Camp Chippewa and Retreat Center

🙏 **Experience Adventure and Growth: Camp Chippewa and Retreat Center**

For families and groups across Kansas seeking a destination that seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with spiritual growth and focused retreat time, **Camp Chippewa and Retreat Center** in Ottawa stands out as a premier choice. As a United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center, its core mission is to provide an atmosphere in a simple outdoor setting where individuals can **"experience the presence of God in nature; form a relationship with Jesus Christ and others; and nurture one's journey"**. This dual focus means the camp offers more than just recreational facilities; it provides a foundational setting for personal and communal development.

Located on 660 beautiful acres within the historical Chippewa Hills of Northeast Kansas, the center has been a cherished local resource for generations. It caters to a wide audience—from children attending beloved **Day Camps** and **Week-Long Overnight Camps** (as rave reviews attest to the children’s love for the daily activities and spiritual learning) to youth groups, churches, families, and even companies utilizing the facilities for dedicated **retreats and events**. Camp Chippewa is a welcoming destination where faith and fun truly come together, creating memories and building character.

---

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Camp Chippewa is conveniently situated in Franklin County, nestled in the rolling, scenic terrain just outside of Ottawa, Kansas. Its location makes it highly accessible for the entire Northeast and Eastern Central Kansas region, including the Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City metro areas:

• Address: 2577 Idaho Rd, Ottawa, KS 66067, USA

The camp is located approximately one hour from downtown Kansas City, offering an easy escape from the city hustle. While its surroundings feel rural and expansive, the drive is simple, making it feasible for day camp drop-offs and weekend retreat logistics. Access to the property is by paved and well-maintained roads. While the facilities include **RV camping sites**, it is important to note that the site is generally **not accessible to large RVs** due to the nature of the camp roads and sites, making it best suited for tent campers, small RVs, and, primarily, those utilizing the on-site lodges and cabins. Reservations are always required, securing your spot in this peaceful setting.

---

📋 **Services Offered**

Camp Chippewa functions year-round as both a summer camp and a full-service retreat center, offering a diverse array of services to groups and individuals:

• **Diverse Lodging Options**: Accommodation includes **Asbury Lodge**, various **Cabins** (e.g., Swancreek, Blackriver, Munsee), and **Coldsmith Lodge Area**, all of which often feature amenities like **air-conditioning, heat, and running water**.
• **Camping Facilities**: Basic **Tent Camping** sites and limited **RV sites** (with electric hookups available) are offered, typically for overnight guests.
• **Food Service**: Full **meal service** (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) can be provided for groups, with specific pricing per person, simplifying logistics for retreat organizers.
• **Meeting and Event Spaces**: Lodges feature dedicated meeting rooms suitable for church services, business planning, and group activities.
• **Trained Program Staff**: Staff are available to lead activities such as **Low Ropes/Challenge Course** sessions, specially tailored to help groups build trust, communication, and initiative.
• **Full Aquatics Center**: Includes an **outdoor pool** with zero-depth entry (ADA compliant) and certified Red-Cross lifeguards on staff during summer months.
• **Restrooms and Showers**: Full bathhouse facilities are available for both cabin users and tent/RV campers.
• **Volunteer Opportunities**: The center actively encourages volunteers for various roles, supporting its non-profit, ministry-focused mission.

---

✨ **Features and Highlights**

The activities and natural setting are the heartbeat of Camp Chippewa, utilizing the 660 acres of land and the man-made features to provide an enriching experience:

• **Extensive Outdoor Activities**: The camp provides a huge variety of options, including **archery** (often featuring a Scheels Archery Range), **canoeing** and **pedal boating** on Briscoe Lake, **swimming**, and **fishing** in multiple ponds (catch and release).
• **Equestrian Program**: RMR offers **horseback riding lessons** and **trail rides** (often with minimums for group booking), a unique and highly-rated feature.
• **Mileage of Trails**: Situated in the Chippewa Hills, the property features **miles of beautifully maintained hiking trails** suitable for various activity levels.
• **Team-Building**: A dedicated **Low Ropes/Challenge Course** and a variety of ball fields and recreational areas (Gaga Ball pits, half basketball court) promote teamwork and fun.
• **Historical Significance**: The camp resides on land once designated as a reservation for the Chippewa, Munsee, and Sac and Fox people, providing a unique historical and regional context.
• **Variety of Camps**: The center hosts numerous specialized camps throughout the year, including **Faith & Fun** camps for younger children, **Boots 'N' Bible** for older youth, and dedicated **Day Camp** options, praised highly by local parents.

---

📞 **Contact Information**

For more details on booking a retreat, signing up for a summer camp session, or reserving facilities at Camp Chippewa, local Kansans can use the following contact information:

• Address: 2577 Idaho Rd, Ottawa, KS 66067, USA
• Phone: (785) 242-6797

---

✅ **What is Worth Choosing Camp Chippewa and Retreat Center?**

For Kansas residents, Camp Chippewa and Retreat Center is an outstanding choice, offering a structured environment that serves specific needs beyond those of a public park or simple campground. It is worth choosing for those who need:

• **A Spiritual and Character-Building Environment**: As a Christian camp, it provides intentional time for worship, Bible study, and faith exploration, integrated with fun activities, which is a major draw for faith-based families and groups.
• **High-Quality, Turnkey Group Retreats**: The year-round availability of **heated/AC lodges and cabins**, combined with the option for **full meal service** and **staff-led program activities** (like the Challenge Course), makes organizing a retreat or family reunion easy and comprehensive.
• **A Safe and Diverse Summer Camp Experience**: Parents, as noted in customer reviews, appreciate the combination of fun-filled activities (archery, kayaking, horses) and the spiritual growth their children experience, all supervised by trained staff.
• **Excellent Activity Options**: Unlike basic campgrounds, Chippewa offers a robust menu of specialty activities, particularly the highly popular **equestrian program** and the professional **archery range**, which significantly enhances the value of the stay.

Camp Chippewa is more than a place to stay; it is a full-service ministry and recreational center dedicated to providing an enriching, faith-filled, and adventurous outdoor experience right here in the Kansas hills.