Camp Joy
Private
Camp Joy is a Christian Bible camp in Dent that runs both day camps and resident (overnight) camps, plus retreats, with programming for children, pre-teens, teens, young adults, adults and families. Activities include soccer, baseball and softball, basketball, swimming, fishing and a game room. Founded in 1939 by P.C. and Lillian Sorensen as a one-week camp at Lake Lida, it now serves more than 700 campers a year and frames its mission around the acronym JOY: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Camp Joy directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Google Reviews
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★★★★★Abram SteinkeCame here this last summer. It was the best camp experience I've ever had. Everyone crying tears from the holy spirit that day. My counselor was very nice. All the other counselors were amazing. 10/10 will come again!
★★Maegan EckerAs someone who has actually BEEN to this camp, it is not a safe space for queer people or for anyone with social anxiety issues. Everyone seems to know each other already and often leave out kids who are "weird." I tried to come back and apparently because I was queer, people complained to parents and I was told that if I attended I would be forced to sleep in the nurses cabin like a p3do. The bathrooms are also disgusting and have bugs, but they are outside bathrooms so it's kind of what you just have to deal with. But I do warn you, if you or your child is queer or considered a "weird" kid, I really wouldn't go to this camp. Edit: I am absolutely not taking this down 😛 I know you saw me in the records, other people literally saw me there. Stop trying to make me take my review down, people deserve to know that Big Sandy Camp is way better than yours because it is actually polite and nice to people that are "different". I will never ever recommend nor come back to this place
★★★★★Jersey TrautmanAbsolutely, 100000%, positively the BEST camp to send your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc. to!! The experiences are so amazing, you become closer to God, new friends, and even the staff. This was my 3rd year, and every year it just gets better and better. I highly, highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome place to send their kiddos where they can experience deepening their relationship with Christ, and making new friends who also have a strong love for Him!
★★★★★Katelyn GonserI love the focus on Jesus and learning more about Him, plus it's a great environment to make friends and have fun. The view over the lake is gorgeous as well.
★★★★★Amanda E.I attended camp here in my youth, and now my children are old enough to go. It is very reasonably priced especially compared to other sleepaway camps offered in the area. (The cabins do not have AC, but they do have fans. The chapel has AC and maybe a few of the other buildings for group gatherings.)