CAMPLIFE Values
Since its beginning in 1918, Camp Winnataska has been guided by the Great Commandment: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30–31). Our symbol, the Maltese cross, has four arms representing our Christian intent: helping campers grow physically, spiritually, mentally, and socially/emotionally.
Our CAMPLIFE values—Community, Adventure, Mercy, Purpose, Leadership, Inquisitiveness, Friendship, and Esteem—support this mission. These eight values guide our staff and leadership in creating programming and a camp environment that truly reflects “Christian Camping at its Best.”
At Camp Winnataska, we strive to provide a Christ-centered camp experience where campers grow in confidence, deepen relationships, and find joy in creation. More than anything, we hope Camp is a place where each camper begins to understand who God made them to be—and grows into it with joy and purpose.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
- Mark 12:30-31
Physical Values
Community - At Camp, we work and play together, building strong friendships and learning to help one another. (Loving neighbor)
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." – Matthew 18:20
Adventure - At Camp, we try new things, face challenges, and trust that God is always with us. (Loving self)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9
Spiritual Values
Mercy - At Camp, we practice kindness and forgiveness, treating others as we want to be treated. (Loving neighbor)
"The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." – Luke 10:37
Purpose - At Camp, we discover the special ways God created us to make a difference in the world. (Loving self)
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." – Ephesians 2:10
Mental Values
Leadership - At Camp, we learn to lead by serving others and setting a good example. (Loving neighbor)
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet." – John 13:14
Inquisitiveness - At Camp, we ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover God’s amazing world. (Loving self)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find." – Matthew 7:7
Social/Emotional Values
Friendship - At Camp, we make friends by being kind, loving, and sharing our lives with others. (Loving neighbor)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you." – John 13:34
Esteem - At Camp, we celebrate that God made each of us unique and amazing. (Loving self)
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." – Psalm 139:14