Our Mission

 

It is our mission to promote the physical, social, and spiritual development of all who utilize our programs and facilities resulting in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  

 

 

+ Our Vision

Spiritual

To lead each camper to salvation and challenge them to grow in their faith in Christ.

Physical

To develop healthy bodies, enjoyment of the outdoors, and good safety habits.

Social

To develop leadership, self-reliance, responsibility, acceptance of others, and a wholesome attitude toward the opposite sex.

Mental

To develop creative thinking, self-expression, and personal conviction.

Emotional

To develop stability and self-confidence, as well as, encouraging wholesome fun and a sense of achievement.

+ Doctrinal Statement

SCRIPTURE We believe in the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, are without error in the original writings, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life; [Proverbs 30:5-6; Nehemiah 8:8; I Peter 1:23-25; II Peter 1:3-4,19-21; II Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2]

TRIUNE GOD We believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; [John 1:1-18, 10:30, 14:1-17; Genesis 1:1-26; Isaiah 44:6; Psalm 102:27; Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; Colossians 2:9; Titus 1:2-4; I Timothy 2:5]

JESUS CHRIST We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, making atonement for the sins of the world. He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and will visibly return to the world according to His promise; [Colossians 1:15-16; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:31-35; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:22; Romans 5:6-11; Luke 24; I Corinthians 15:3-4, 17; Romans 8:34; Acts 2:22-26; Hebrews 9:24; I Thessalonians 4:13-17]

HOLY SPIRIT We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ and during this age to convict the world of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service; [John 16:8-11; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26, 15:13,16; II Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 9:14;John 16:13, 14:16-17, 16:8-11; Romans 8:26

SIN We believe that all people are created in the image of God, sinners by nature and by choice, fall short of God's standard, and are under God's righteous judgment. Because Jesus died for the sins of the world, the invitation to believe is open to all, and whoever desires may come unto Jesus for new life and the forgiveness of sins; [Matthew 11:28; John 3:16; Acts 3:19, 20:21; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9; I John 2:2; Revelation 22:17]

SALVATION We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only grounds for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus become children of God and will rejoice forever in God's presence; [John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 4:10; Job 19:25; Hosea 13:4]

CHURCH BODY We believe that the true church is composed of all persons who through faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which he is the head. [I Corinthians 12; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 1:22-23; John 1:12-13]

MARRIAGE & FAMILY We believe marriage was ordained by God for two individuals (male and female) to become one flesh, and for believers to be equally yoked. According to the Scripture, husband and wife are to be faithful, no sexual activity should be engaged in outside of marriage, and homosexual acts are considered sinful. We believe that life begins at conception and that God loves and values all people. [Genesis 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:31-33; Matthew 19:3-9; Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 139:13-16; Galatians 1:15; Jeremiah 1:5].

+ Value the Vision

Since its beginning in 1950, Fair Haven Camps has provided a camping program where youth from Maine, New England, and beyond can come to a safe place, experience God’s creation, and leave with a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Maine summer camp, we take advantage of the rugged beauty of our natural lakefront setting. We expose the campers to exciting programs in Maine’s outdoors and use the teaching opportunities to develop youth personally and spiritually.

In addition to camps and retreats, we offer our conference center as a rental site for your school, homeschool group, youth group, church, or non-profit events. Fair Haven Camps offers engaging programming, seasonal and year-round facilities, a commercial kitchen with food service, and year round staff all in a rustic, lakefront setting.

We desire to bring glory to God by being the best Christian Camp Maine has to offer. By continuing to improve our facilities and expand our programs, we strive to meet the needs of our surrounding communities. Fair Haven Camps has always been and will always be low cost, rustic, and accessible.

It takes intentional prayer and financial support in order to accomplish this mission. We pray you Value the Vision at Fair Haven Camps and invest in eternity!

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

 

Our History

Though the vision of a Christian camp had been on the minds of people in this area of Maine, it was not until November, 1950, that the story of Fair Haven actually began. A pastor and his friends were deer hunting when they stumbled onto the abandoned camp buildings on the shore of Lake Passagassawaukeag. Led by God, a small group of men and women stepped out in faith and offered $5,000 for the property. The offer was accepted and Central Maine Bible Conference was formed to sponsor the camp.

Fall and spring found many working at the site, clearing property and repairing the buildings. One Sunday afternoon in early May, the East Haven lodge was full as Fair Haven Camps was dedicated to the glory of God.

July, 1951, began the first camping season with sixty boys and girls attending. The second season, boys and girls each had three weeks. The divided camping seasons were continued until West Haven, the girls’ side, was purchased in 1958. West Haven, on the opposite side of the lake, is now the center of Fair Haven’s year-round retreats, as well. Since then, a full season of camp has been provided for both boys and girls.

Thousands of young people have enjoyed their camping experience here since 1951. Even more important, many have accepted Christ as their Savior and have been stimulated to grow in their faith in Him.

In 2010, Fair Haven Camps celebrated 60 years of service to the Lord with a big celebration. Many former staff and campers came to enjoy the day!

To read a complete history written by founding member Hilda Sheldon click here.