ABOUT US
Founded in 1989, our mission is to support and advocate for the ministry and vitality of Episcopal camps and conference centers.
Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers have been supporting its 100+ member centers for over 30 years. Thousands of people enter the thin space of an Episcopal camp, conference, retreat, or farm every year. Why? What sets us apart is the unique environment we provide—one that allows people to experience their faith beyond the confines of traditional church walls. Our centers offer a sacred, neutral space where individuals can encounter God's grace under the open sky, within a prayer circle, through social activities, continuing education, and worship in spaces that are both unique and holy. We cater to those who may be apprehensive about religion or who have been hurt by the church, offering them a safe place to explore their faith.
“Episcopal camps and conference centers are the heart of the church. They are places where faith is formed and lived at a deep level, where gospel-centered communities take root, where folks can reflect, charge, gain perspective.”
— Canon Mark Farmer
ECCC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice &
Belonging Statement
ECCC recognizes the generational harm caused by the exclusionary systems and culture of the camp and recreation industries and The Episcopal Church.
We continue to educate ourselves, understanding that we have just scratched the surface of this work. We provide resources and training as camps and conference centers engage in the process of reconciliation in their communities.
Racism, ableism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia have deeply impacted our industry and communities.
Our member camps and conference centers sit on land stolen from Indigenous communities and in some cases, sites that were inhabited and/or built by people who were enslaved.
Moved by God’s unconditional love, we are committed to the work of healing the harms of the past and the present, learning from our history and the current day impacts. We will continue to learn from the stories of those who have been unwelcome, excluded, or unsafe in our spaces with the hope of embodying beloved community. Because we are an Episcopal ministry, we are called to set a standard to dismantle barriers, uplift unheard stories, and grow toward becoming a network of radically inclusive communities. We do this together with grace and compassion walking side by side.