Hume Lake Christian Camp Bringing Families Together

With today’s hectic lifestyles, it is challenging for families to slow down and spend quality time together. We often find ourselves so wrapped up in our day–to–day stresses that we forget to stop and appreciate the beautiful lives we’re actually building for ourselves. But faith–based organizations like Hume Lake in California give families the opportunity to spiritually reconnect and rejuvenate.

Tucked away in the Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake sits on 365 acres of majestic beauty. Since 1946, it has been hosting various Christian camps and family retreats. With more than a million visitors to date, Hume Lake strives to provide an engaging, unimpeded experience with an opportunity to grow closer to God. Attendees also foster relationships with other families as they take a break from the daily grind and participate in Biblical teachings, dynamic workshops, and various physical activities.

Hume Lake Campgrounds is not only surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the camp teaches core values with a spiritual emphasis. The site includes convenient accommodations, several chapels, dining halls, swimming pools, and ropes courses. Hume Lake provides a safe and comfortable environment for families to grow spiritually.

Hume Lake Winter Camp:

Several different retreats are offered at Hume Lake, including the father–son, father–daughter and mother–daughter retreats. These camps are for participants aged 8 and older. Parents and their children enjoy spiritual nourishment along with activities such as arts and crafts, hiking, and boating. In addition, Hume Lake offers The New Year Family Camp, facilitated by nationally renowned marriage counselors who emphasize the significant role of families as the bedrock of society.

According to Jason King, Assistant Director of Adult and Family Ministries at Hume Lake, the majority of Hume Lake’s family retreat attendees are from Southern California, but some families travel from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The retreats take place over 3–4 days.

Long Beach resident Melinda Lankford has participated in several of Hume Lake’s family camps. Lankford cherishes the serenity she and her family experience in the beautiful mountains. "My favorite part of the camp is the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the ability to ‘unplug’ our electronics. The speakers and various activities are also high quality, yet personable. It is a definite ‘connection’ point for my family. I love to walk around the lake or sit in one of the Adirondack chairs and stare at the lake and the mountains. When I think about being at peace with God and with those I love the most, Hume Lake is part of that picture.

Hume Lake also offers a summer camp in San Diego for students in grades 6–12, on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University. The youth benefit from group prayers and melodic sounds provided by camp musicians. The various recreational activities encourage team–building and give participants an opportunity to practice leadership skills.

For San Diego resident Deron Higgins, Hume Lake programs strengthen his marital bond with his wife and his love for God. Furthermore, Higgins thrives on developing friendships with other like-minded families during the retreats. "From the family and couple’s retreats to the youth camps, they are all awesome. The direct impact is clearly a deeper connection with God, who He is, and who we are. Perhaps what stands out the most are the relationships formed and of course the lake itself. Biking, running, walking around the campus, boating, paddle boarding, and sailing on the lake—not a bad backdrop."

Lake Hume retreats help families return home physically and mentally recharged with greater spiritual sustenance. For many participants, the family camps have created lifelong memories while helping them to connect with God and with one another in a natural setting. When it comes time to plan your family’s vacation this year, cancel those annual plans for the beach house and head North. Hume Lake is waiting to take you home.

Hume Lake Directions and Address:

From Southern California: 

Interstate 5 North to CA-99 

Head North on CA-99 for 96.6 mi 

Merge onto CA-198 East 

Exit immediately on Plaza Dr (exit #102) 

Turn left (North) on Plaza Dr 

Plaza Dr becomes Rd80/Alta Ave. Continue North 

Turn right (East) at E American Ave 

Go 2.5 mi 

Turn left (North) at Cove Ave 

Turn right (East) at CA-180 

Veer right at Hume Lake Rd 

Stay to the right 

From Northern California: 

CA-99 South to CA-180 

Merge onto CA-180 East  

Veer right at Hume Lake Rd  

Stay to the right 

Hume Lake Campus Map (Download PDF)