Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Christian Summer Camp & Retreat Center in Littleton, NC
Founded in 1968, Camp Willow Run has provided transformative Christian summer camp experiences for youth in a unique railroad-themed setting. Our mission focuses on winning youth to Christ, nurturing spiritual growth, and demonstrating that faith can coexist with joyful living. With over five decades of experience, we offer age-specific programs for grades 3-12, combining adventure activities with Bible-centered teachings. Our carefully selected staff models Christian values through daily interactions, structured worship, and personalized mentorship. The camp accommodates up to 190 campers weekly in renovated boxcars featuring modern amenities.We maintain inclusive programming regardless of background, with special outreach initiatives for at-risk youth through our DJJ sponsorship program. Our facilities include a 10,000 sq ft gym, multiple meeting spaces, and an outdoor lakeside chapel. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we prioritize accessibility through scholarship programs funded by community donations. The legacy of our founders, Reverend Erbie W. Mangum Jr. and Linda Mangum Harris, continues through our commitment to creating life-changing experiences rooted in Christian teachings.
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Retreats
Youth Activities
Scholarship Programs
DJJ Sponsorship
Meeting Facilities
Adventure Activities
Bible Study
Spiritual Development
Camp Store
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Established in 1968 with decades of experience in Christian youth ministry
- Unique railroad-themed campus featuring historic 1911 steam engine and boxcars
- Inclusive programs serving grades 3-12 without regard to background
- Specialized outreach to at-risk youth through DJJ sponsorship program
- Fully modernized facilities combining historic charm with contemporary amenities
What people say
Best week of summer
Spiritually renewed
Superior quality counselors
Life-changing experience
Bible study impact
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Our summer camps serve grades 3-12 with age-specific programming combining adventure activities and spiritual development. Middle schoolers enjoy high ropes courses and hydrosled rides, while high school students engage in intensive Bible study and leadership training. All programs emphasize Christian values through structured worship, small group discussions, and counselor mentorship.
Retreats
We host Christian retreats for church groups from September through May, including specialized events like Mother-Daughter Legacy and Father-Son B*U*I*L*D weekends. Our facilities accommodate up to 220 guests with customized programming featuring worship sessions, team-building activities, and lakeside fellowship opportunities.
Adventure Activities
Campers enjoy diverse adventure activities including water sports on Lake Gaston, climbing wall access, and outdoor worship experiences. Our 10,000 sq ft gym supports basketball, volleyball, and indoor climbing. All activities integrate safety protocols and Christian teachings through staff-led instruction and reflection sessions.
DJJ Sponsorship
Our outreach program partners with the NC Division of Juvenile Justice to provide camp experiences for 100 at-risk youth annually. This initiative combines recreational activities with spiritual guidance, offering mentorship opportunities and life direction through Christ-centered programming and personalized counselor support.
Scholarship Programs
We maintain scholarship funds to ensure accessibility for all interested youth, including the Alana L. R. Liles Memorial Fund. These programs allow economically disadvantaged campers to participate fully in summer activities, supported by community donations and sponsor contributions.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve grades 3-12 with separate summer sessions for middle school (grades 3-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we offer scholarship programs funded through donations to ensure accessibility for all interested youth regardless of financial situation.
What special programs do you offer?
We provide retreat weekends for church groups, DJJ outreach for at-risk youth, and specialized family events like Mother-Daughter Legacy weekends.
What makes your camp unique?
Our railroad-themed campus features historic boxcars converted to modern dormitories, a 1911 steam engine, and caboose accommodations.
How do you integrate faith into programming?
Christian values are taught through daily Bible study, worship sessions, counselor mentorship, and spiritual reflection integrated with recreational activities.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain modern facilities with trained staff, structured supervision, and emergency protocols while emphasizing emotional safety through Christian care.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Live Laugh Lizzie
Sep 03, 2021
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I love camp! my favorite week of the summer!! all of the counselors and staff are amazing and so loving. you definitely should try this out!
Joanna S.
Jun 04, 2019
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This is a truly special place. The counselors are incredible, the lake is beautiful - especially at sunset - and the speakers are good. Be mindful that while CWR is interdenominational most speakers tend to be Southern Baptist, and the camp is true to the mission it outlines on the website. That being said, I'm so thankful to CWR for all the fun times, good memories, and ultimately introducing me into a relationship with God.
John W.
Apr 22, 2019
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My son has gone 2 years in a row now and is scheduled to attend this year as well. He's able to go with 3 other buddies and share the same train car. Great time, still in touch with his counselors from previous years, and has created long-term relationships with his friends.
Brian C. Newman
Jan 13, 2019
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Great camp and very orderly. Counselors and office staff friendly. This is a Christian camp that focuses on tweens and teens across North Carolina and the Southeast. Camp counselors are respectful. Managed very well.
Dustin Shifflett
Aug 05, 2017
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Great staff great location. Just left from camp this weekend. Loved the box cars on the lake. The family style dining was great too. Great options for things to do while on the site such as , high and low ropes, sailboats, canoes, gym, archery, riflery and more
