Black Rock is a non-profit Christian organization that began in 1954 and continues to be a board of directors advised 501(c)(3). Originally started as a summer camp in Lancaster County, the ministries of Black Rock have expanded to include year-round retreat facilities and programs; an outdoor education program for Christian, public, and homeschool students; as well as ministering through various team-building indoor and outdoor activities.
OUR MISSION
Black Rock is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthening His church. We provide quality facilities, programs, and a serving staff within a refuge of God’s creation which encourages spiritual growth and restoration.
Faith Statement
We are committed to a Biblical faith which believes in:
- The complete inspiration of the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12-13)
- The triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1-2, 26; John 10:30; Matthew 28:19)
- That humans are the stewards of God’s good creation. (Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 24:1)
- The deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, His substitutionary atonement for sin, and His bodily resurrection.
- The person of the Holy Spirit and His work of conviction, regeneration, and sanctification, who indwells every believer.
- The necessity of the new birth, in salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
- The importance of a life fully committed to the will of God in Christ.
- Human life is a gift of God culminating in eternal life for the believer or eternal separation from God for the unbeliever.
- We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)
- Marriage, as a covenant between a man and a woman, is the only faithful context for sexual intimacy. (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Ephesians 5:22-33)
- That God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26-27) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Black Rock’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Directors is Black Rock’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
Memberships
We are members of two camping organizations: Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) and Mennonite Camping Association (MCA).
Core Values
Black Rock follows a set of core values which are fundamental to our operations and relationships both to our employees and those we serve. These core values are:
Ministry
We recognize that the primary focus of this organization is evangelism and ministry. We are committed to remaining true to our Faith Statement as we provide an atmosphere where both children and adults can experience spiritual and personal growth, restoration and encouragement. We are committed to recognizing the diverse changing needs of those we serve and being willing to adapt our ministry to meet those needs as the Lord leads.
People
Because we are all created in God’s image, we are committed to treating everyone with dignity, respect and love. We strive to create an atmosphere where all people feel valued in their relationship with Black Rock.
Teamwork
We are a team combining our talents and resources to serve our guests and each other in a Christ-like manner. To do this we commit to trust each other’s unique contributions, transparently engage in open dialogue, embrace differences rather than avoid conflict and ultimately support each decision with personal action and mutual accountability.
Stewardship
Stewardship means managing all of the resources God has entrusted to us wisely and responsibly. These resources include but are not limited to our guests, grounds, facilities, natural environment, finances, staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors. We are committed to exercising good stewardship in every facet of our ministry.
Quality
Quality is recognizing and establishing appropriate standards and then managing ourselves and our organization to meet those standards. We will strive to maintain excellence in our grounds, facilities, programs and services as well as employing and training quality staff members.
Safety
Safety is the value we place on the well-being of ourselves and those we serve. Recognizing that God is our protector, we are also committed to providing both training and a safe work environment for our staff and our volunteers, as well as a place of physical and emotional safety for those we serve.