By the end of 2025, the team at Camp Conquest has completed each of our priority strategic objectives as well as the major items on the master site plan. It is now time to pause, pray, and prepare for the next 60 years.
Happy 60th Anniversary Camp Conquest!
January 24, 1966 is the incorporation date for this ministry of evangelism and discipleship in the camp setting. On that day, the papers were signed and filed with the state, but that was not the actual start of Camp Conquest.
In 1959, Bob Sprecher bought the property at 480 Forest Road that would become the Grace Brethren Retreat Center. In the same year Bob Kern arrived as the new pastor at the 3rd Grace Brethren Church of Philadelphia and was commissioned by the district pastors to start a summer camp program.
These two ministries took many forms and different names over the years, but they eventually merged together under the leadership of Bob Lutz in the late 1990’s to become what is today, Camp Conquest.
For the past 24 years I have had the privilege to lead our ministry with a supportive board and an ever-growing, ministry-minded staff. During that time a master site plan was developed that brought us Lutz and Sprecher Lodges, a full-camp septic system, Kern Activity Center and the Welcome Center along with many smaller camp improvement projects. Behind that drive was a strategic plan that over time brought us Fiscal Stability, Facility Management, Community Engagement, Discipleship Programs, and a growing base of volunteer and paid staff. Supporting this development, the camp established reserve funds, a campership endowment, and a strong donor base to support camp operations.
By the end of 2025, the team at Camp Conquest has completed each of our priority strategic objectives as well as the major items on the master site plan. It is now time to pause, pray, and prepare for the next 60 years.
We believe a new dining hall is next major facility need at Camp Conquest, but we want to develop a solid plan that launches the camp into effective ministry well beyond a single building.
For our 60th Anniversary, we are asking you, our faithful friends and supporters, to help us raise $60,000 for strategic and master site planning in 2026. We believe a solid plan will help us honor the past 60 years and launch us into effective ministry for the next 60 years.
Will you join us today? Will you be part of evangelism and discipleship in the camp setting for the next 60 years? Can you help fund the plan that will guide us into the future at Camp Conquest?
Serving with you at camp for the next phase of ministry,
Mike Gehlert
Executive Director
