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Lion Camp – Veritas Christian Academy’s Annual High School Retreat

At Veritas Christian Academy, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. We are committed to the mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and character development of every student.

To launch each school year with purpose and unity, we created Lion Camp—an annual overnight high school retreat designed to inspire, connect, and challenge our students in a Christ-centered environment.

Veritas Lion Camp Bonfire
Veritas Lion Camp Bonfire

What is Lion Camp?

Lion Camp is held each September during the first week of school at Spruce Lake Retreat Center in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Over the course of one overnight stay, students and faculty step away from their normal routines to engage in activities that build community, deepen faith, and strengthen character.

The retreat includes:

  • High-energy games and outdoor challenges
  • Team-building exercises and group discussions
  • Hiking, climbing wall, and other physical activities
  • Student-led worship and devotionals
  • Guest speaker sessions focused on spiritual growth
  • Time for prayer, reflection, and fellowship

Why We Do It

Lion Camp exists to:

  • Build school spirit among students, faculty, and administration
  • Introduce and orient students to the Shalom Community we strive for at Veritas Christian Academy
  • Provide space for God to work deeply in students’ hearts, shaping them into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29)
Team building activities and games

When & Where

Dates: First Thursday and Friday of the school year (one overnight)

Location: Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Pennsylvania

Schedule: Depart from Veritas after lunch on Thursday, return by 3:00 p.m. Friday

What to Bring

Students should pack for a full 24 hours of activities, including outdoor recreation and evening worship.

Packing essentials:

  • Comfortable, modest clothing for outdoor activities (shorts allowed, but pack pants as well)
  • Sneakers or closed-toe athletic shoes (required for climbing wall and outdoor challenges)
  • Sweatshirt or jacket for cool evenings
  • Bible and journal/notebook
  • Optional: quarters for the game room at Spruce Lake
  • Linens and towels are provided by Spruce Lake.

Lunch on Thursday: Please pack or order lunch for Thursday, 9/7. Lunch will be eaten at school before departure.

Cost

Thanks to the generosity of our community, there is no fee for students to attend Lion Camp. The estimated cost per student is $125–$150, and donations are gratefully accepted to help offset expenses.

If you feel led to give, please contact our school office or donate securely at veritasnj.org/giving.

Join Us in Prayer

We ask our Veritas community to pray that God will use Lion Camp to draw students closer to Him, strengthen friendships, and set the tone for a year of spiritual growth and academic excellence.