Great Oaks Camp - Urban Youth Ministry

Urban Youth Ministry

Proclaiming Christ through Camping since 1972!

Great Oaks Camp was established in 1972 as a ministry to the urban youth of Peoria. We believe that building a child’s self-confidence, improving her attitude, developing his civility and citizenship, and helping her take personal responsibility first begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. We nurture this relationship by offering to low-income children a free week at camp during the summer and follow-up programs throughout the year.

About our Campers

Most of our campers come from low-income, single-parent households in Peoria.
Most of our campers attend schools that have been reprimanded by the State of Illinois for substandard performance.
Many of our campers are in foster care.
Many of our campers have experienced physical abuse or neglect.
Many of our campers live in homes where drug and alcohol abuse are present.
Many of our campers have been sexually abused.
Nearly all of our campers live in neighborhoods where drugs, sexual promiscuity, and gang violence are a daily issue.