Camp Sankanac

What Camp Sankanac does

Camp Sankanac is a non-denominational Christian camp and retreat center founded in 1941 and operated as a ministry of BCM International (Bible Club Movement), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered at 68 Bertolet School Road in Spring City, Pennsylvania. The organization runs summer youth camp programs (overnight Boys' and Girls' Camp for ages 7–16, Day Camp for ages 5–11), specialty camps (horse, basketball, volleyball), and leadership development programs (Counselor in Training, Summer Internship). It also operates Stillwater Stables, a sub-brand offering riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, and horse camps, and runs The Call Outdoors ministry reaching hunters and outdoor enthusiasts through media and events.

The business operates a portfolio of year-round programs serving youth and families, churches, homeschool co-ops, Christian schools, and event groups. Core facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium (completed 2022), Traber Center retreat facility, Parker House, Creekside Village, and equestrian facilities along French Creek in Chester County. Facility rentals are available September through May for retreats, weddings, church groups, and corporate events. The organization holds EFCA and CCCA memberships and runs free community programs such as After-School Bible Club.

Revenue is generated through unit-based pricing on camp sessions ($30–$815 per participant), facility rental fees, equestrian services, retreat programming, and tax-deductible donations supporting capital campaigns including the ongoing Lodge project (Phase 2). Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via the Campwise online registration platform, supplemented by a guest services team for facility bookings, church partnerships, alumni referrals, and community events. The camp employs approximately 10–12 full-time staff plus around 100 seasonal summer ministry staff.

Name

Camp Sankanac

Legal name

Camp Sankanac

Website

https://campsankanac.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Camp Sankanac is a non-denominational Christian camp and retreat center in Spring City, Pennsylvania, operating since 1941 as a 501(c)(3) ministry of BCM International, serving youth, families, churches, and homeschool groups through summer camps, retreats, equestrian programs, and facility rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Christian Youth Camps and Retreats

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Accommodation (721)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Hotels & Motels (7011)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB)

Keywords

• Youth summer camps
• Christian retreat center
• Equestrian riding lessons
• Facility rentals
• Outdoor education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Spring City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Summer Youth Camp Programs: Revenue from overnight camps (Boys' Camp, Girls' Camp), day camps, specialty camps (horse camp, basketball camp, volleyball camp), and Counselor in Training programs. Fees range from $335-$815 per session.
2. Facility Rentals: Rental of camp facilities including Main Camp, Traber Center, Parker House, Banks Cabin, Creekside Village, and activity rentals (paintball, arrow tag). Available September-May for retreats, youth groups, church groups, family gatherings, and weddings.
3. Equestrian Services: Riding lessons (private $55-$75, group $45-$65), trail rides ($40-$100), pony ride rentals for events, and horse retreats.
4. Event Rentals: Pony rides and activities for birthday parties and special events at external locations.
5. Buddies Program: Special camp experience for campers with mental or physical disabilities offering one-on-one staff supervision, running alongside Day Camp.
6. Donations and Capital Campaign: Tax-deductible donations as a 501(c)3 nonprofit ministry. Currently raising funds for The Lodge capital campaign project.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Camp Sankanac operates a Christian camp and retreat facility offering overnight and day youth camps (ages 5-17), specialty camps (horse, basketball, volleyball), leadership training programs, year-round retreats, equestrian services through Stillwater Stables, outdoor education, and facility rentals. The 100+ acre property in southeastern Pennsylvania hosts summer and year-round programs under the BCM International ministry umbrella.

Product overview

Camp Sankanac operates as a ministry of BCM International offering a comprehensive portfolio of Christian camp, retreat, and educational programs. The core offering consists of summer youth camps (overnight Boys' Camp & Girls' Camp for ages 7-16, Day Camp for ages 5-11) and specialty camps (Horse Camp, Basketball Camp, Volleyball Camp). Supporting programs include the Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) Program and Summer Internship Program for leadership development. The Stillwater Stables sub-brand manages year-round horse activities including riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, and Horse Bible Club. Retreat programming includes Sr. Retreats, Jr. Retreats, Horse Camp Retreat, Father & Son Retreat, Women's Retreat, and Fall Family Fun Day. Educational initiatives encompass Outdoor Education for homeschool/Christian schools, the Aleithia Learning Center (classical education partner for 30+ years), and the Underground Railroad Exhibit. Facilities Rentals provide year-round venues (September-May) including the Traber Center upscale retreat facility, Parker House, the Jan Coudriet Gymnasium, and Main Camp properties for church retreats, youth groups, and events. Capital projects include the completed Gymnasium and ongoing Lodge construction. An online Campwise registration platform powers all program enrollment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stillwater Stables: Horse program branch of Camp Sankanac ministry offering riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, horse camps, and after-school horse bible clubs along French Creek in Chester County, PA.
• The Call Outdoors
• Aleithia Learning Center

