Ribbon Cutting
On June 11th, we cut the ribbon at Camino Farms.
What started as an idea and a dream has become a place that is already welcoming campers, retreat guests, volunteers, and community partners.
Throughout the day, there were so many moments that reminded us how many people have helped bring this vision to life. Looking around the ceremony and seeing so many chapters of Camino's story gathered in one place was a powerful reminder that meaningful things are built through relationships and community.
We are especially grateful to our staff, board members, donors, volunteers, contractors, elected officials, and friends who believed in Camino Farms long before there was a campus to walk through.
For many of you, supporting Camino has meant believing in renderings, blueprints, and a vision.
So we were excited to see some of you at the opening ceremony!
For those of you who weren’t able to join us, we wanted to share some of the updates with you below. But we look forward to having you visit campus soon!
Camino Farms Virtual Tour
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A Summer of Renewal Begins at Camino Farms
We have been blessed to kick off our summer by welcoming incredible groups from across the region for retreats focused on healing, leadership, faith, and community.
Here is who we’ve hosted so far:
- Restore Inner Healing Retreat for Men and Women — hosted by You Are Made New, opened our retreat season
- UrbanPromise StreetLeaders Retreat — more than 70 teens from Camden spent the weekend building teamwork, strengthening friendships, and growing as leaders
- Shalom Discernment Retreat — young adults from New York discerning a call to missionary service
- Pope John Paul II High School Kairos Retreat — students reflecting, growing spiritually, and deepening their connection with one another
Each group has brought its own unique energy and purpose to Camino Farms, reminding us that Camino is becoming exactly what we envisioned — a place where people can step away from the demands of everyday life, encounter authentic community, and return home renewed.
Camp is in Session
From June 22 through August 14, Camino Farms is filled with the excitement of summer camp.
Throughout the summer, we partner with schools, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations to create meaningful camp experiences for children, teens, and adults.
Organizations bring their participants to Camino Farms while our team designs and leads the camp programming. So far this summer, we've been honored to partner with
- Independence Mission Schools
- St. Martin of Tours Parish
- Calvary Baptist Church
Upcoming Camps
Next week, we look forward to welcoming campers from the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation.
The following three weeks will feature Camino Farms' signature programs.
First, we have Wildflower Rising which empowers middle school girls through adventure, mentorship, leadership development, and confidence-building in a supportive community.
Then come Camino Belong and Camino Works!, which are designed for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism.
- Camino Belong provides a traditional overnight camp experience centered on friendship, recreation, and belonging.
- Camino Works! introduces participants to hospitality and workforce-readiness skills alongside the fun and community that make camp so special.
For the final week of camp, we welcome Rock Ministries to complete our summer schedule.
Whether we're partnering with another organization or leading one of our own programs, every week at Camino Farms is centered on our mission of creating a place where every person is welcomed, known, and given the opportunity to grow.
Volunteer and Job Opportunities
We're hiring!
Camino Farms is growing, and we're looking for an Administrative Assistant to join our team.
This full-time role is perfect for someone who is:
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Friendly, professional, and service-minded
- Excited to be a welcoming first point of contact for our guests, volunteers, donors, and partners
If that sounds like you or someone you know, please reply to this email and we'll share more about the role and how to apply.
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Calling All Nurses!
We're looking for volunteer nurses to support our Camino Belong and Camino Works! weeks.
- July 27–31
- August 3–7
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Closing Thoughts
Six years ago, Camino Farms was an idea.
Today, campers are swimming, retreat groups are gathering, and the campus is full of life.
As I look back on the Ribbon Cutting, it was incredibly special to see my parents’ vision, faith, and perseverance come together.
It was a great day of celebration, but it also felt like a beginning.
The real work (and the real impact) began as we welcomed people onto campus and created opportunities for belonging, connection, growth, and joy.
There is still so much more to share, and we are so excited for what’s ahead!
Most of all, thank you for being part of the village that helped us put this all together.
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With Gratitude,
Katrina Keating Ernst
Executive Director, Camino Farms