Ponderosa

High School Camp

Experience The Gospel At Play!

Summer 2025 Registration Is Open!

2025 Ponderosa Pricing

You Bring a Counselor

$889 

per camper

$300

per counselor

We Provide a Counselor

$979

per camper

Need Financial Help?

There are scholarships available for every camper that needs them. We call it Camperships!
Campers and parents can apply for a Campership during the registration process online.

Learn more about Camperships here!

2025 Camp Dates

Allvaldr
Alvalldr
Deposit and Payment Information

Please download this schedule of deposit and payment dates for your reference.

Detailed Instructions to Make Payment

  • Go to our website: Login Page
  • Sign in using your email address and password 
  • Select Registrations 
  • Select Make Payment 
  • The deposit amount will be shown at the bottom where it says Payment Amount on the due date.
    Checks can be sent to:
    Hume Lake Christian Camps
    Attention: Registration
    64144 Hume Lake Road
    Hume, CA 93628

    If you do pay with a check, please scan a copy and email it to [email protected] so we know it is coming! 
5 Weeks Before Camp

Online Roster
Required: YES.
Due: 5 weeks before camp.
Follow these instructions for the greatest success.
▸ LOG-IN To Your Account

4 Weeks Before Camp

Final Count Form
Required: YES.
Due: 4 weeks before camp.
Login to your account to complete the final count form. 

Insurance Certificate Form
Required: YES.
Due: 4 weeks before camp.
Login to your account to view and download the Hume Insurance Certificate Form.

** If submitted after the deadline, a $50 charge will be assessed.**

2 Weeks Before Camp

Campership Application
Required: Only if the student in need is wanting to submit a request.
Due: 2 weeks before camp
Parents are able to complete a Campership application for their student(s) during their online registration process. As the group administrator, you can see who applied and how much was awarded through your online account.

24 Hours Before Camp

Health Screening Form  

Required: YES. 

Important: Must be completed within 24 hours of arriving at camp. Please designate one (1) licensed professional (Doctor, Nurse, PA, or NP) to ask screening questions, take temperature and sign each form.  

Due: At check-in upon arrival. 

▸ DOWNLOAD Health Screening Form 

Payment Information

Final Balance

To pay by Visa/MasterCard, log into your Online Account to complete this process. Please note that using this form of payment will result in an additional charge of 3% of your paid amount. If you plan to pay by check, you may mail payment to the Hume office. To find your remaining balance, log into your Online Account and click “View All Statements.”

Winter Camp Deposit & Cancellation Policy 

  • A non-refundable deposit in the amount of $35/person must be received in order to confirm your registration. 
  • The second non-refundable deposit of $100/person (totaling $135/person) is due 60 days prior to the event check-in day. 
  • The remaining balance is due no later than two weeks prior to the event check-in day. 
  • If the registration is cancelled or changed for any reason after initial signup or any deposit is made, the attendee agrees that the full deposit per person will be forfeited.
Final Details

Camper Medication at Arrival

You can locate your church’s Medication Administration Record (MAR) from your Online Account. This is a list of medications you should expect to collect. Please collect ALL medications, vitamins and supplements, except epi-pens, rescue inhalers & diabetic supplies. (Don’t worry if it’s not listed on the MAR, we can add it at camp!) All medication needs to be in its original container & in a Ziploc bag. Write your church name & each student’s name in Sharpie on the bag. You’ll turn medications into our health center staff at check-in when you arrive, so please collect medications before campers load up into vehicles.

Camper Medication at Departure

Your group’s medications will need to be picked up by a group admin at the medication station at breakfast on the last day. We are not able to mail medication left behind to the churches or individuals. If any medications are left behind, the Health Center will call the group leader to arrange for them to be picked up.

Sick Camper Policy

Campers who feel ill while at camp, and are brought to the health center by their youth leader, will be evaluated for a fever and other contagious symptoms. If a camper is found to have a fever in excess of 100.4 and have potentially contagious symptoms, they will be isolated at the health center until the fever is gone for 24 hours without any anti-fever medication in their system, and their symptoms are improved. If symptoms persist or temperature goes above 102, then arrangements will need to be made to have the camper picked up from camp by a parent or guardian in the shortest time frame possible. If the 24 hour isolation period would exceed the time remaining in camp, a parent or guardian will be responsible for the pick up of the camper in the shortest time frame possible.

