“Ewalu serves all people as a place to connect the Word of God with the world of God.”
~ Ewalu Mission Statement
Camp Ewalu is a year-round ministry that primarily serves over 200 Lutheran congregations in Eastern Iowa with 1,000 youth participating in our summer programs and nearly 1,000 more through our Day Camp evangelism program. We also see 2,500 environmental education students and nearly 6,500 additional youth and adults who come to renew and grow in their faith. Wow, hard to believe Ewalu started 60 years ago as a 2-week, summer-only camp that ministered to only 150 youth!
What makes Camp Ewalu’s summer ministry unique and highly regarded is its decentralized, small group camping environment. The advantages of this style include more camper participation, more counselor responsibility, and greater utilization of the whole facility (we have hundreds of acres of forest at our main site). Though there have been some modifications to the individual programs, the overall format of the summer camp program has remained the same.
We invite you to come to camp and see for yourself this special “place apart.”
Our Vision Statement
We envision a spiritual and physical sanctuary where people of all ages are welcome to flourish in God’s Word together. It is our desire that those who engage with the Ewalu community are enriched and equipped to grow as Disciples of Christ, called to serve all of God’s creation.
Our Statement of Core Values
Camp Ewalu, as an organization of people as well as a special place, called by God for this ministry, professes these values:
Faith Based:
In all its activities, Camp Ewalu follows a Christian-based mission, centered on the Word of God, for all who come to this place.
Community Building:
As a place to gather, Camp Ewalu provides a Christian-based environment in which to encourage relationship with God and with each other in community for all who come to this place.
Hospitality and Inclusivity:
In seeking to follow Jesus’ great commandments, Camp Ewalu strives to welcome all who come to this place, inviting relationship and caring for each other as God first loved us.
Grace:
Just as we find grace when we seek God, Camp Ewalu extends that same kindness, mercy, and blessing to all who come to this place.
Stewardship:
As part of God’s creation, Camp Ewalu promotes care of the environment, the earth and the people in it, nurturing life in this place and all who come to it.
Leadership Development:
In aspiring to follow Jesus’ great commission, Camp Ewalu commits to developing and encouraging leadership in all who come to this place to take the Gospel message to their homes and the world.
