You're in the right place! El Nathan Ministries is now "Mt. Elden Christian Camp" | Click Here to Learn More
History
Mount Elden Christian Camp is the only Christian camp and retreat facility in Flagstaff, Arizona, uniquely designed to serve as your basecamp for both adventure and reflection.
Since 1935, we have provided a welcoming place where groups can gather, recharge, and explore the surrounding area. Rather than hosting structured programs, our focus is on equipping you with the space, amenities, and support you need to create your own meaningful experience—whether that includes outdoor adventure, spiritual growth, or simply time set apart to retreat. Our team is here to assist as needed, while giving you the freedom to shape your retreat in a way that best fits your group.
The Heritage of Christian Camping at Mt Elden
Early Arizona missionaries in the arid high-desert reservation environment of the 1930’s were called to have a special caring and educational focus on the children. As many were tasked as early as age 7 as shepherds responsible for their families’ flocks, the first of summer “Shepherds Camps” began in 1938 with enjoyable activities and Biblical teaching in Flagstaff’s welcoming pine forests near Mt Elden. As Missionary founders Berlyn and Edith Stokely traveled to their small 2+ Acre tent camping site, they were drawn to stop, look and pray over a nearby, abandoned boy’s school campus. In September 1945 they were led to contact the school’s former leader about acquiring it for their tribal youth outreach.
As soon as another buyer’s option to purchase could be terminated the owner, an Arizona State College Professor, Maj. Lional Brady, offered it to the Stokely’s and others who had purposed, prayed, and donated to “claim the property for God’s purpose.” The formidable purchase price equal to 3x the cost of a new post-war Chevy sedan was raised and the camp named El Nathan ”Gift from God” has for 8 decades been a major blessing to all, including special youth and family camps, retreats, Native Bible Conferences and a steadily increasing choice by church, school, and community ministry and recreational groups throughout the region and beyond.
We have now as a Member of Trademark Camping rebranded as Mt. Elden Christian Camp,
embracing a renewed Vision of positive life change and a renewed Mission to help many others to see, know, and experience God.
