GOSPEL DRIVEN
At Pondo the power of the gospel motivates everything we do, from the spirit led chapel sessions of worship and teaching to serving hungry campers in the food line and everything in between. Our desire is to see the kingdom of God grow as campers encounter the love of God and the Truth of His story; uniting people and churches in the name of Jesus.
TRANSFORMATIONAL
Every detail that goes into the planning of an unforgettable camp experience is directed at those transformational moments when unknown purpose sparks to new life, when broken people become a little more whole, and strangers begin to come together as family. As we create space for unique encounters with Jesus, we become the door holders into his presenceâand its there, in Christâs presence, that transformation happens. Itâs not about what we do, itâs about who we encounter.
CRAZY FUN
We believe that Crazy Fun paves the way for spiritual breakthrough as it builds friendship and trust while breaking down barriers. Because of that, camp is all inclusive which means we donât charge extra for any activities and we focus on providing the funnest, craziest, most memorable experience for each camper. Camp is a place where kids get to be kids in a safe and fun environment. (And donât worry, we make sure leaders have a blast as well!)
Camp Pondo was founded when a small group of like minded churches united with a vision to serve their local churches by securing a quiet place to hold camps and retreats.
They worked tirelessly to find the perfect location conveniently located to serve all of southern California but far enough to feel remote. When they found the property, they knew that they had found a diamond in the rough. The Campâs early history is that of a logging camp and is named after the beautiful Ponderosa pine tress that cover the property.
In 1982 this beautiful location became the new home for Ponderosa Pines Christian Camp and began to host churches from the area.
In 1996, we began to focus on providing fully programmed camps. That shift brought many opportunities to serve students in a closer more intimate way. We carved out a space where everyone had a chance to be seen and heard. A place where conversation could flow freely. Questions were welcomed, even the hard ones. The truth of Godâs word was coupled with liberal portions of grace. Students began to find the hope that can only be experienced through an encounter with Jesus.
Encounters with JesusâŠthat still is our calling.
God is allowing us to fulfill that calling in a myriad of of ways, expanding our reach through the Pondo Worship Movement, Weekend Retreats, and other special events. We do what we do because we have encountered the love of God and we want nothing more than to invite others deeper and deeper into that same love.
Dan & Becky Skipper live, eat and breathe camp ministry! The Skipper’s have had the honor of being Executive and Associate Directors of Camp Pondo since the fall of 1996. God used camp experiences powerfully in their own lives and now they work tirelessly to provide a space for students to encounter Jesus, themselves, season after season while at Camp Pondo.
The Pondo Team is here to serve you, make great the Name of Jesus and make sure you have an AMAZING time while here at Camp! Whether you’re here for a camp season or simply a guest using our facility, we pray your time here is blessed in the beautiful mountains of San Bernardino!