About Our Summer Programs
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Good Earth Village is located on about 500 acres in the scenic bluff country of southeastern Minnesota near Spring Valley. It’s in a diverse setting featuring expansive hills, hardwood forests, limestone cliffs, caves, bubbling springs, meadows, and a meandering trout stream. On this large and beautiful site, the summer program of Good Earth Village serves youth of all ages, teaching about Christ and the appreciation of God’s creation. |
| The camping style of Good Earth Village is decentralized and age progressive. Campers stay in "villages", separate from each other on the camp property that are assigned according to school level. Staff members live in cabins with 6-10 campers and spend the week with those campers. The program for each village is designed to meet the needs and abilities of that age group. Generally, the older the campers the more rustic the setting and the more outdoor living is involved. Daily activities at Good Earth Village include worship, Bible Study, lots of hiking, nature activities, games, creek splashing, crafts, swimming at the local public pool, campfires and evening devotions. Junior high campers also experience an off-site trip that includes canoeing. |  |
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A pioneer atmosphere is expressed at Good Earth Village through the teaching of basic living skills, learning from the camp farm area (garden and farm animals), and through lots of outdoor cooking. Community building through the use of our challenge course and an understanding of and appreciation for God’s creations are also emphasized. |
We offer various programs for all ages:
- On the Road - a community program for K-4th graders; takes place in different communities in SE Minnesota
- Trailblazers - a first taste of camp, 24-hour program for grades 1-2
- Settlers - half-week program for grades 2-3
- Pathfinders - week long program for grades 3-4
- Pioneers - weeklong program for grades 5-6; includes preparing half of their own meals
- Explorers - weeklong program for grades 7-9; includes overnight canoe trip and preparing most of their own meals
- Outpost - weeklong program for grades 7-8; removed from main villages and includes tent camping and preparing of all meals, most rustic of on-site programs
- Confirmation Camp - joint effort with congregations to enrich their confirmation program
- Staff-in-Training - three-week program for grades 10-12; teaches the basics of being a staff member and provides hands-on experience working with the campers
- Family Camp - a weekend program for families to worship, play and grow together