75 Years of Camp!
2026 marks the 75th year of summer programming at CKBY. As we welcome new friends and old this summer, we celebrate the shared traditions and legacy that stretch across the years and gather the next generation of campers to this special place.
Celebrating 75 Years of Summer Camp at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center 🌲
In 2026, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center will celebrate a remarkable milestone: our 75th year of summer camp. Because there was no camp season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer of 2026 represents the 75th summer of camp since our beginnings: an enduring tradition rooted in community, inclusion, and a deep love for children and the outdoors.
Our story began in 1950, when the late Rev. Beverly Roy “Bev” Cosby and his family helped found Lynchburg Christian Fellowship, guided by a simple but powerful question: “Where will our children play?” That question led to the creation of an outdoor day camp on family land: an idea that would grow into something far bigger than anyone could have imagined.
As the organization evolved, so did its name, reflecting a widening circle of welcome. Lynchburg Christian Fellowship later became Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship, signaling a commitment to greater inclusivity. Over time, the camp itself became widely known as Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, a place where children from all walks of life could gather to play, learn, and belong. In recent years, as year-round environmental education and community programming expanded, the organization became Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center, honoring both its camp roots and its broader mission today.
Throughout these changes, one thing has remained constant: a belief that every child deserves access to nature, joyful experiences, and a community where they are valued. From its early role in social justice and integrated recreation to its present-day programs serving families, schools, and campers across our region, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah has always been about more than summer fun; it has been about shaping lives and strengthening our community .
As we look ahead to this historic 75th year of camp, we do so with gratitude for all who have made this journey possible and with excitement for what lies ahead. We are proud to carry forward this lasting tradition: serving children from every corner of our community and helping them discover joy, confidence, and connection in the natural world.