I have been a camper at Camp Ridgecrest since 2013. After a decade of living on every hill, spending a total of 22 weeks in the cabins, I can proudly say that this is my home away from home and the best place for any kid from all ages to spend their summer. The lack of technology helps limit distractions, strengthening the overarching goal to put Christ above all else. In my time at camp, there have been many changes, however the constant was that this is a place devoted to outreach in a safe place and spread the good news of the gospel. Living Conditions: the living conditions at Ridgecrest are fairly bare bones. Ten to twelve kids are in each cabin, with two or three counselors. There is a routine that is consistent throughout the session, consisting of cabin cleanup (specifics are later mentioned), and devotionals. These "devos" are typically in the style of open conversation guided by scripture. It is a great way to end the day. The bathhouses are also simple, with simple stalls and showers. Although there are sometimes mechanical issues (which happens in all settings similar to ridgecrest), some of my best memories are getting to know kids from different cabins while waiting for my favorite shower. Cabin Inspection: the cabin inspection system is always a lot of fun. It is only twenty or so minutes of making beds, cleaning the floors and organizing trunks, followed by the creation of a skit to perform for the Tribal Leader (age group leader). The TL will check to see whether or not everything is clean after a skit is performed, which all contribute to the honor cabin award. Skills: skills are one of the best parts of camp. It is basically like going to a class, where you hang out with your friends and have fun. They have all sorts of skills, from Bible Study to Archery, and from Rocketry to Spike Ball. My favorites have always been Bible Study, Outdoor Living, Crafts, and Trap Shooting. Free Time: at Ridgecrest you always have one or two free times throughout the day. At these times, the lake is open, you can play four square and two square, and skills are sometimes available! It is the best time to get to know kids from all sorts of age groups. Other Activities: there are regularly scheduled activities for all age groups, and a couple where it is all of camp playing one massive game. There are also night alone's, where one age group has the entire camp to themselves for a few hours to play one giant game. There are campouts and day hikes, none of which are too difficult. I can confidently say that anyone can make it through these hikes, and the views are incredible. Pisgah Program: the pisgah program has a special place in my heart. I have spent the summer of 2023 going all four sessions of pisgah. In pisgah, you leave camp on Monday and return on Thursday from a long camping trip. I cannot truly express how amazing this program is. The places you go are fantastic. My favorite spots I've been are Mount Mitchell and the Pisgah National Forest swimming holes. You live on the trail for days at a time, cooking your own food, setting up where you will sleep, and hiking beautiful trails. There is truly nothing else like it. Ridgecrest has so many more opportunities that I haven't mentioned, but everything we get to do is an experience designed to help you grow in faith and as a man. read more

Amazing. Spent many years here as a kid and made friendships that will last a lifetime. The lord was able to shine through me here! So thankful for the memories read more

Camp Ridgecrest for Boys is the best gift any parent can give their son! Adventurous fun embedded with Truth about God's love for all of us...and led by an unbelievable team of college kids who my son can look up to and emulate. Our son grows in his faith, in his physical strength, and in his independence with each passing summer. The land and facilities are top-notch, very safe and clean (considering it's on a mountain side and most buildings are strictly for summer use and not winterized) while maintaining a wonderful rustic element...our son truly feels like he's completely away from his regular life while he's there...including all of the stresses of school, social media, etc...it's Utopia! Cannot recommend it more! read more

Ridgecrest Camp for boys is a camp which is extremely religious and close towards god camp. There are several mechanisms in place which serve the purpose of making campers closer to god. Such things include 'devos' and Sunday church. Devos are discussions regarding god which both counselors have each night with the campers. These devos are often madatory and this camp is not recommended unless you are extremely religious. With this in mind, lets talk about the fundamental aspects of health the camp may fail in. Firstly, Ridgecrest for boys often fails in the category of sanitation involving their Egypts (designated lavatory per age tribe). The sinks are dirty, the showers are flooded, the shower locks are broken, and its bug infested. It is entirely cleaned by 'Salts.' Salts are essentially campers who act as employees for the campers. Its important to note these salts cannot provide the same expertise as a professional cleaning company. These standards are ultimately unclean and can contribute to an enviroment that contributes to the spread of all sorts of illnesses. Secondly, the cabins are also bug infested and can vary in cleanliness because its cleaned by the campers. It is determined solely based off work ethic of counselor and camper alike. Alike with the egypts, the counselors and campers simply cannot provide the same excellence as professional cleaners. Especially when it is a part of the camp experience which is supposed to promote fun rather than meticulous cleaning. In terms of the food - there is often lack of variety. The lack of variety includes lack of balanced foods which can be more heavy in saturated fats and sugar without option for otherwise. While there is a salad stand, some days its inaccessible due to tribe events. For example, they may bring the kids out and have a chik-fil-a sandwhich without allowing them to chose what they will eat. There is also situations where they only provide pizza in almost a pizza party and soda fasion. Its important to note they will cover for allergy restrictions. With that being said, it may not be ideal for keeping yourself healthy and sick free. There is a waiter system where 2 kids in a cabin serve everyone else in the cabin. if a kid is sick they may infect their entire cabin. Often all campers are expected to be a waiter each week and will even be forced to be a waiter even if they are sick since being sick becomes a norm. With sickness as a norm, they are not isolated or treated specifically and not allowed in the infirmary unless they are considered a "serious" sickness (fever or throwing up.) Its important to understand that serious illnesses are not limited to fevers or throwing up and all campers should be cared for equally to prevent spread. Whether the activities are fun at ridgecrest is widely subjective but can become repetitive especially in tribes that repeat years for that specific age group (such as highland.) Campers shouldnt feel like they know what is going to happen and a part of the camp experience is experiencing new and fun things. This is not possible if they already know the exact schedule. read more