Sick Camper Transportation

It is imperative that parents are aware of this policy and are ready to pick up their camper in the case where they become sick and potentially contagious. Hume does not recommend transporting sick campers home in the same bus or vehicle that is being used to transport healthy students. In the event of serious injury or a life-threatening emergency, Hume will assist with the transportation of campers, but we strongly urge all churches to have an additional vehicle on site for the medical transportation of campers in non-emergency situations or due to illness.

Check-In at Hume

Check-In at Hume

This is for church administrators, pastors, or leaders who will have the required paperwork, medications, and payment for the church.

When you arrive, follow the signs for Check-in. 

Check-in Location: The Welcome Center

Check-in Begins: 4:00 PM

Getting Here

Winter Driving & Snow Chains

When driving in the mountains with any icy or snowy conditions, you are required to carry chains or cables in your vehicle at all times. There are several ways up to Hume SoCal which means snow chains may be required to be installed on one highway and not the other, so you should always carry chains in your vehicle during the winter months, even if your car has snow tires. You may be subject to a ticket and can be denied passage without chains in your vehicle. 

R1 Chain Control Sign

State law requires ALL vehicles (including 4WD and AWD) to carry tire chains or cables when entering chain-control zones. All vehicles must have chains or cables that fit properly and are in good repair. Signs will be posted along the road indicating the type of requirement (R1, R2, R3). Please pay attention as these indicate when you need to install the chains on your vehicle.

Caltrans provides this Winter Driving Guide to make your winter driving experience safe and pleasant. If you’ve never driven in winter weather before, be sure to check this out and share it with your drivers.

If you are chartering a bus, we highly recommend that you make them aware of these requirements and check that they have chains for their vehicles and know how to use them before you travel.

Map and Directions

When you arrive, follow signs for Church Check-In. Our staff will help direct you.

Check out our Winter Campus Map for help getting around once you’re here!

Spiritual Direction

We live in a world where troubling things happen, and at the same time, we serve a God who is good and sovereign over all. This summer, we are going to dive into the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis to answer some of life’s most puzzling questions such as, “Where is God in my affliction?” or “How can an all-powerful God allow such evil?” In Genesis 50:20, Joseph makes the definitive statement, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” As we study the story of Joseph, we hope that students can learn to trust in God, who is not only with us in our affliction but uses it for our good and His glory. Even in the trials and difficulties of life, we can trust in the sovereignty and providence of God. 

Visual Direction

Through our opener and films we will take to the sea, past fjord and mountain to a land called Habril. In this Viking inspired land, we follow the character Seph and his relationship with the God of his family, Allvaldr. In dreams where axes, drinking horns, and frozen wastelands hold the future of the people of Habril, Seph learns why Allvaldr means sovereign ruler through seasons of suffering and blessing.

Theme Verse

Genesis 50:20

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” 

Super Spirit Day

Braids & Beards, Ballgowns & Black Tie

Unleash your inner warrior or your most refined self on a day of epic contrasts! Channel the fierce spirit of a viking, complete with a fur cloak and war paint, or step into a world of sophistication with top hats and tiaras. Will you conquer as a viking, dazzle in elegance, or will you do both?!

Team Colors

Forest Green tee shirt

Forest Green

Maroon tshirt

Maroon

Theme Trailer

Theme BTS Video

Ponderosa Camp Promo

FAQ

Ponderosa is a high-energy camp filled with exciting recreation competition, outdoor adventures, and an abundance of activities that keep the fun going all week long (camp is fun!). But beyond the fun, Ponderosa offers something deeper- a chance to escape the distractions of everyday life and dive into intentional, Christ-centered community. Through Biblically rich themes, Gospel-focused teaching, small group discussions, and powerful worship, you’ll be challenged to grow in your relationship with God and be equipped to live out your faith with grace and boldness.

Ponderosa truly is the best of both worlds where you can escape the regular routines of life while rediscovering the richness and depth that a life in Christ provides.

IMPORTANT
Some older mapping services will suggest you take the 245. It is a curvy, winding road that will take you at least an additional hour. DO NOT take 245!

