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.
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!
Weekend Rentals available for "destination weddings".
Foster Kids Camp
Providing a free week of summer camp to foster children in northeast Alabama. Giving them the life-changing experience of a week of summer camp in a Christian environment.
A week filled with love and laughter! A week filled with hope and inspiration. A week where they can forget their worries for just a little while. A week where they can just be kids!
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. Ponderosa Student Ministries is pleased to offer these free classes. Released Time Bible Classes are exciting, fun, off-campus Bible classes with age-appropriate Bible lessons for 2nd - 6th Grade students.