Our History
We want to be part of your story
Roy and JoAnn Kyzer had a dream for a camp for the youth of their church and the churches they fellowshipped with. After searching throughout Tennessee, they came upon a beautiful place in Vanleer, TN and with the help of The (Original) Church of God and many individuals inside and outside of the organization, they were able to procure this property and build it into what it is today. Camp Ridgedale was founded in 1978 and continues on today as a ministry of The (Original) Church of God and being a blessing to churches and Christian organizations whom are like minded.
Camp Ridgedale Today
Today, Camp Ridgedale is managed by Bryan Johns. Roy and JoAnn are still on site and still love being involved where they can. The Holloways, the Wells, and the Britts are 3 families on site that are working to make Camp Ridgedale a wonderful place. The Crider family gave many years to the camp and though they have moved off site, are still involved as well as the Geisler family, though they may have moved back home, are still part of us and also still help when they are able. We also are so grateful to our Camp Ridgedale Crew Volunteer Team that are helping us.
Common Queries
We are a small church, we don't have enough people to meet the minimum for rental.
Small churches are very important to us. If you are a small church and are willing to partner with others, we would be happy to try to help facilitate events with other small churches. If you are wanting or willing to join others in doing an event, please contact us and let us know.
Is there food??
We have a kitchen and can provide food for your camp or retreat. We have two separate rental prices, one with food and one where you provide food and cooks and you rent the kitchen. We have a time tested menu and can even accommodate most special requests and allergies if needed and notified in advance.
Do you have internet?
Currently we have internet only in our lodge. It can be set up to be limited access for leaders only or for our adult groups, it can be set up fo all to use. The rest of the camp has spotty cell phone service with Verizon being the better of the carriers
Do you host your own camps or retreats open to the general public?
Camp Ridgedale does both. We host 2 kids camps and an overnight youth camp during the summer and are always looking to expand on the ministry that we do. We also host churches and Christian groups for their camps and retreats and love to get to know them and serve them as they draw closer to God and one another.