The History of The Woods

In 1963, two Presbyteries in Kansas joined together and purchased the 400 acres that would become Westminster Woods. Their vision was to create a place where campers could learn about God in a natural environment. This vision became a reality in the summer of 1964 when the first camp was held.

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Campers were first housed in teepees and hogans, then in 1966 the dining hall, cabins 1 and 2, and the lake were constructed. The next year, cabins 3, 4, and 5 were constructed, and in 1972 the Chapel in the Woods was built.

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The camp house was added in 1979.

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Louis Lodge was built in 2001 along with the first dining room addition to the dining hall. 

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"The Woods" has continued to expand. In 2007, cabins 3.5 and 6 were built. In 2010, the Chapel on the Hill was added. The much needed office addition to the dining hall took place in 2015. And in 2016, cabin 4.5 was constructed. 

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At the end of 2017, the Presbytery of Southern Kansas graciously allowed Westminster Woods to become its own 501c3, a not-for-profit ministry. The Presbytery allowed The Woods to "grow up" in the same way that parents, after years of love and support, release their children into the world to become everything they were raised to be. 

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Westminster Woods has continued to grow. In 2020, the storm shelter was added, followed by the dining room expansion in 2022. At the end of 2023, the remodel of cabin 1 began.

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Today, the mission of Westminster Woods is to be dedicated to the glory of God, a place set apart where campers of all ages can build and strengthen their relationship with Christ and each other.

 

Westminster Woods does this through time set aside for spiritual formation, worship, and play. With the support of prayer, financial gifts, and volunteers we recruit and train staff who desire to follow Jesus and provide and maintain facilities for Christian ministry.

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In 2024, Westminster Woods is proud to celebrate 60 years of camp ministry.