About Us
Mission
Bedford Camp and Conference Center is a retreat facility with deep roots in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Our mission is to provide a wooded setting for faith formation, spiritual renewal, community building, leadership development, strategic planning and mentoring. The Camp’s ministry of hospitality helps participants of all generations to foster a deeper faith, discern their spiritual gifts and build relationships. In all of these ways we seek to connect people with God’s abundance
What is currently known as Bedford Camp and Conference Center has a long and rich history spanning over 100 years. The camp is perched atop a picturesque, wooded, limestone bluff overlooking the East Fork of White River, and is situated about 1.25 miles northwest of the original county seat of Palestine and directly across the river from the historic Clara Barton Red Cross farm. The camp was built as a community country club in 1914. A few years later it became a YMCA camp known as Camp Gunaquot. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana purchased the site in 1951. Bedford-First Christian Church acquired the camp in 1972. Over the decades the camp has welcomed and enriched the lives of thousands of campers.
History
About Camp
For years, the Christian Church in Indiana (Disciples of Christ) has used our site to host Youth Camp for children from its member churches. Our Camp Ministry remains an integral part of the covenant that binds us together with the Christian Church in Indiana. The camp continues to host Youth Camp and many other faith-based and secular youth and adult groups. While we are focused on our mission, our camp is open to anyone, not just religious-based groups. Our goal is to see our beautiful property benefit as many people as we can in as many ways as possible.
Directions
Bedford Christian Camp
33 Church Camp Road
Bedford, IN 47421
812-329-1222
FROM THE NORTH
Take State Road 37 south past Bedford. After passing Bedford, State Road 37 narrows to one lane and crosses White River on the George C. Hawkins Memorial Bridge. After crossing the bridge, go to the second crossover which is across from the entrance to the car lot, and make a U-turn. Go back to the north and take Business Route 50 toward Bedford. (Do not get on ramp that says “37 North”) At the next road after the ramp, turn right, on to Sandpit Road (There is a large red, white, and blue sign that says “Lawrence County Complex” at Sandpit Road). Go about two miles to Church Camp Road. Turn right (south) and follow Church Camp Road to the camp entrance.
FROM THE SOUTH
Take State Road 37 North toward Bedford. Cross White River on the Eugene B. Crowe Memorial Bridge and follow Business Route 50 toward Bedford. (Do not get on ramp that says “37 North”) At the next road after the ramp, turn right, onto Sandpit Road. (There is a large red, white, and blue sign that says “Lawrence County Complex” at Sandpit Road). Go about two miles to Church Camp Road. Turn right (south) and follow Church Camp Road to the camp entrance.
FROM THE EAST
Follow Highway 50 West into Bedford. Stay on Business 50 through Bedford. Continue southward on Business 50/Mitchell Road until you reach Sandpit Road. Turn left onto Sandpit Road just before reaching the exit ramp for Highway 37 North. (There is a large red, white, and blue sign that says “Lawrence County Complex” at Sandpit Road). Go about two miles to Church Camp Road. Turn right (south) and follow Church Camp Road to the camp entrance.
FROM THE WEST
Take Highway 50 East to the junction with Highway 37 North, and turn left at the light. Take State Road 37 North/Highway 50 West toward Bedford. Cross White River on the Eugene B. Crowe Memorial Bridge and follow Business Route 50 toward Bedford. (Do not get on ramp that says “37 North”) At the next road after the ramp, turn right, onto Sandpit Road. (There is a large red, white, and blue sign that says “Lawrence County Complex” at Sandpit Road).Go about two miles to Church Camp Road. Turn right (south) and follow Church Camp Road to the camp entrance.
