Faith & Philosophy

Statement of Faith

We believe:

In one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 14:16- 17; Matthew 28:19). Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man (Matthew 1:18-23).

In the Scriptures of Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original writings, and of supreme and final authority in faith and life (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We were created in the image of God; we sinned, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born in sin and this sinful nature is the origin of all sinful acts in thought, word and deed (Genesis 1:26; Romans 5:12; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23).

The Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in him are justified on the ground of his shed blood (Romans 5:8-9).

All who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, and thereby become children of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:9).

In the bodily resurrection of Christ and his ascension to heaven, and in his present work as High Priest and Advocate (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 4:14-16).

In the personal return of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

In the bodily resurrection of the just to everlasting blessedness, and the unjust to everlasting punishment (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:15; Romans 6:23).

In the equal value of all persons by upholding the God-given worth of all human beings, from conception to death, as the unique image-bearers of God. (Gen. 1:27; Psalm 8:3- 8, 139:13-16)

That God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Genesis 1:26-27.)

That God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman, and that intimate sexual activity is to occur exclusively within that union. (Genesis 2:18-25, Matthew 19:1-9, Ephesians 5:22-33,Romans 1:18-32, Hebrews 13:4)

We believe that we honor God by caring for the world He created. We are to be good and faithful stewards by thoughtfully using and not abusing the earth’s resources (Gen. 1:1-2:3, Deut. 10:14, Psalms 19:1-6, 24:1, Luke 19:40)

Core Values and Philosophy:

“Christ in Every Phase of a Camper’s Life” is at the heart of the Camp Cherith philosophy. We incorporate it into every part of our camping program using the
Core Values of the Association of Cedarbrook Camps:

Creation Appreciation

Campers will develop a deeper appreciation of God’s creation and an increased sense of our environmental stewardship responsibilities. Campers will enjoy and feel comfortable in the outdoor environment and care for it appropriately.

Spiritual Formation

Encourage and support campers’ growth in their personal relationship with God by providing opportunities to:

- Recognize and act on the need to accept Christ as personal Savior and Lord over every area of life.
- Study and memorize God’s word and apply Biblical principles to daily life.
- Participate in personal and group worship, devotional time, prayer and reflection.

Relationships and Community

Provide opportunities for campers to experience and build successful, positive individual and community relationships that are consistent with Biblical principles.

Skill-Building and Individual Development

Provide opportunities for campers to have fun, discover and celebrate their God-given value, uniqueness and abilities, develop increased competence and self-confidence, courage, and perseverance through learning and improving in challenging, skill-building activities.