What to Bring

  • Bible
  • notebook
  • pencil/pen
  • flashlight
  • sleeping bag
  • pillow
  • toiletries
  • warm and cool clothes
  • jacket
  • modest one-piece swimsuit (no tankinis)
  • a towel for swimming and showering
  • a water bottle
  • $60 recommended spending money
  • If your child is bringing medication or supplements, please send them in their original containers.* 

What NOT to Bring

  • Drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor*)
  • alcohol
  • tobacco
  • fireworks
  • firearms
  • electronic devices

*Prescribed Medications, Vitamins & Supplements:
These will be collected and dispensed by the camp health center. We consider any vitamin, supplement, or over-the-counter therapy that is taken to treat a condition or maintain health to be a “medication”. We are not able to give a medication that we cannot identify and dose from the original container. Sending medication in anything other than the original container may result in the camper not receiving it.

Yes!

Here’s how you’ll need to address your letter/package:

Ponderosa – (Camp Dates)
(Camper Name) – (Church registered with)
64144 Hume Lake Rd
Hume, CA 93628

For example:
Ponderosa – June 15-21
Johnny Smith – ABC123 Church
64144 Hume Lake Rd
Hume, CA 93628

IMPORTANT: Please send ten days prior to desired delivery date!

At Hume we care about providing the highest level of healthcare to our campers and staff. Check out this important info for everything you need to know about health and safety while at camp.

For each week of camp, check-in begins Sunday at 2:00 PM for churches and individuals.

Sunday afternoon is a great time to get your swim test done. Dinner begins at 5:30 PM and the counselor meeting begins at 6:00 PM (in Memorial Chapel).

Camp ends Saturday morning after breakfast.
IMPORTANT: Individual campers must be picked up by 9:00 AM.

To get a good idea of what to expect for summer:
Download the Ponderosa Camp Schedule

We want camp to be accessible to everyone! To help make this possible, Hume can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets. Because of the high cost of providing for special dietary needs, there is an extra surcharge for these special diets. Please refer to our Special Diet Policy for more information. 

Why choose Ponderosa?

The gospel isn’t merely one ingredient in our programming mix. It’s the reason for everything we do.

Creative Theme

The theme helps to create an atmosphere for the students to engage with the Biblical truths being taught in a creative and memorable way.

Recreation

The high-energy, innovative games at Hume Lake give campers an outlet for their energy and counselors a chance to encourage team-building.

Gospel-Centered Worship

Corporate worship that glorifies the amazing God we serve and highlights the beauty of the gospel. Always a highlight of camp!

Activities

Hume Lake has an abundance of activities for you and your students. Each afternoon during free time we push the limits while we play hard.

Local Ministry

We believe youth pastors know their youth groups best. In light of that, we run camp in order to give youth pastors the freedom to focus on their students.

Amazing Location

It is a place of great natural beauty, with warm summer days, cool nights, an amazing lake, and a beautiful forest. God is an incredible creator.

Questions?

  • Contact Us

Do you prefer the phone?

Call our Hume Information team
 1 (559) 305-7770

Deposit and cancellation policy

Deposits and Payments
  1. The first deposit will be $35/spot, due upon booking
  2. The second deposit will be an additional $100/spot (totaling $135/spot), due 130 days prior to arrival
  3. The third deposit will be an additional $100/spot (totaling $235/spot), due 60 days prior to arrival
  4. The final balance will be due four weeks prior to arrival
  5. Deposits are non-transferable and non-refundable except in the case of a canceled event
Cancellations
  • If and when you are needing to cancel any spots, it will forfeit the full deposit per spot for what the deposit is at the time of cancellation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Josh Goertzen

Speaker

Josh Goertzen was born and raised in Kansas. He began ministry at 20 years old serving among the urban poor and leading ministries to reach and disciple kids and families from hard places. After marrying his wife Erika they moved to the inner city of Richmond, CA to continue ministry. In 2021 they moved to Santa Clarita, CA where Josh now serves as the Pastor of Student Ministries. Here they welcomed their first child, Rex. Josh then graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Jonny Ardavanis

Speaker

Jonny Ardavanis serves as the Lead Pastor at Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, TN. Previously, he served as the Dean of Campus Life at The Master’s University & as a Camp Director at Hume Lake Christian Camps. He is the author of the forthcoming book, “Consider the Lilies: Finding Perfect Peace In The Character of God.” He is also the President & Founder of Dial In Ministries which provides Biblical resources. Jonny & his wife Caity have two precious daughters named Lily Jean & Scottie Joan.

