Camp Bethel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp Bethel
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Entrance to Camp Bethel
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 124 Camp Bethel Rd., Haddam, Connecticut |
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| Area | 46.7 acres (18.9 ha) |
| Built | 1877 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Seasonal cottage |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001246 |
| Added to NRHP | December 11, 2007 |
Camp Bethel is a special historic place located in Haddam, Connecticut. It's a Christian "camp meeting" facility, which means it was a place where people gathered for religious events and spiritual growth. The camp sits on a hill overlooking the beautiful Connecticut River.
Camp Bethel was started way back in 1877. It is one of the few old camp meeting sites still around in New England today. The Camp Bethel Association (CBA) owns it. This group is non-denominational, meaning it welcomes people from different Christian backgrounds. The camp is also available for other groups to rent. Because of its long history, Camp Bethel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Contents
What is Camp Bethel Like?
Camp Bethel is found in the southeastern part of Haddam. It is just north of the East Haddam Bridge, which crosses the Connecticut River. You can get there by taking Camp Bethel Road, which branches off Connecticut Route 82.
Buildings and Features
The camp is built on a bluff, a high cliff, that looks out over the river. It is surrounded by peaceful woods. The main buildings at Camp Bethel include a chapel, a memorial hall, and several boarding houses. There is also a dining hall where campers eat.
In addition to these main buildings, there are more than 40 cabins. Most of these structures were built between 1889 and about 1920. The dining hall is newer; it was built in 1992 after the original one was destroyed in a fire.
The History of Camp Bethel
Camp Bethel has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. It began as a place for religious gatherings and has changed over the years.
How the Camp Started
The camp was first started in 1877 by a group called the Life and Advent Union. This group was part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They had split from the main Adventist church in 1863. Before finding this permanent spot, they held their meetings at other Adventist camps.
Camp Bethel became their main base. They leased the land from a local farmer named Clark. It was the third revival camp in Connecticut and the first known one for an Adventist group. In the early days, people stayed in temporary structures like tents. Large tents were used for dining and worship.
Changes Over Time
In 1964, the camp was officially renamed "Camp Bethel." Its ownership also changed. It became a non-denominational, not-for-profit organization. This means it is open to many different Christian groups and does not aim to make money.
Today, Camp Bethel is still used as a center for missionary work. Its facilities are also rented out to other organizations. It continues to be a place for spiritual gatherings and community events.
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