Wayland, MI

CHRISTIAN CAMPING MINISTRIES INC (d/b/a SON-Life Camp & Retreat Center)

EIN 38-2248478

Education & Youth Development Outdoor Education & Camps Children & youth

Mission

To provide a setting where people can enter or deepen a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Christian camping and retreat ministry.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

Claim this page

About CHRISTIAN CAMPING MINISTRIES INC (d/b/a SON-Life Camp & Retreat Center)

Christian Camping Ministries Inc (doing business as SON-Life Camp & Retreat Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Wayland, Michigan that operates a Christian summer youth camp and year-round retreat property. The organization runs summer programs, weekend retreats, and outdoor ministry activities on roughly 40 acres with waterfront access and facilities for cabin-based and retreat ministry. SON-Life emphasizes relational discipleship and spiritual growth for children and teens, typically hosting up to 74 campers per week during the summer and employing a seasonal summer staff to run programs.

The organization is tax-exempt and files annual Form 990s; recent filings show program-service revenue and contributed support roughly in the $300k–$420k range (fiscal years 2021–2023) with net assets in the mid six-figures. In the last 2–3 years Christian Camping Ministries has continued regular operations, received grant support from charitable foundations, and maintained its summer ministry schedule and retreat offerings.

Notable achievements

Sustained program operations and growth

Maintained continuous summer camp and retreat programming through recent years, reporting total revenue of approximately $370,000 and program-service income near $178,000 in the 2023 fiscal year, supporting ongoing camper programs and facility upkeep.

Camp facilities and capacity

Operates a 40-acre waterfront site with cabins, dining hall, recreation fields and waterfront activities, able to host up to 74 campers per week and provide a range of outdoor ministry experiences (archery, waterfront, low ropes, team initiatives).

Secured foundation grant support

Identified grant funding from charitable sources (including grants from the National Christian Foundation in recent years) that contributed to program and operational stability.

At a glance

Total assets: $837K
Annual revenue: $381K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 38-2248478
Location: Wayland, MI
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 38-2248478) and listed in national nonprofit databases (IRS/ProPublica records).

Profiled in nonprofit data services (CauseIQ / GuideStar / ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer), indicating public Form 990 filings and fiscal transparency through submitted returns.

Local and denominational partners and churches routinely send campers and provide scholarship support, reflecting community recognition and engagement with regional congregations.

Is this your organization?

Claim this page to keep it current — add your logo, publish campaigns, and reach the donors and advisors discovering you on Mahalo.

Claim this page