Stevy York

Speaker

Stevy lives in Encinitas, Ca with his wife, Trisha, and 2 year old son, Callum. He is the Associate Pastor at Light Church just blocks from the San Diego beach. He studied Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University and was previously a Youth Pastor for 7 years in Orange County. You can find him surfing, eating California burritos, and crushing a park with his family. He is passionate about this generation experiencing and living into the life of Jesus that is truly life and freedom.

Austin Payne

Speaker

Austin grew up in Quito, Ecuador as a missionary kid which kick started his passion for seeing people surrender their lives to Jesus. He now serves as the Director of Student Ministries at 3Crosses in the East Bay with his wife Paige and two beautiful daughters, Piper and Phoebe! He has way too many hobbies including surfing, dirt bike riding, golfing, and pretty much any lawn game.

Brian Howard

Speaker

Brian is the Teaching Pastor at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California, where he has served with students and adults since 2007. His preaching ministry is built around making disciples who live and love like Jesus Christ. Brian believes that the Holy Spirit changes lives through relentless proclamation of the gospel and careful teaching of the Bible. He and his wife Dani have been married since 2013 and have three children, Grace, Noah and Hope.

Darin McWatters

Speaker

Darin McWatters is the Lead Shepherd at Fullerton Free Church. Prior to his current role, Darin served as pastor of Teaching and Mission at Arbor Road Church, teaching and campus pastor at Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, Program Director and Founder of the Joshua Wilderness Institute at Hume Lake Christian Camps, and lead singer of the Christian band Everybodyduck. He talks fast and most of his jokes make sense. He is also bald and has been for many years.

Dr. Erik Thoennes

Speaker

Erik Thoennes is a Professor of Theology at Biola University and a pastor at Grace EVFree, La Mirada. He was voted Professor of the Year twice and was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award by his colleagues at Biola University. He is the author of “Life’s Biggest Questions: What the Bible Says About the Things that Matter Most,” and “Biblical and Theological Studies: A Student’s Guide,” Erik and his wife Donna have four children and love the people and ministry of Hume Lake!

Nick Ely

Speaker

Nick Ely is a lead pastor at Christ Church in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has served since 2013. He is married to Rachel and they have four rambunctious boys: Titus, Jude, Josiah, and Ezekiel, who probably love Hume Lake as much as anyone on planet Earth. Nick was in student ministry for 7 years and loves to present God’s Word to young people in a way that is faithful, accessible, and powerful.

Chris Hilken

Speaker

Chris Hilken is a husband, father of 5, and the lead pastor of College Ave Church in San Diego. He is also a professor of systematic theology and apologetics. He is passionate about teaching the Word of God so that we can know, love, and follow the real Jesus.

Matt Berg

Speaker

Matt currently serves as a Campus Pastor and Young Adult Ministry director for the Well Community Church in Fresno, CA. Before that he was a youth pastor and a camp director at Hume Lake Christian Camps. He is married to his incredible wife Grace and together they have 2 daughters. His heart is to impact the next generation of Jesus followers and equip them to follow after the Lord passionately!

Hume Christian Camps and Retreats

Join us for an amazing

Summer at Hume

We’ve opened our lodges and cabins to families and couples! Come up the mountain to worship, hear the Word, and spend time playing together in God’s creation. It’s the best place to be this summer!

Virtual Summer Camp 2020

Missing camp? Try our

Virtual Camp

We’re bringing Hume to you! With chapels hosted by our Camp Directors, you’ll get to participate in worship, play “virtual Rec” games, watch theme videos, and hear from Hume speakers. You don’t want to miss this!

We need help this summer!

Volunteer

As you know, things are a bit different at Hume this summer. The good news? The Lord has made it possible for us to shine His light in some wonderful ways, and we really need your help to make it happen!

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