A Revival in the works for Camp Canonicus!
Innovative Camp & Conference Ministries are Happening Today in Other Places! Camping is Not Dead!
The Big Picture
- ACA – 20,000 camps exist – year around or summer only
- 26 Million campers per summer attend a camp
The American Baptist Camps Picture In 2000 there were 55 ABC Camp properties *
- 25 years later: loss of 13% (7) and 87% continued ministry
- Most camps in ABC operate separately from the region.
- The 7 camps lost were those integrated into regional structures.
- Let’s look at two success stories in your neighborhood
Grotonwood Baptist Camp & Conference Center
Retreats Ministry
- Growing Retreats income = $756,362 in 2024.
- 1,000’s of people have come to learn more about Jesus.
- A huge asset to Christian groups for spiritual growth.
Camping Ministry
- Camp provides direct, wholistic programming
- Most campers & Most income ever in 2023
- YES – Camper impact is GROWING – not shrinking!
Camp Sentinel – ABC NH & VT!
A Case Study of Successful Turn-Around
These key factors created this growth, change, and success!
- Sustained effective leadership from skilled fulltime staff
- Effective board leadership
- Diversity of income factors to fix bottom line
Strong support by churches, alumni & friends - God’s blessing on a challenging change process
- Strong support for Camp Sentinel!
Camp Sentinel – ABC NH & VT!
A Case Study of Successful Turn-Around
These key factors created this growth, change, and success!
- Sustained effective leadership from skilled fulltime staff
- Effective board leadership
- Diversity of income factors to fix bottom line
Strong support by churches, alumni & friends - God’s blessing on a challenging change process
- Strong support for Camp Sentinel!
There is a Path Forward
Are these examples comparable to Canonicus? YES
Challenging but Achievable
- New Vision
- New Programming*
- Detailed Strategic Plan
- Experienced Board Leadership
- Financial Plan
Fill the Canonicus Outdoor Chapel
- Conferences
- Prayer Vigils, Baptisms and Weddings
- Camp Songs and Hymn Sings!
- A place to listen to God in the wilderness
We will treasure the land that was given for $1.00 to become a church camp! We can provide innovative programming!
The Sweet Family gave their farm to start Camp Canonicus in 1948
We choose to honor the gifts made by the Sweet and Woods families with a return to quality Christian camping to change lives for Christ. There is a youth crises today. We have programs and facilities to help.
Camping is not limited to kids! Conferences are not limited to adults!
Innovation:
- New people groups;
- New programs;
- New service opportunities
- Veterans, Home school, 12-step, Baptist history, Disabilities
- Health & Lifestyle, Environmental
- Interfaith Dialogues
- Etc./ Etc./ Etc.
God is moving forward with great blessings
On May 9, 2026, the American Baptist delegates and pastors voted to rebuild the Canonicus ministry.
Canonicus Ministries leadership officially purchased the property from ABCORI in August
Buildings and facilities are undergoing a review for a capital improvement plan.
Our new digital infrastructure will soon display updates to our website including: donation management, volunteer signups, booking calendar for Conference Center reservations, electronic payment options, volunteer management and more.
Help us in making the the renewed Canonicus Vision unfold!
Canonicus Ministries Mission Statement
To operate a camp and conference center to:
- Enhance the spiritual well-being of members of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and other churches and individuals through Christ-centered camp and conference programs for youth, adult, and family.
- Offer facilities for other churches and religious organizations of the Christian faith to conduct similar programs.
- Support the general public’s spiritual, physical, intellectual, social or economic well-being by providing facilities or other programs for charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or community organizations.
Testimonials
Watch the video on your left from Elaine Dahn from Calvary Baptist on life impact.
Watch the video on your right on how Canonicus serves congregations -produced by Rev. Evan Howard.
Canonicus Lives!
“On behalf of the members of Canonicus Ministries Inc., I am happy and grateful to inform you that the vote taken today, May 9, 2026 by the ABCORI church Delegates was in the AFFIRMATIVE – Canonicus – after a period of hard work and prayer – will reopen and welcome children and adults to the place that has survived for 75+ years. Thanks to all who assisted us in this. Get ready – Great things coming!” Harold J. Hemberger