Ponderosa Student Ministries' purpose is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to students by giving them opportunities to experience God's power, presence and peace; through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We seek to accomplish this through the 3 C's - Camping, Classes, and Correspondence lessons, which promote the spiritual, moral, and educational condition of students.
Ponderosa Student Ministries is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization. Established in 1947 and operating from its current location since 1976. As a 501(c) 3 organization, Ponderosa is not owned by any person. It is a non-profit ministry operated by Jeff Nelson, Executive Director and overseen by our Board of Directors.
Our Ministries
Summer Camp
Ponderosa Bible Camp offers affordable, week-long overnight camps during the summer. Sessions are available by age groups, starting at age 7. An "extreme adventure" week is offered for teens called "Next Step Camp." Pee-Wee Day Camp is available for local kids age 5-6.
Public School
Public School Ministry
DeKalb County Released Time Bible Education is our ministry to public school students. Released Time Bible Classes are open to every Public School student in DeKalb County, AL in grades 2-6. Students (with permission of a parent or guardian) can be released from school during one PE class each week and go to an off-campus location (usually a church next door) and attend a Bible class.
Foster Kids Camp
Foster Kids Camp is available free of charge for children ages 7-12 who are currently in foster care. Foster Kids Camp will be held one week each summer.
Retreat Center
Retreat Center- Group Rentals
Christian Camp & Retreat Center for Group Rentals with optional catering.
Year-round group rentals for do-it-yourself retreats for your church group of any age!
Mailbox Club
Ponderosa Student Ministries is pleased to offer these free lessons. The Mailbox Club is an exciting, through-the-mail, Bible correspondence class with age-appropriate Bible lessons for 1st thru 12th Grade students.
These Bible lessons are Christ-centered, true to the Bible and full of encouragement for your child or teenager.
Angel Tree Camping
Angel Tree® Camping makes camp possible for children of incarcerated parents by providing scholarships and partnering with churches and camps nationwide.
Ponderosa is honored to partner with Prison Fellowship to provide a Christian camp experience to children of incarcerated parents.