Products and services

• Boys' & Girls' Camp Overnight youth camp programs for boys (ages 7-16) and girls (ages 7-16), running four weeks each during summer. Divided into three villages by age (Creekside 7-10, Pinesite 11-13, Cliffside 14-16) with themed activities, Bible study, electives, and traditional camp experiences. $495 per session.
• Day Camp Co-ed day camp for ages 5-11 running 10 weeks through summer (June-August). Includes activities like outdoor cooking, pioneering, crafts, fishing, swimming, Bible study, and group games with lunch provided daily. Standard stay $335/week, extended stay $375/week.
• Horse Camp Overnight and day horse camps for ages 6-16. Includes overnight horse camp (girls only, ages 8-16), advanced horse camp with hunter/jumper training, and co-ed horse day camp. Programs include riding instruction, horse care, trail rides, and creek stomping with horses. Pricing from $510 to $815 per session.
• Basketball Camp Boys' and girls' overnight and day basketball camps focused on fundamentals and applying basketball to Christian walk. Uses new gymnasium facility. Overnight $550 per session, day camp $395 standard/$435 extended.
• Volleyball Camp Girls' day volleyball camp (ages 11-17) held in the Coudriet Gym. Focuses on fundamentals, skill improvement, and fun with camp activities in afternoons. $395 standard / $435 extended.
• Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) Program Three-week leadership training program for ages 16+ (or completed 10th grade). Includes spiritual growth, counseling skills, and hands-on experience assisting with younger campers. Provides certificate of completion. $695 for three-week program.
• Summer Internship Program Nine-week program focusing on doctrinal studies and Bible teaching. Includes lectures from Dr. Mike Stallard, personal study, hands-on teaching experience, and weekly accountability. Provides certificate of completion.
• Horse Riding Lessons Weekly, biweekly, and monthly riding lessons with instructor Morgan DiGiosia. Two options: 1-hour 15-minute lessons (private $55, group $45) and 2-hour full experience lessons (private $75, group $65). Includes devotional.
• Trail Rides Trail rides through Camp Sankanac's trails. Maximum 4 riders per ride. Pricing: 30min $40, 45min $50, 1-hour $60, 1.5-hour $80, 2-hour $100. Not offered June 1-August 30.
• Pony Rides Pony ride rentals for birthday parties and special events. Ponies can be brought to events for kids to paint, ride, or photo opportunities. Prices vary by distance and number of ponies.
• After-School Bible Club Free weekly Bible club for co-ed ages 6-12 held Mondays 4-6pm. Includes singing, scripture memorization, Bible stories, quizzes, and indoor/outdoor activities. Fall/Spring sessions.
• Horse Bible Club After-school horse program for ages 6-14 at Stillwater Stables. Includes horseback riding lessons, grooming/tack instruction, horse-related games, and Bible lesson. Five-week sessions at $150. Wednesdays, 4pm-6pm.
• Sr. Retreats Weekend retreats for Pinesiters (ages 11-13) and Cliffsiders (ages 14-17) to start the new year with spiritual encouragement, outdoor activities, campfires, and Bible study. $85 per camper.
• Jr. Retreats Weekend retreats for boys and girls ages 7-10. Fall season events with outdoor/indoor activities, campfires, and Bible study. $75 per camper.
• Horse Camp Retreat Weekend horse retreats for girls ages 8-16 with activities including bareback riding, group lessons, barn activities, creek stomping with horses, and trail riding. $160 per person.
• Father & Son Retreat Annual weekend retreat hosted by The Call Outdoors team with outdoor activities including paintball, dodgeball, archery, skeet shooting, pool, boating, and gym activities. Pricing varies by number of participants ($160-$265).
• Women's Retreat Weekend women's retreat focused on faith, scripture, and fellowship. Theme based on being steadfast. Full weekend $150 includes meals/sessions/accommodation; Saturday day guest $75.
• Fall Family Fun Day Free annual fall event with hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, boating/canoeing, camp store, and food. Held in September.
• Day Camp Day Special event for past day campers ages 6-11 to reconnect with counselors, enjoy activities, and be encouraged. $30 per child includes lunch. Held in December.
• Outdoor Education Educational programs for homeschool co-ops and Christian schools using Bible and God's creation. Includes nature study, ecosystem exploration along French Creek, creation science exhibits, and Underground Railroad exhibit featuring the historic Apache cabin. $8 per person.
• Facility Rentals Year-round facility rentals for retreats, weddings, youth groups, church events, and corporate gatherings. Available September-May. Includes Traber Center (upscale, 60 guests), Parker House (22 guests), Main Camp, Gymnasium, and outdoor spaces. Accommodates up to 200 guests.
• Buddies Program Special camp experience for campers with mental or physical disabilities offering one-on-one staff supervision, running alongside Day Camp.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 individuals have come to faith in Christ through The Call Outdoors ministry outreach events
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• BCM International (Bible Club Movement)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCM International is the parent organization of Camp Sankanac. The camp exists as a ministry of BCM Intl. Founded by Bessie Traber, BCM International has operated Camp Sankanac since purchasing the property in 1941. The organization provides operational oversight and missionary support.
• Aleitheia Learning Community (ALC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Christian, classical education group that has met at Camp Sankanac for over 30 years. ALC utilizes camp facilities during the school year and has partnered with Camp Sankanac on The Lodge fundraising campaign. ALC parents have donated time creating architectural and engineering designs for the new building, saving the camp tens of thousands of dollars. Website: aleithia.org
• The Call Outdoors (TCO)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerA ministry of Camp Sankanac and BCM International that uses outdoor activities (hunting videos, church game dinners, hunting trips, national television) to share the Gospel. Founded by Dave Stallard in 2007, TCO has seen over 1,000 individuals come to faith in Christ. Dave Stallard also serves as Camp Sankanac's Director of Programming and Co-Assistant Director.
• Erin Hails (Brick Lane Stables)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquestrian professional who leads horse camp programming at Camp Sankanac during summer. Partner vendor providing professional horse camp instruction with many years of experience working with campers to improve riding skills and confidence.
• Diana Shirk (Silver Lining Farm)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquestrian professional who leads horse camp programming at Camp Sankanac during summer. Partner vendor providing professional horse camp instruction with many years of experience.
• Dr. Mike StallardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary instructor for Camp Sankanac's Summer Internship Program focusing on doctrinal studies. Director of International Ministries for Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Former Professor at Baptist Bible Seminary with PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary. Provides theological teaching and leadership training for summer staff.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Camp Hebron: Christian camp and retreat center in central Pennsylvania offering summer youth camps, retreats, and outdoor education. Closely comparable to Camp Sankanac's geography (PA), faith-based mission, and multi-use retreat facilities.
• Pine Cove Camps: Multi-location Christian summer camp operator in the southern U.S. with overnight camps, day camps, and specialty programs (horses, sports). Directly comparable to Camp Sankanac as a faith-based, multi-program summer camp with retreat facilities.
• Camp Cherith: Non-denominational Christian summer camp network operating in multiple U.S. regions including the Northeast. Comparable to Camp Sankanac in mission, age-group programming, and horseback riding offerings.
• Camp Cherith - Northeastern PA: Regional Christian camp located within a couple hours of Camp Sankanac, providing overnight camps, day camps, and specialty programming. Direct competitor for the same Mid-Atlantic Christian family demographic.

