Mt. Lou San Bible Camp: Camping Fun for Kids in Harrisburg, PA

Mt. Lou San Bible Camp, located on 2200 Blue Mountain Parkway in Lingleston (just outside Harrisburg) Pennsylvania has been in the business of camping fun and life-changing adventures for children since 1941. It was originally an independent Christian camp run by the Harrisburg Bible Conference, and is now operated as a ministry branch of Encounter Revival Ministries. Encounter Revival Ministries operates the camp during the summer months, and the staff members serve as counselors and kitchen/maintenance crew at the camp. In the fall and winter months, the team travels around to churches to sing, speak, and promote the summer camping ministry.

Three generations of my family have attended or worked during summer camp at Mt. Lou San and seen the camp change a lot through the years. When I first attended, camp was divided into three weeks of girl's camp and three weeks of boy's camp. This was how the camp operated for many years. In the 1990's, teen camp was added. Now, the camp holds three junior weeks for ages 8-12 years and three teen weeks for ages 12-18 years.

Perhaps those reading this article who have attended or worked at Mt. Lou San within the last thirty years or so will remember Chief Eagle Feather and Singing Heart (honorary Indians who spoke in chapel), Camp Director Brother Bob with his Coke polar bear shirt, or Aunt Joan diving into the camp pool fully dressed. Aunt Joan ran a tight ship at Girl's Camp, but was loved by all.

Mt. Lou San Bible Camp is located on beautiful property. There are hiking trails up the mountain. Anyone who has attended summer camp at Mt. Lou San will probably recall nature hikes and campfires on the mountain. There are also nice facilities such as a modern dining hall and chapel. The campers are housed in dormitories and cabins. Outdoors, there is a beautiful swimming pool and sports areas.

Some of the activities offered during the summer camp weeks include paint ball (for teen weeks), outdoor activities, the game room, and crafts. Also, there are daily chapel times. Campers are to bring spending money for the snack shop, bookstore, and craft shop.

Summer camp at Mt. Lou San begins weekly with registration from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon, and ends at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. The cost per week of camp is $190 plus a non-refundable $40 registration fee. The camp requests that all luggage be marked, and has a list for campers and their parents of what to bring/what not to bring.