For more than 65 years, Camp Elim has been a place where people come to breathe deeply, explore nature and reconnect with God. Tucked between the lake and the ocean in the stunning Booti Booti National Park at Forster, just two hours north of Newcastle, the camp sits in a peaceful and picturesque pockets of NSW. It’s the kind of place where creation itself feels like it’s pointing your attention back to the Creator.
Camp Elim has always been about more than accommodation. It’s a place where individuals, families and groups can have fun, form friendships and grow in faith. Bible verses hang throughout the site as gentle reminders of God’s presence, and the hospitality of the team makes it easy for people of all ages to feel welcome.
“This campground is perfect for people of all ages,” one camper shared. “We camped here over New Year and had a great time. We can’t wait to go back to this paradise—it’s ideal for families with small kids.”
Owned and operated by six small Baptist churches, Camp Elim began in 1959 during the first Convention of the Mid North Coast Baptist Association. What started as a simple gathering space on the shores of Lake Wallace has grown into a vibrant, much-loved retreat where generations have come to laugh, learn and rest.
A Ministry of Welcome
Today Camp Elim opens its doors to Christian groups, public schools, holidaymakers and community groups. Whether guests come to explore faith, enjoy nature or simply take a break, the heart of the camp remains the same: everyone is welcome.
The camp is overseen by a volunteer board from the six founding churches, and every staff member is a follower of Jesus who sees their work as ministry. God has faithfully provided over the decades, and the camp has grown into a trusted destination for groups of all kinds. Schools, churches and community organisations return year after year—often booking as soon as their stay ends.
One teacher described their experience: “We brought a school excursion here for outdoor activities and team building and we all had so much fun. It was perfect for our students. The staff were professional, flexible and incredibly accommodating.”
The Getaway Ministry: Opening Doors for Young People
One of Camp Elim’s most meaningful ministries is their Getaway program, run twice a year during school holidays. Students from disadvantaged or remote backgrounds are identified and sponsored by local Lions Clubs to attend, a chance many of them would never have had otherwise.
The camp hopes to expand this ministry in 2026, allowing schools and churches to nominate young people who would benefit from a Christ-centred week of adventure, friendship and care.
Activities include the Giant Swing, Adventure Tower, raft-building, archery, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, experiences designed not just for fun, but for growth.
These programs embrace the power of adventure-based learning. When young people are given the dignity of risk, safe but meaningful challenge, they learn resilience, teamwork, courage and confidence. They discover that they are capable, resourceful and deeply valued.
The Need: Replacing the Adventure Tower
Camp Elim has been blessed with increasing bookings and growing ministry opportunities. But two of their most loved structures – the Giant Swing and Adventure Tower – have reached the end of their safe lifespan.
These activities have been central to welcoming school groups, hosting Getaway programs and giving young people opportunities to experience God’s love in action.
The committee has already committed $100,000 to replace the Giant Swing. But the Adventure Tower also needs urgent replacement, and the campsite cannot fund it alone. Without it, they risk losing future bookings and, more importantly, losing precious ministry moments with young people.
Camp Elim needs to raise $200,000 to replace the Adventure Tower.
This upgrade will allow them to continue providing life-changing experiences for thousands of young people and families, experiences filled with joy, challenge, community and the love of Christ.
If you’d like to partner with Camp Elim in this important ministry, please get in touch with their Treasurer Steve or visit their website. Your support helps ensure that Camp Elim remains a place where people encounter God between the lake and the sea.
