A Legacy of Vision 

“We need to start a Christian camp!”

In the late 1930''s, Paul “Pete” Peters, Steve LaBelle, Frank Scaccia, Jabez Taylor and others from what is now known as Christ Community Church of Zion, Illinois began organizing overnight youth ministry campouts to state parks and a YMCA camp. These retreats were well-received by the kids and parents. These men shared a vision of a place where young people could consider the claims and transforming power of Jesus Christ in an outdoor setting.

After WWII, the camp leaders began scouting out sites for the church to own and operate its own camp. The church leadership eventually embraced that vision, and gave permission to start the camp near the northern tip of beautiful Door County, Wisconsin, on the waters of Green Bay.

In 1946, the group camped near our present location on the Beard Farm, in exchange for picking the cherries in the orchard. The church leadership purchased the first of four waterfront lots on our present site in 1947. In 1962, camp entered into a rental agreement with Richard and Walter Hannenberg to use approximately 3 acres of adjacent land for recreation purposes. 14.5 additional acres were purchased from the Hannenbergs in 2001 (including the previously rented land), 2.5 additional acres were gifted to camp in 2007 from Jeannette Hidding, and 12.01 acres were purchased from the Hannenbergs in 2016, making for a total camp-owned land of 31.38 acres.

In 2018, camp was offered the chance to purchase 72 adjacent acres. We suggested to the sellers that it would make more sense to sell the property to the County to expand the Door Bluff Headlands County Park, making that beautiful area available and accessible not only to us, but to all Door County residents and guests. The County did purchase the land, and we are happy to be adjacent to 252 acres of beautiful woods and bluffs for hiking and skiing.

Over the years, countless volunteers have helped build and maintain the facilities. Door County locals like Carl M. Carlson and the Weborg brothers donated time and equipment in the early days. Even now, the camp uses mostly volunteer staff, who have established a tradition of popular, well-run programs.

The original name was “Zion Camp”, a name still used by many Northern Door natives. In the early 1950’s a contest was held to re-name the camp, and “Camp Winnebago” was chosen, to honor the Native American Indian tribes from the area. However, the name never really caught on, and the name was changed to “Camp Zion”.

The camp program has always included summer youth camps and seasonal retreats for youth and adults.  In 1998, the decision was made to establish a full-time camp director position, in order to better assess and care for facility and upkeep needs, keep up with increasing health and safety codes, train staff, steward the program, and to operate camp more consistently throughout the year. Executive Director Dale Stewart and family moved permanently to Ellison Bay in 2000.

A Track-Record of Life-Change

Camp is a unique environment, a temporary community. Camp takes people out of their normal routines and away from life’s distractions, so they can focus on the truly important issues of life. Fun activities, outdoor recreation, and meaningful worship times work together to  move hearts and minds toward a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe; lives are changed at camp!

Looking Forward

The Camp Leadership Team desires to maximize ministry opportunities available to us. Operating under Values-Driven Governance Policies, we are committed to:

• Serve current and new churches and groups for memorable, God-honoring camps and retreats, with an eye toward excellence.

• Meet the growing demand of kids who want to attend camp.

• Encourage adults to take time away to experience God’s creation, and to learn about and experience the goodness of God’s grace.

• Update and improve our facilities and program.

• Appreciate, grow, and challenge our donor base.

• Continue to develop a new generation of volunteers.

• Add an appropriate number of full-time, year-round staff, who  understand and appreciate the ministry of Christian camping, and have a heart for serving.

Proud to be part of the Northern Door Community

Camp Zion has called Door County home since 1946 and has become a beloved and integral fixture in the northern peninsula. Children and youth, their parents, adults, volunteers and staff all return again and again to Door County, frequenting local restaurants, shops, and businesses, contributing to the local community and economy.

Camp Zion has also become a favorite camp destination for many local Door County children. We are happy to serve these Door County families!