Camp Intern Adventure, Leadership Training Camp, Teen Week), and Family Camp retreats. The camp also operates French Camp Farms, an equestrian facility offering Trail Rides, Arena Rides, Vaulting, Equine Therapy, and Equine 4-H programs. Adventure trips and various activity add-ons round out the experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Camp Intern Adventure (CIA): A teen program for 14-16-year-olds focused on building young believers into leaders who know Christ personally, grow in Him daily, and serve Him sacrificially.
• Leadership Training Camp (LTC)
• French Camp Farms
• Family Camp

Products and services

• Overnight Camp One-week Christ-centered overnight camping experience for boys and girls ages 7-13, featuring rustic cabin accommodations, daily activities, and spiritual development programs.
• Day Camp Monday-Friday day camp program for children ages 6-9 offering camp activities (nature, climbing tower, zipline, archery, crafts, water activities) with daily transportation provided by families.
• Camp Intern Adventure (CIA) Week-long teen program for ages 14-16 focused on growing in faith, service, leadership skills, and relationship building, with a competitive application process.
• Leadership Training Camp (LTC) Two-week leadership development program for teens ages 16-17 focusing on practical camp ministry experience and Christian service.
• Teen Week Special week (Week 7) for teenagers ages 13-17 with enhanced Bible study, worship, speakers, and activities designed to engage young adults.
• Family Camp Weekend family retreat with all-inclusive programming, meals, activities, and accommodations for families with children of all ages; offered September 4-7, 2026.
• Trail Rides Guided horseback trail rides through camp property, available by appointment for visitors passing through French Camp on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Arena Rides Basic horseback riding lessons in a covered arena covering riding, grooming, care, and safety fundamentals.
• Vaulting Gymnastics instruction performed on the back of a moving horse, helping campers develop balance, flexibility, and confidence.
• Equine Therapy Therapeutic horse-assisted counseling program where horses mirror emotional states to help students learn about themselves and process emotions.
• Equine 4-H Choctaw County Equine 4-H program hosted at the covered riding arena, teaching horse care, riding, and showing skills to 4-H students.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving over 1,000 campers annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Raft One & Southeastern ExpeditionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird-party rafting operators used for white-water rafting adventure trips. CRS discontinued rafting trips in 2026 due to decreased interest. Previously offered multi-day rafting experiences for teen campers.
• Old Mountain Outdoor AdventuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOff-campus venue for CIA program day trips providing personal and team building challenges through high-challenge course elements. Located off the main CRS campus.
• Bunk1coreTechnology or IntegrationOnline photo gallery platform where parents can view daily photos of their campers (300-500 photos per day), send bunk notes, and access text updates. Essential parent communication and engagement tool.
• American Camp Association (ACA)coreOthersVoluntary accreditation organization providing standards for camp operations. CRS maintains ACA accreditation meeting 300+ standards in health, safety, programming, and operational management. Recognized by courts and government regulators.
• Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA)minorOthersIndustry association providing resources, education, and training to Christian camps. CRS maintains membership in good standing.
• French Camp AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRS is a ministry of French Camp Academy since 1980. FCA is a Christian school-home providing safe, stable environment for young people. CRS shares campus facilities including Lake Ann, horse arena, and lodge. FCA students participate in CRS equine programs.
• Ministry SafecoreTechnology or IntegrationSexual abuse awareness training program required for all CRS staff members. Provides policies, procedures, and training focused on camper safety with monitoring and oversight for staff accountability.
• Oliver's LabelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLabel company providing colorful, indestructible labels for marking camper belongings. Recommended partnership to help prevent lost items.
• Rainwater ObservatoryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNearby astronomical observatory adjacent to camp property offering stargazing and astronomy education for LTC campers and visitors.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• 4-H Youth Development Program: 4-H is a national youth development program that already partners with CRS through the Choctaw County Equine 4-H hosted at the Utley Horse Arena. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a competitor.

Direct peers

• Sky Ranch Christian Camps: Sky Ranch operates Christian summer camps and family retreat centers in Texas and Oklahoma with similar horseback riding, water sports, and teen leadership programming. Direct peer on faith-based residential camp model and family camp offering.
• Kanakuk Kamps: Kanakuk operates Christ-centered overnight summer camps for children and teens across multiple locations in Missouri and Texas. Directly comparable to CRS on faith-based overnight programming, multi-week sessions, and teen leadership tracks.
• WinShape Camps: WinShape operates faith-based summer camps in Georgia founded by Chick-fil-A, serving children and teens with overnight and day programs. Comparable to CRS on Christ-centered residential camp model and structured activity programming.
• Camp Twin Lakes: Camp Twin Lakes is an ACA-accredited nonprofit camp in Georgia serving children with and without serious illnesses, with year-round programming. Comparable to CRS on ACA accreditation, nonprofit structure, and overnight summer camp programming for youth.
• Pine Cove Camps: Pine Cove runs multiple Christian summer camp locations in Texas serving children and teens with overnight, day, family, and leadership programs. Closely comparable to CRS on Christ-centered positioning, multi-age programming, and church-referral marketing.
• Camp Ridgecrest / Camp Bluemont: Ridgecrest and Bluemont are interdenominational Christian camps in North Carolina offering multi-week overnight programming and teen leadership development comparable to CRS's Overnight Camp and CIA/LTC tracks.
• Forest Home Christian Camp and Conference Center: Forest Home runs Christian summer camps and family retreat conferences in California with multi-generational programming similar to CRS's family camp and teen leader pipeline.
• Higher Ground Camp and Retreat Center: Higher Ground operates faith-based summer camps and year-round retreat programming serving youth and families. Comparable to CRS on faith-based overnight and family retreat offerings.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of the USA (resident camps): YMCA operates a large network of summer resident and day camps across the U.S., offering multi-activity youth programming in a similar age range to CRS but without the explicit Christ-centered focus, making it a broad incumbent in the youth summer camp category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/people/Riding-arena-and-stables-at-French-Camp-Academy/100057588184140
• Instagraminstagram.com/crs_talk/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/camp-of-the-rising-sun

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Camp Of Rising Sun