What is Brethren Woods?
Brethren Woods is a year-round camp and retreat center owned and operated by the Shenandoah District of the Church of the Brethren. We are located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, just 12 miles northeast of Harrisonburg.
Throughout the year, we host groups using our Challenge Course and Rental Facilities. During the summer months, coed day and resident Summer Camp programs are held for all ages. In the fall and spring, Outdoor School field trips bring elementary students for day-long outdoor education opportunities. We also feature a variety of Special Events and programs for women, men, parent-child pairs, and more!
In all that we do, we seek "to provide Christian educational opportunities, facilities, and programs for all ages in an inviting woodland setting; encouraging the formation of Christ-centered living, leadership, and stewardship of creation, leading toward wholeness in the kingdom of God."
Goals & Outcomes
Experience God and Grow in One’s Christian Walk
Through worship, Bible study, reflection, and meaningful relationships, campers and guests will find opportunities to deepen their faith and experience God’s presence.
Experience and Learn to Live in Christian Community
By building relationships, sharing responsibilities, making decisions together, and practicing cooperation, campers and guests will learn to live out Christ-like values in community with others.
Develop Appreciation for the Outdoors
Develop Appreciation for the Outdoors
Outdoor recreation, hands-on learning, nature study, and exploration will inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and God’s creation.
Learn to Be Good Stewards of Creation
Participate in New and Challenging Activities
Develop Appreciation for the Outdoors
Through practical stewardship habits, environmental education, and care for camp facilities, all who visit will be encouraged to conserve resources, reduce waste, and respect the natural world.
Participate in New and Challenging Activities
Participate in New and Challenging Activities
Participate in New and Challenging Activities
A variety of engaging and age-appropriate activities will help campers and guests discover new interests, develop skills, build confidence, and embrace new challenges.
Develop Leaders
Participate in New and Challenging Activities
Participate in New and Challenging Activities
Through opportunities to make decisions, lead activities, set goals, and serve others, campers, guests, and staff will develop leadership skills and confidence.
Provide Christian Hospitality
Provide Christian Hospitality
Provide Christian Hospitality
Every guest will be welcomed into a caring, supportive environment with friendly staff, clean and prepared facilities, and the resources needed to make their experience meaningful & achieve their goals.
Associations, Accreditations & Awards
American Camp Association
Church of the Brethren and Shenandoah District
Church of the Brethren and Shenandoah District
Brethren Woods is fully accredited by the American Camping Association, based on our 2025 site visit. We are proud to say that we passed accredidaiton without missing a single standard. We have been accredited since 1990.
Church of the Brethren and Shenandoah District
Church of the Brethren and Shenandoah District
Church of the Brethren and Shenandoah District
Brethren Woods is owned and operated by Shenandoah District of the Church of the Brethren that includes over 100 churches in Virginia and West Virginia. The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination in the Anabaptist and Pietist traditions, dedicated to "Another Way of Living" and "Continuing the Work of Jesus: Peacefully, Simply, Together."
Outdoor Ministry Association
Outdoor Ministry Association
Outdoor Ministry Association
Brethren Woods is a member of Outdoor Ministry Association which is made up of Church of the Brethren centers for camping, retreats, and outdoor ministry.
Best of the Valley Awards
Outdoor Ministry Association
Outdoor Ministry Association
Brethren Woods has been voted Best of the Valley in the Camps/Summer Camps Category for 2026, 2025, 2024, & 2023! This competition is decided by the local community and we feel this is an endorsement of our mission and ministry