Broad incumbents

• WinShape Foundation: Large faith-based camp and retreat organization affiliated with Chick-fil-A, operating multiple residential camps across the U.S. Comparable in mission and programming mix but at significantly larger scale, representing the upper bound of the faith-based camp landscape.
• Kanakuk Kamps: Established Christian youth camp operator with multiple sites and specialty programs (including athletics). Comparable to Camp Sankanac's overnight camp + specialty camp model but operates at much larger scale and broader geographic reach.
• Sky Ranch UMC Camps: Multi-site Christian camp and retreat organization offering summer camps, family retreats, and outdoor education. Comparable to Camp Sankanac's blend of youth camps and facility rentals, with a broader regional footprint.

Others

• BCM International: Parent nonprofit organization of Camp Sankanac, operating additional camps, Bible clubs, and missionary programs globally. Included for context as the controlling entity and ministry platform rather than as a competitive peer.

Emerging players

• YMCA Camp Tockwogh: Mid-Atlantic residential summer camp offering traditional and specialty programs (including equestrian) located in the same regional market as Camp Sankanac. Comparable as an overnight camp alternative but secular rather than faith-based.
• Tall Pines Day Camp: Day camp operator in the Philadelphia suburbs serving families with summer programming. Overlaps with Camp Sankanac's Day Camp segment and competes for the same working-parent demographic.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCbrr6uWkkCWv8EcsaEtpgnw/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/campsankanac
• Instagraminstagram.com/campsankanac
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/camp-sankanac

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries3 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 Sankanac