Friends of Cono : September Newsletter

Hello from Ridge Haven!

We just reached the end of our 2026 Summer Season. We've had over 6,500 guests on both campuses from just May - August of this year, and served them with over 90 summer staff members. The Lord answered so many prayers this summer, and we leave the summer with peace and joy for the work he accomplished here. Now we turn to what appears to be our busiest fall yet!

Summer highlights include:

Twelve weeks of summer camp in Brevard

Eight weeks of overnight camp at our Cono Campus in Iowa

Three weeks of Family Camp with more families than ever before!

Interested in joining us at camp next summer? Our 2027 Summer Camp dates will be posted on our website in October and camp registration will open in early November. We would absolutely love to have you or your family join us!

SUMMER STAFF TESTIMONY

"Working at Ridge Haven provided me with a lot of growth spiritually and physically. Not only was I able to grow in my relationship with the Lord, I was able to physically serve others and learn how to serve in a community and put others before myself. Ridge Haven provided me with so many lessons on how I can grow as a person, and gave me so many new friendships as well. I have been able to learn how the Lord uses my gifts to glorify Him and how I have been able to grow in evangelism through the kids I was able to counsel! While it did take some effort, and some weeks weren't easy, Ridge Haven showed me how leaning on other brothers and sisters in Christ are so important for when we don't have the best days ever, and it showed me that a community centered around Jesus and His Gospel is truly wonderful and beautiful! Ridge Haven was such a good experience and I thank God every day for it!” 
- Tori, Summer 2026 Brevard Counselor

Do you know of a high school or college student who is interested in working on our staff next summer? We will be opening staff applications for CSIs, Operations Staff (including infirmary staff, camp nanny, and photographer positions), and Counselors in October. More information and a link to apply will be posted on our website then!

CAMPUS UPDATES

Our Chapel at Keyes Summit is now being used by groups, as well as 4 new Family Cabins and 5 new Pilgrim Cabins. The next building project in our Capital Campaign is a new Adult Lodge. 

See More Photos Here!

2026 GAP YEAR & MINISTRY INTERNS

We’re excited to introduce our new Gap Year and Ministry Intern staff in Brevard as we head into the fall! Both groups are part of our Explorer’s Project, with several interns returning after serving on our summer staff for a few years, while others have joined us for the first time this summer. Click here to learn more about our year-round Retreat Staff—those who live and serve on campus and are dedicated to welcoming and supporting every guest this fall season. This picture includes members of our Full Time Staff and Explorer's Project members (not everyone is pictured). 
Do you know of a recent or upcoming High School or College Graduate who would be interested in doing ministry at Ridge Haven? We are now accepting applications for Gap Year and Ministry Intern positions that will start in May 2027. Check out our website for more information!

WINTER CAMP
December 28, 2026 - January 1, 2027

Registration is open for our annual Winter Camp! Whether you want to attend with your youth group and youth leaders or as an individual camper, Winter Camp is open to all 6th - 12th graders. This week is a blast, filled with classic Ridge Haven games, a polar plunge in Lake Morse, and our traditional New Year's Eve Barnes Dance!

PRAYER FOCUS

As we head into the Fall, we would appreciate your prayers for all who come on campus over the next few months. Pray for safety and an impactful time of reflection and Gospel learning while they are here. Please join us in praying for our interns, for them to find this ministry life-giving and for a community that can support them well. Please also pray that the Lord would provide both full-time and part-time event interns at Cono to help us lead weekend groups and coordinate our summer activities. 

PARTNER WITH US

Would you like to partner with us here at Ridge Haven? We always have opportunities for people to volunteer, donate, or support our ministry, and we would love to talk with you more about how to do that. Click the link below for more information about how to make an end of year donation, or email ridgehaven@ridgehaven.org for more ways that you can partner with us.

Donate