Tall Oaks Camp

The mission of Pine Ridge is to share and model the message of Jesus in a safe, innovative, and relational setting. Pine Ridge, formerly known as Jack and Jill Bible Club Camp, was founded in 1946 by James VerLee, a Bible Club Movement missionary. Under his foresight the Camp was purchased, built and expanded to what is currently a 100 acre site with a total of over 35 facilities. Today, Pine Ridge is licensed by the State of Michigan to accomodate 130 campers per camp session. Most importantly, thousands of children and youth have come to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior because of the Camp's ministry.During the last 20 years, the summer enrollment has averaged 700-900 campers over nine weeks of camping with an average of 125 recorded salvation decisions each summer. Many others have gone on to serve Christ with their life including many pastors and missionaries serving around the world today. The camping environment is highly effective as our staff model Jesus, and the children are loved and nurtured in a fun and safe environment. According to the 2000 census data, in Kent County alone there are over 109, 000 children that could attend Pine Ridge. Historically, the vast majority of Pine Ridge campers have come from West Michigan, including both Kent and nearby Ottawa County. With the large number of youth in the area, the opportunity is great for reaching more children and youth with the gospel. Since 1980, Pine Ridge also has served the mentally challenged population. Pine Ridge has seen a 300% growth in our mentally challenged sessions over the past five summers! Unfortunately, potential mentally challenged campers are being turned away due to facility limitations. Jesus loves the challenged, and the desire at Pine Ridge is to share that love with them.