Who We Are

Nestled in the rolling hills of south-central Virginia near the North Carolina border, Camp Selah has a rich history of serving children and youth for over 25 years. With 37 acres of forests, meadows and creeks, Camp Selah is an ideal place to connect with nature, experience God's presence, build lasting friendships and make lifelong memories. 

We believe in getting our kids back into the outdoors. Our mission is to connect children to the sacred part of life through their interaction with nature. We aim to keep this in mind in everything we do here at Camp Selah!

Values

1. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

2. The created spirituality of each person.

3. The transformation of human lives through the conversion and nurturing of their spirits.

4. The importance of both knowledge and wisdom.

5. The creative arts.

6. Honoring all people as children of God without regard to race, color, socioeconomic status, physically or mentally disadvantaged, denomination affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Governance

The mission and vision of this work shall be guided by a designated community (Board of Directors and subsequent Advisors/Counsels) who are committed to the teachings of Christ.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rest in Peace, Karen Cotta, Camp Selah Ministries Board Member

Karen was devoted to connecting children to their sacredness.  Camp Selah was guided by her knowledge and wisdom and her genuine presence.  She created sacred space whether walking the RiverWalk, ushering at her home church, West Main, sipping tea with a friend or exploring and engaging with children at Camp Selah. 

We will miss her deeply.

Sallye Hardy

Sallye has given her entire life to serving children and their families, through local pastorates, directing Pitt County’s Family Violence Program, and owner/operator of The Rocker Room Child Care Center. She was raised in Pittsylvania County, where her father, the Reverend R. Fletcher Hardy III, pastored United Methodist Churches for over fifty years. Her confidence in God’s creative and redeeming power inspire her vision and commitment to Camp Selah Ministries. “This is a great opportunity for people who believe in the love of Christ to practice their faith and really make a difference. If we can get people here, the nature God has provided will bestow upon them the Selah experience—rest and renewal.” 

Sallye is a graduate of Asbury College and Duke Divinity School and ordained pastor with the United Church of Christ. She is a Board Eligible Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. Her hobbies include leather work, caning chairs and watching children’s movies.

Suzanne Howell

Suzanne Howell, M. A. (alias Ms. Sue or DragonLady) has given her life to the service of children.  She and her husband Bill, fostered over twenty eight children and are now equally devoted to their grandchildren!  Sue was an elementary school counselor, receiving her M.A. from The College of William and Mary.   She directed for 23 years the Elementary Camp for Johns River Camp and brings to us the unique perspective of administrator and amazing listener to children and adults alike. 

We are grateful that Sue is serving with us and we are better because of her counsel and presence.  Sue also acts as our Secretary, making sure we stay on track and true to our promises.

David Magruder

David was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, moved to Williamsburg, Virginia at the age of 5, and has spent rest of his life in Virginia. He married his high school sweetheart and they have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. David completed a BS in Sociology & BA in Communications at Virginia Tech in 1979, an MBA at Averett University in 1995, and a Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School in 2010.

After undergraduate work, he began a career in broadcasting as a television reporter, first at WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Virginia and later at WVEC-TV in Norfolk, Virginia. He later changed careers, with an emphasis in Marketing and Public Relations, and began work in healthcare. David then followed a calling into Ministry in 2005, while living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was first appointment as a Licensed Local Pastor at Swansonville UMC in the Danville District while attending seminary at Duke. His current appointment began in 2014, at Zion UMC in Seaford, Virginia, where he serves as an Ordained Elder with the Virginia Conference.

Linda Manning

Linda Manning, PhD, originally from Gaithersburg, Maryland, is an Associate Professor of Communication with 30 years of experience teaching in higher education. Her teaching and research focus on points of intersection with families, communities, and sustainability. She is particularly interested in giving voice to the experiences of children. In addition to teaching at Christopher Newport University (CNU), she also directs the Center for Sustainability in Education at CNU. She serves as Head of Deacons for Warwick United Church of Christ in Newport News, VA, where she has been a member since 2004. A great joy in Linda’s life is wandering in her backyard listening to birdsong, identifying native plants, and generally communing with nature.

We have a new ICE MACHINE thanks to a local donor!

We have a new REFRIGERATOR but could use a donor ($850)

We have a new POOL HOUSE floor with help from the Womack Foundation!

What We Do

We love kids—and kids love Camp Selah! Our goal is to provide a special place where kids are free to be themselves, explore, try new things, and grow in mind, body and spirit. Come to Camp Selah today, we are open and ready to serve our community safely. Creek, playground, and hiking is available.

Woodland Wonder

A forest school for young children (K-5), this experience gives students a day completely immersed in nature which includes hiking, swimming, and exploring.

Unplugged

No electronics allowed! We believe in the power of nature, and that means unplugging from our technology-filled world at times. One way that we do this is by partnering with local child care centers to allow their kids to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Camp Selah. If you or your organization would like to use our spaces, please contact admin@campselahministries.com.

Mondays: Trinity United Methodist Church

Wednesdays: Children’s First Learning Center

Swimming Pool

We’re so excited that we can now invite you back to swim in our pool! Open swim is available most Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 6pm.

Summer Camps

Combining nature, the expressive arts, recreation and stories of Scripture, children’s bodies, minds and spirits are nurtured and encouraged at Camp Selah. 

Our goal is to allow God's creation and the unconditional, creative environment of camp help children have fun, form new friendships and experience God's love in new ways. 

Selah's professional camp staff prepares and leads camp activities designed to encourage children’s individual creativity and offer opportunities for collaboration and shared experiences. 

Regardless of background, family circumstances, religious affiliation, race or national origin, we are committed to providing a place where every camper will feel welcomed, respected and loved. We invite your child to join us at Camp Selah for an unforgettable weekend!

This year’s camp is July 19-21, 2024!

What We Have

Ark Bunkhouse

The ark-shaped bunkhouse sleeps up to 44 people, with separate sleeping areas for males and females. Each sleeping area has a bathroom with showers. On each end of the ark are decks that are perfect for small group meetings, star-gazing and relaxing. Equipped with heat and air-conditioning, the ark is available for year-round rentals.

The Lodge

The meeting room/dining hall is on a hilltop above the creek. With seating for up to 120 guests, the Lodge is the ideal place for your group to come together for a meal or inside activity. The Lodge also features a large wraparound porch, complete with rocking chairs, for guests to relax and enjoy a quiet moment. In cooler weather, the fireplace becomes the perfect gathering place.

Bethel Outdoor Chapel

The beautiful setting for the outdoor chapel is a majestic stand of eastern hardwoods. With seating for 100 guests, the chapel is equipped with a stage and electricity.

Interested in Renting our Facilities?

Amenities

• Outdoor swimming pool

• Playground

• Walking trails

• Treehouse

• Fire pit

• Picnic shelters

• Labyrinth

Without the generous support of friends who share our vision, we can't accomplish everything God wants us to do in and through Camp Selah. Your financial gift makes a significant difference by helping provide camper scholarships, underwrite camp programs, and maintain and improve the buildings and grounds.

All financial gifts are 100% tax-deductible and used in our mission to provide a place where children and guests can embrace God's creation and be equipped for love and good deeds in the likeness of Jesus.

Camp Selah Ministries is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of children and their families!