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5 Essential Facts About Camp Stevens San Diego: What’s New For 2025 And Why You Need To Visit

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For over 70 years, Camp Stevens has served as a vital, transformative mountain retreat for the Southern California community, particularly for the Episcopal Dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego. Located in the picturesque mountain town of Julian, CA, this camp is far more than a traditional summer destination; it is a year-round center dedicated to personal, social, and environmental transformation. As of the current date in late 2025, the camp continues to build on its rich history with updated facilities and a renewed focus on sustainable living and deep community connection.

The mission of Camp Stevens remains clear: to inspire, challenge, and empower every visitor. Whether you are a youth attending a summer session, a family seeking to unplug, or a school group engaging in outdoor education, the camp provides a welcoming, inclusive space. This deep dive into the facility, its programs, and its modern relevance will uncover the essential details you need to know about this beloved San Diego County institution.

Camp Stevens at a Glance: Location, History, and Core Mission

Camp Stevens is strategically situated in the mountains near Julian, California, placing it approximately one and a half hours northeast of central San Diego. This elevated location provides a distinct natural environment, offering a refreshing escape from the coastal heat and urban sprawl of Southern California.

  • Location: Near Julian, CA (San Diego County)
  • Affiliation: Episcopal Church (Diocesan Camp for Los Angeles and San Diego)
  • Founding Context: The demand for weekend retreats at the facility significantly increased following the establishment of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in 1974.
  • Mission Statement: To inspire, challenge, and empower personal, social, and environmental transformation.
  • Service Area: Primarily serves the greater Los Angeles and San Diego regions, with transportation often available from central San Diego and La Mesa.

The camp’s identity is deeply rooted in its commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice, making it a unique retreat center. This commitment is woven into every aspect of its operation, from its educational programs to its on-site sustainable practices.

The 2025 Program Lineup: Summer Camps, Family Retreats, and Specialized Offerings

The program structure at Camp Stevens is diverse, catering to multiple age groups and intentions, ensuring that the camp remains a dynamic and relevant resource for the community. The focus for 2025 continues to be on immersive, nature-based experiences that foster personal growth and strong community bonds.

The Transformative Summer Camp Experience

The cornerstone of the camp's offerings is its summer camp program, designed for children and teens. Campers experience a blend of traditional camp activities and unique, intentional programming. A key feature is the Adventure Group Model, which allows campers two hours after lunch each day to pursue individual passions, such as hiking the local trails, engaging in arts and crafts, or simply having quiet reflection time.

Campers benefit from an intensive leadership program for staff, where counselors undergo a rigorous 10-day training focusing on group management, conflict resolution, and bullying prevention, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.

2025 Family Camp and Retreats

For families, Camp Stevens offers dedicated Family Camp weekends, providing comfortable lodging and engaging activities for all ages to unplug and reconnect. The 2025 Family Camp Offerings include special events like a weekend culminating in a Mother's Day Brunch, allowing families to celebrate while enjoying the camp’s welcoming community.

Beyond traditional programs, Camp Stevens also hosts specialized retreats, demonstrating its commitment to social transformation. One notable offering is a sacred space retreat for individuals who have experienced religious harm, providing a safe environment to process pain and reclaim spiritual agency.

Sustainable Living and Outdoor Education: The Environmental Core

The "environmental transformation" pillar of the Camp Stevens mission is brought to life through its extensive outdoor education programs and commitment to sustainability. The camp functions as a living classroom, teaching students and visitors about the natural world and their place within it.

The Outdoor Education Curriculum

The Outdoor Education program serves students from 4th through 12th grade, offering field trips and multi-day retreats that engage students in the natural world.

Key components of the outdoor adventure curriculum include:

  • Challenge Course: A comprehensive system of elements designed to promote trust and teamwork.
  • Low Ropes Elements: Ground-based activities that encourage communication and problem-solving.
  • Climbing Wall: A physical challenge that builds confidence and resilience.
  • Teambuilding Programs: Facilitated group activities focusing on social-emotional learning.

Farm and Gardens: A Model of Sustainability

The camp’s dedication to a "sustainable and loving world" is clearly visible in its Farm & Gardens. These spaces are not just for growing food; they are integral to the educational and spiritual experience. The gardens serve as areas for reflection, inspiration, nourishment, and hands-on education, teaching visitors about where their food comes from and the importance of ecological balance.

This focus on environmental sustainability is a crucial LSI keyword that defines the camp's unique position among Southern California retreat centers. The delicious, locally sourced food served in the dining hall is a direct reflection of this commitment.

Lodging and Facilities: Your Mountain Home

Camp Stevens provides a variety of comfortable and modern lodging options for guests attending retreats, family camps, or other events. The facilities are designed to foster community while providing a necessary sense of privacy and rest.

Two of the primary lodges available for overnight guests and retreat groups include:

  • Wolterstorff Lodge: Offers 24 beds across 4 rooms, with shared multi-stall bathrooms. This lodge is ideal for smaller groups or larger families.
  • Lax-Sadler Lodge: Offers 28 beds, providing a slightly larger capacity for group retreats.

For individual or family stays, each lodging option is equipped with, at minimum, a private indoor sleeping area, a restroom, a shower, and a coffee maker, with mini-fridges available upon request. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience for everyone visiting this Julian, CA mountain retreat.

Booking Your Escape to the San Diego Mountains

Whether you are part of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles or San Diego, a school administrator looking for an impactful outdoor education center, or a family simply searching for a restorative weekend getaway, Camp Stevens offers a powerful experience. The combination of its stunning natural setting, its decades-long history of service, and its modern, mission-driven programming makes it an unparalleled destination in Southern California.

To secure a spot for the 2025 summer camps, family retreats, or to inquire about hosting a group retreat at the facilities like Blum Lodge (also used for retreats) or the main lodges, it is highly recommended to check the official Camp Stevens website early. The popularity of this Episcopal camp and retreat center means that spots, especially for the summer sessions, fill up quickly. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the personal, social, and environmental transformation that awaits you in the tranquil mountains near Julian, California.

5 Essential Facts About Camp Stevens San Diego: What’s New for 2025 and Why You Need to Visit
camp stevens san diego
camp stevens san diego

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