A note from Phil Berry

Posted by phil

Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Executive Director

Camp Ridgecrest and Camp Crestridge families,

My first summer at Camp Ridgecrest was when I was 9 years old, and I was terrified as I rolled up to the front gate. I didn’t know anyone except for my older brother. From my first interaction at Camp, I felt welcomed and taken care of. Through the greatest adventures, and most challenging times, God used Camp and the people here to mold my faith, my character, my sense of humor, and my drive for excellence in ministry.

I remember Ron my first summer at Camp in the 80s, man he seemed old in my 9-year-old eyes. He wasn’t that old, but he was wise, faithful, and committed to all of us. This is how Ron has led the Camps team for decades – with wisdom, faithfulness, and commitment.

When my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I responded, “I want to be Ron.” I don’t remember the exact words I used, but essentially that’s what I told her. I wanted to serve others in this life changing place. For the past 30 years, with a short break, I’ve had the privilege to learn how to serve and to lead here at the greatest place on earth.

As a husband to Amy and a fellow camp parent – I have two Crestridge teenagers myself – I want to thank you in advance for trusting me, and the rest of the Camp team, with your children. Their social, emotional, and spiritual growth and safety are what drive our schedules. We spend 9 months preparing for three months filled with your sons and daughters – along with all of their questions, opinions, fears, and excitement. We love them and we love getting to point them to Jesus, the most important person in their life.

We are about impacting lives for God’s glory through Discipleship and Adventure. It’s what we love and it’s what the Lord has asked us to do. Thanks for doing it with us! And thanks for trusting me in this new role as Executive Director of Ridgecrest Summer Camps.

Phil Berry
Executive Director
Ridgecrest Summer Camps


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Camp Ridgecrest Double Zip

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What’s better than one zip line? Two zip lines! Who would you like to conquer the new Camp Ridgecrest double zip line with? Comment below…


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Cup Stack Trick Shot

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Few people in the world take frisbee and cup stacking more seriously than we do here at Camp Ridgecrest. Not only are they favored skills by many, they are also go-to free swim activities. Watch below as Sam Pineda, assistant director and frisbee guru, knocks down a cup stack at WKU’s football stadium from an improbable distance.


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Campout at Catawba

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Here at Ridgecrest, we love campout nights. We love them because… well, where else do you get to spend a night under the stars with your best friends? Not to mention, packet meals for dinner and smores for dessert! Check out what a night away from Camp out in the sticks looks like below..


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Free Swim!!

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Speedball. Zip-line. Glacier. Two-square. Disc Golf. Horseback. Target Sports. Blob. Canoes. Water Slide. Bouldering. The list goes on and on! Regardless of which activity you choose, Free Swim is such a fun part of the day. What is your go-to Free Swim activity? Comment below..


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Newspaper Party

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15,000 Newspapers. 500 people. 1 awesome party. Rainy days are inevitable here at Camp, but we don’t let them ruin our fun! Check out the video below for a glimpse into this incredibly unique activity…


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The Mighty Sioux

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Our Sioux Trailblazers experience nature to the fullest. Great challenges provide great opportunities for growth, and the Trailblazer program is no exception. The Sioux spend 3-4 days at a time outside of camp hiking nearby areas including but not limited to the MST, Mt. Mitchell, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness.

Check out the video below for a small glimpse into a day in the life of a Sioux!


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Goooooooood Morning Camp Ridgecrest

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Every morning at Camp Ridgecrest starts with Ron’s beautiful wake up call over the PA. But if you think this is just a summertime tradition, think again. Check it out!


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Fall at Camp Ridgecrest

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It is hard to find words for Camp’s beauty… especially in the fall. So we aren’t going to even try. Instead, check out this video. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.


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Gladiator Night

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Once a summer, Ridgecrest travels back in time to 200 AD. During this classic camp-wide activity, Maximus and Sparticus recruit and train the campers to overthrow their Roman oppressors. Check this preview of how the game is introduced…


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