A new wave of spiritual life and community arrived at California Baptist University as student leaders prepared to launch the first-ever Kamp Love. The camp aims to ignite spiritual growth through worship and small groups while fostering deeper connections among CBU students.
Kamp Love takes place April 4–6 at Forest Home, located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Kamp Love is a student-run Christian camp that travels to colleges across the United States. It is designed to reach college students through the Gospel, offering an environment where students could grow spiritually, learn what it means to be a disciple, and build purposeful relationships.
Belle Van Dyke, the director of Kamp Love and sophomore Christian studies and communication sciences and disorders double major, stepped into the leadership role to bring the experience to CBU. Kamp Love originated at Grand Canyon University, where a friend reached out to Van Dyke and encouraged her to bring the camp to campus. After meeting with the creator, Austin Rockwell, Van Dyke said, “I immediately could tell that Kamp Love was something special.”
The spiritual life at Kamp Love includes times of prayer, worship, reflection and small groups for all attendees. Xander DeWitt, cabin group team lead and sophomore mathematics major, said, “Growth in all areas of spiritual life will take place at Kamp Love; whether you’re a new believer or have been for a long time, there’s something for everyone when the Lord is involved!”
Throughout the weekend, students meet intentionally with assigned small groups. These gatherings allow believers to connect on a deeper, more vulnerable level while diving into Scripture. Small groups created a sacred space for students to grow in their faith through discussion and reflection. “[It] is a chance to build a Christlike community with men and women who are on the same path as you,” DeWitt said.
In addition to spiritual development, campers build community through fun, team-bonding activities. Kamp Love hosts Olympic-style games, dividing campers into color teams led by an activities lead. Each team competes throughout the weekend to earn points, and the team with the highest score wins a prize. Various games and events encourage students to have fun and grow closer to one another.
These activities help break down social barriers and creat space for authenticity. Jenna Voss, the director of activities and sophomore Christian behavioral sciences major, said, “With Kamp Love specifically, being able to take your guard down and do funny things with other people is essential for how you’re going to bond with people in camp.”
Kamp Love offers students a chance to unplug from everyday life, head into the mountains, and discover discipleship and the Gospel in a fresh way. Voss said, “Kamp Love is so new to campus, and I think that’s a reason to join…”
The Kamp Love team prays that God would touch the hearts of every student who attends and that friendships would extend beyond the camp experience. “It’s truly an incredible opportunity for college students at the same campus to connect spiritually with one another and experience God’s love and goodness and peace with each other in his creation,” Van Dyke said.
Students could register through Kamp Love’s Instagram page, @kamplovecbu, or via Eventbrite. Donation and scholarship opportunities are also available.
