Camp Thurman

Serving Arlington, Texas, for over 55 years, Camp Thurman’s 14-acre campus has welcomed generations of campers into an environment filled with adventure, laughter, and growth. Camp Thurman has been a place where people of all ages can explore outdoors, make lifelong memories, and challenge themselves while encountering God’s love and discovering their identity in Christ. Each summer, nearly 6,000 children ages 4–14 experience the joy of zip lines, ropes elements, pools, and countless opportunities to build friendships and courage. Many of these campers grow into summer staff leaders, gaining life-changing skills in teamwork, character, and servant leadership. Beyond the summer, Camp Thurman continues its mission year-round, serving 7,000 additional participants annually from over 50 local schools and organizations. Through Camp Thurman’s offerings of unique outdoor education, teambuilding, leadership training, and community events, children and adults are given the opportunity to experience adventure within the city. Each program is rooted in the same mission: to provide transformative experiences that shape hearts and inspire lives. 

Our Needs

Camp Thurman has a deep desire to continue offering premier outdoor experiences and to expand its ministry impact throughout the greater Dallas/Fort Worth community. To increase reach to more schools, community groups, and other non-profits serving disadvantaged youth, Camp Thurman must continue to invest in its facilities, both to increase capacity and to provide safe, inclusive opportunities for every participant. 

We’d love for you to take a moment to watch this video and see the incredible impact Kidron Valley has had on kids and families over the years.

The Solution

At the heart of Camp Thurman’s seven-year strategic plan is the renovation of Kidron Valley, one of the most beloved areas of camp. This renovation will focus on building a brand-new ropes course for all ages. —an essential tool for inspiring courage, resilience, and teamwork. 

• For Summer Campers: Younger campers will gain access to a high-ropes experience designed especially for them, opening new doors for challenge and growth. 

• For Year-Round Groups: The redesigned ropes course will provide fresh programming options that accommodate varying skill levels and abilities, making it a versatile resource for schools, corporate groups, and ministries. 

• For Families and the Community: Kidron Valley will serve as an inclusive space where families can experience play, adventure, and connection during community days. 

The Kidron Valley renovation will not only preserve the spirit of adventure that has defined Camp Thurman for decades—it will expand the camp’s ministry reach, allowing it to serve more campers, more groups, and more families year after year. 

Fundraising Initiative

 To bring this vision to life, Camp Thurman is seeking to raise $200,000 from generous partners in our community. 

Your investment in Kidron Valley is more than a gift to camp. It is a gift to every child who discovers courage on the ropes course, every group that learns to lead with trust, and every family that experiences the joy of God’s creation together. Together, we can ensure that Kidron Valley remains a place of transformation, adventure, and spiritual growth for generations to come.