River's Edge Retreat
Private
River's Edge Retreat, on Garden Valley Lane in Columbia, is a nonprofit ministry - now operating as Game Changers - that serves underserved youth in the Midlands through camps and enrichment programs. Its summer camp runs June through July for campers ages 5-14 and combines academics, art, music and technology with scripture memory and sports camps, with character development as the stated focus. The site has a pool and sits close to the interstate.
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 River's Edge Retreat directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Google Reviews
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★★Jessica GaddisWith Crystal and her team not being there anymore and along with all the things that are ran down or broken and have never been updated or fixed. my children that have been to the camp for 2 years now, Seems like money he receives goes else where. My children will not be returning. Everyone that donates should go to the retreat and his staking rink and look at everything and ask him where is all this money from all the sponsors are going because it is not going into retreat or the rink for "the kids". He fooled me too. And he is the the owner Steve ware
★★★★★Toby GannThey do so much for the youth in our community that are in need of spiritual guidance. That's so rewarding to see. Think about holding your next event there.
★★★★★Erik MurrahIve known Crystal at River's Edge retreat for almost a year now and she is great! The facility is conveniently located a stone's throw from the interstate and has a pool, and lovely facility!
★★★★★5Pack KidzMy children have been attending summer camp with River's Edge Retreat for the past two summers and I have experienced nothing short of a positive experience. From a parental perspective, I find it important to ensure that your children are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their environment when not in your care. River's Edge Retreat has consistently done this for my family. We have not experienced either child becoming injured, involved in negative activity, complaining about not wanting to return, nor feeling as it they do not matter. My children are raised in a Christian-based home and this camp has helped continue to instill the love of Christ in my children. My husband, being a pastor, along with myself, could not be more pleased when our children come home reciting scriptures they've learned, songs they've learned, and are always eager to tell us about their day! Not to mention the cute little games they've learned from their new friends. Truthfully, the staff works hard to provide a safe and fun environment for the kids. Granted, not everyone will be pleased and I would account that to their expectations being unrealistic with entire camp full of children of varying ages. I believe any facility who offers to care for your child(ren) for a full day by arriving 1-2 hours before the opening of camp, and not departing until 1-2 after the closing of camp should be appreciated for their sacrifices made to help working parents. However, to each his own. For as long as this camp is running my children will be attending. We have developed a beautiful relationship with the directors and most of the camp counselors who genuinely care and love each child they come in contact with.
★★★★★Katherine WareI want to think Rivers Edge Retreat for helping the homeless children in my school district (Lexington/Richland 5) for the past 5 years. What an awesome place for these children to grow closer to God!