The vision was given to us several years before we began our first camp in 1988.

Our purpose was and is to encourage a growing relationship with God in an outdoor recreation setting.

Eddie and Kay Rew, founders of Camp Icthus

The structure of the camp involved traditional summer camp activities that centered around developing a closer and deeper walk with God through Jesus Christ. Activity skills such as fishing, canoeing, archery, riflery (BB guns), crafts, hiking, nature, games, and drama are some of the activities campers can participate in. Bible verses and character qualities are used in each activity to teach Biblical truth. In 1986 we felt led by God to begin this adventure. For the next 2 years, we began developing our program and looking for a camp facility. Each attempt failed and we experienced what some call a “death of a Vision”. We saw no way this idea would happen. If this was God’s purpose He would do it. Temporary jobs provided us with basic needs but at this point, we needed a more permanent job for our family with 3 children and 1 on the way. Several months passed when the Education Pastor of our local church heard we were interested in summer camps and wanted to hear about our plans. After seeing our ideas, we were told this is what he wanted for the church and that would we be interested in running the camp. With the agreement that the camp would be open to anyone and after a time we would become an independent organization, Camp Icthus held its first summer camp in 1988.

In 1992 Icthus Camping Ministry incorporated as a 501©3 non-profit organization with the blessings of our church. In order to keep costs low for families that sent their children to camp we rented facilities and set up an all-volunteer staff. In 2000, we added a Teen Camp to our ministry that challenges teens physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially using adventure recreation activities. After more than 35 years we have seen thousands of kids come through Camp Icthus that are serving God through various ministries and occupations in many fields of endeavors. There are many stories of God’s work in the hearts of those involved in Camp Icthus. We are a small intimate camp, but like a small rock thrown into the water, the ripples affect the whole lake. We are grateful for God’s direction and working in the hearts of Icthus Campers.

For a longer version of our beginnings, go to The Heidi Rew Show Podcast

https://theheidirewshow.fireside.fm/31