Ross Point Camp and Conference Center

There are so many amazing Christian camps in the area and we will try to do them all justice over time. One camp that is fascinating, just by its location, is the Ross Point Camp and Conference Center in Post Falls. This camp, although less than a mile from Interstate 90 and Highway 41, sits on 60 acres of woodland and 3,500 feet of waterfront. It is a secluded oasis in the middle of an urban environment.

We sat down with John Batchelder, the executive director of the camp, for some more information.

John, this is unique location. How and when did this come about?

The land was purchased in 1948 by the American Baptist denomination and has grown into a year-round camp and conference center that is constantly improving and used by many groups for a variety of events. About 20 percent of our camps are our denomination and 80 percent other denominations, schools, universities, families and more. Our main purpose however is Christian camps that include five youth camps that start with a “My First Camp” for children 7 and under. That is just a two-day introductory camp but other camps of course are longer. We also have a family camp in July that includes everyone and is very popular.

Because of our location we have swimming, kayaking, boating, hiking but also miniature golf, a rope course, rock climbing walls, ball fields, horseshoes, you name it — it’s here!

What is the capacity of the camp?

We have a large lodge that has our meeting and dining facilities and those are designed to serve 200 and that is our maximum goal for each camp. We do have motel type rooms in the lodge and 11 12-bed cabins with full a bathroom, along with an RV/tent area. We also have breakout rooms for smaller groups to meet. The lodge rooms have private bath and towel and linen service.

What other activities is the camp used for during the year?

First, I have to tell you about an additional camp that is near and dear to the heart of the camp. It is “Camp Journey.” This is a camp for children and their families touched by cancer that is designed for children from ages 5 though 17. We will have a totally free camp for these children and a sibling or friend. We engage 80 volunteers to help us make this a very special camp.

That is an amazing gift to those children affected by cancer and you said this is free. Who provides the funding?

It costs about $1,250 per camper and a total cost of $150,000 to put this on and this is a project of the camp that we fund. Fortunately, we have had wonderful business partners that donate each year along with individuals. We also have a “Sweetheart Ball” on March 9 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort and tickets are on sale now: sweetheartsball.com.

This is a special event and we invite anyone interested in a great evening and supporting this camp to give us a call.

I can see why “Camp Journey” ranks high on the use of the camp. What other groups use the camp?

We rent the facilities to a variety of groups. Churches and businesses will have leadership retreats, we have family reunions, conferences and school groups. This past week, in fact, we have had Ferris High School in Spokane use it for their music and band retreats. Gonzaga Prep will have a senior class retreat coming up. The location, facilities and the fact we provide all of the meals and services along with an environment that has no distractions other than looking out over the river and woods!

John, as executive director, can you sum up the goals of Ross Point Camp?

It is to provide a safe, unique and adventurous opportunity for initial Christian commitment, and Christian growth in an outdoor setting quite apart from the routine of home, school, work or other activities so individuals can develop a personal relationship with Christ our Lord.

Thank you for your time John, this is a beautiful facility. If anyone wants more information or to support Camp Journey how do they contact you?

They can go to our website, rosspoint.org, email me at john@rosspoint.org or call the camp at 208-773-1655.