A Retreat Center in the Heart of Virginia
News and Updates
Stay up-to-date throughout the year with all of the latest news and updates happening at Virginia Nazarene Retreat Center. From exciting announcements for the upcoming season to news about our campers, you’ll find it all here.
Summer 2024 Camps Announcement
Visit our camp pages on our website for
Summer 2024 Camp Season announcements.
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We are looking forward to a great season.
Preparing Your Kids for Camp This Summer
Are your kids heading to camp for the first time this summer? You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness and your kids are likely feeling the same way. Here are 5 simple ways to prepare your kids for camp this summer.
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Pray
Pray with and for your kids that they would grow in their faith, meet new friends and have lots of fun during their time at camp. Share with them this verse to encourage them that God is with them when they are nervous and when they feel excited: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV). -
Bring a friend
Think about asking a friend from your kid’s class, sports team, or youth group to join them for the week. Having a familiar face there when your kid gets to camp can help calm their nerves. If it’s too late to invite a friend to join, see if there are any other kids in your area going to camp at the same time. Have a pre-camp meet-up, pizza party or go for ice cream. But don’t worry if none of their friends are able to join. Their counselors and cabinmates will quickly become new friends! -
Pack small reminders of home
Having a couple of family pictures or stuffed animals can be a good way for your kid to be comforted by reminders of home while they are away. -
Process together
Ask your kid what they are excited about and what they are nervous about as they look forward to camp. This may help them realize the things they may be anxious about are reasonable but not unmanageable and that there’s far more to be excited about than to be nervous about.Get excited!
Check out videos and pictures from your camp’s social media pages so your child knows what they can look forward to. Talk with your kid about why you want them to spend time at camp or what you loved about camp as a kid so that they have a vision for their time away. -
Get excited!
Check out videos and pictures from your camp’s social media pages so your child knows what they can look forward to. Talk with your kid about why you want them to spend time at camp or what you loved about camp as a kid so that they have a vision for their time away.
Men's Camp
Cause MEN Don't Retreat
Virginia Nazarene Announces
Knockerball is HERE
What is Knockerball?
Knockerball® is a single-chamber inflatable plastic bubble with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps. Players get in the “donut-hole” part of the ball head-first, secure the straps (like a backpack) and hold on to the inside handles for stability and control. Once inside, the Knockerball® acts as a protective barrier with the player’s head and entire upper-body safely surrounded by the bubble. What makes a knockerball truly special, however, is that unlike a human hamster ball, the player’s legs are free. This allows them to run, bump, and play classic games like soccer, capture the flag, and musical chairs with a whole new perspective, and that’s when the fun begins!
