Who We Are

From the Director
As a mission of the West Virginia Baptist Convention, the West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen has as its mission emphasis to provide an atmosphere "where people meet Jesus and grow as His disciples in a community of faith." In a safe and secure Christian camping environment, we seek to fulfill this mission emphasis by:
  • Enabling campers to understand and experience new life in Christ
  • Offering opportunities for worship, prayer Bible study, fellowship and fun in a creative environment
  • Fostering enduring relationships that will support and encourage Christ-centered living
  • Developing and equipping leaders for the church of today and tomorrow
  • Creating in campers a desire for a lifetime of Christian growth and service.
The West Virginia Baptist Camp has been an integral part of the West Virginia Baptist Convention since 1943. It is easy to hear the impact that walks on the holy grounds of "Camp Cowen" have made on many lives, if you just ask! There have been pastors, staff and lay leaders alike who have heard and answered the call to serve God in mighty ways after a week of camping. The laughter, friendships and yelling "Praise the Lord' after an attitude check make lasting memories on all who visit.
Mostly the lasting impacts are personal. The mission statement reads "Where people meet Jesus and grow as his disciples in a community of faith," and that is truly lived out each week. Almost every summer, 100 people accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and that is an eternal impact. I, myself, was one of those young people who accepted Christ at Cowen in the "old campfire circle" where the present day Covered Campfire is built.
Rob Ely
Director of Camping, 
Conferences and Youth 

Testimonials

"Sandwiched between the mountains of West Virginia and the Birch River is a place many in the state would consider "almost heaven," and for good reason. Camp Cowen is both rustic and beautiful, with the cabins covered by a canopy of sixty, eighty and hundred foot trees that may have been around when West Virginia became a state. As I watched the families bringing their children, I began to notice something in the faces of the adults. They looked around with growing smiles and longing looks as if they had come home."
-Steven Mentzer
"Camp Cowen is avery special place, a gift from God if you will. I first came to Cowen in 1980. Every year from then on when summer rolls around I can't wait to get there. From May through August, I'll be at Cowen periodically for some kind of service for God. The camp has helped me over the years to understand fully what it means to be alone with God. I will continue to go to Camp Cowen for rejuvenation, excitement, challenge and a closer walk with God."
-Tony Nutter
"I love Camp Cowen because I can have fun with people that love God just like I do. One year, my friends and I made the best of a rainy week by belly flopping in the mud in front of Hylbert Hall. All of the best memories are form Camp Cowen."
-Jake Logan
"I attended Camp Cowen over 50 years ago, but I can still close my eyes and picture vespers. I remember feeling so close to God there. I'm so glad I could experience that, and then years later my daughter was able to experience some of those same memories."
-Peggy King Krivsky
"Cowen is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Cowen has always been important to me and will always have a special place in my heart."
-Lori DeHart