I was a staffer at Camp Ridgecrest for 6 years and am still involved until today. It is a safe space for kids to experience God through the outdoors and to learn valuable life skills. read more

Ridgecrest and Crestridge are two incredible summer camps! Kids experience God in a whole new way while they are also being challenged. The counselors are trained for 10 days before campers arrive. They are all background checked and go through several interviews. They and are very responsible and love kids! We love RSC! read more

This is a great Christian Conference Center, as long as you have the right expectations. Rooms range from rustic family efficiencies to hotel rooms. No TV sets in any room, but you don't come to Ridgecrest to watch TV. There are all sorts of activities from hiking, tennis, basketball and putt putt golf. There are other family/group activities that can be scheduled. We like to stay in Wolf Laurel, which are more like traditional hotel rooms. They have TV's on each floor in common rooms but also have a wonderful lobby with burning fireplace. Just remember you need the right expectations. This is not a resort, but a retreat center. Some areas are extremely rustic, so choose the location you want based on your needs. read more

i was at this camp for 2 weeks it was very fun and i learned more ab jesus christ! it was so fun i got to make new friends and stand on tables. it was a great experience and i am excited to go back again i highly recommend this! i don't even know where to start it was so fun! have a blessed day y'all !!! read more

Wonderful christian camp. Beautiful setting and kind staff. Not as fancy perhaps as some? But we think it's just right.

My children have attended camp at Crestridge and Ridgecrest. They loved camp! Both camps were exactly what camp should be, allowing children to be children (under supervision), to experience the outdoors, to have a little time without parents telling them to brush their teeth or settle down, to get a litte dirty. It was a great experience for my children. It is a Christian camp, but loving of all campers. I would recommend to any family! read more

I went to Crestridge Summer Camp when I was a kid and I had a terrible experience. Not only were the girls very unkind and the counselors knew and did nothing about it, I was repeatedly told that I was going to burn in hell if I were a "homosexual" by the counselors and ADULTS working there. I was very young and just starting to figure out my sexuality, and lo and behold, turns out I'm a lesbian. The messages at this camp stayed with me for a long time. I really hope they have changed their rhetoric around LGBT people, but I would be cautious about sending your kids here if you don't want them exposed to hateful messages. My parents never would have sent me if they knew this camp would be like this and they as well as I wish someone had warned them. I don't think it's very "Christian" to teach children to hate themselves. read more

This camp has a long tradition of providing top counselors and the best camp experiences for boys and young men. I was looking for a camp that would allow my son to just be a boy and have fun without any worries and I was not disappointed. There is no technology here, just boys being boys and learning about the importance of having God in their lives. If you want to know if this is the camp for you, then talk to Ron or one many parents that have been sending their children here for years. I can't say enough good things about this camp, the counselors, and the director. read more

Camp Crestridge impacted my life in many ways. They're staff love the Lord and it's genuine. They provide ways for kids to experience fun activities, grow in their relationship with the Lord and grow as individuals. I would not hesitate sending my kids here or recommending it as a place to work! read more

Camp Ridgecrest is a place that changed my life. It's a place that allows boys to be boys and gives them a safe environment to grow in every way. I came to camp without knowing a single person, but left with lifelong friends who were in my wedding and are still my best friends in the world today! Ridgecrest has a standard of excellence, from the way you are greeted on Opening Day to the games and skills that kids are a part of. The most impressive thing about Camp Ridgecrest is the staff they hire each summer. I was accepted and loved from day 1 and they continue to love my children today. read more

My son has been to Ridgecrest for two summers and we can't say enough wonderful things about his experience! They design the camp to meet the unique qualities specific to boys. They get dirty, have fun, and learn about Christ. Our son begged to return. The counselors are mature, yet fun. We appreciated the letters they sent before and during camp to let us know about them and to inform us of how our son was doing. The facilities are nice, but camp-like. I feel like we will make many trips to Ridgecrest to bring both of our sons. We are grateful for their investment in our kids! read more