The History
In 2003, 816 NE 350 P Rd in Clinton Missouri was nothing but 85 acres of Ozark timber that the old-timers called Pridgen Holler. Today it is the home of a unique youth and adult facility known as LifeChange Camp and Retreat Center.
LifeChange, owned and operated by LifeChange Foundation, Inc. is the fulfillment of a dream carried by Bill and Carol Anderson for nearly 25 years. Through persistence, prayer and lots of hard work, LifeChange Camp now caters to between 1500 - 2000 people every year. Volunteer workers from Kansas to Michigan and beyond have come to help build this beautiful, rustic facility equipped to host groups ranging in size from 20 to 140. Whether staying for one day, a weekend or a full week, churches, ladies, men’s and youth groups, scrapbookers and families all find LifeChange an ideal setting for fun and relaxation with friends new and old.
One of the main functions of LifeChange Camp is to offer fun-filled, meaningful Bible camp experiences for kids of all ages during the summer months. Children’s camps, Junior High and Senior High camps as well as family events are all a part of what LifeChange offers each year. Swimming in the pool, hiking, rappelling, basketball, soccer and much, much more all take on very special meaning when enjoyed in a Bible camp setting.
Through exciting speakers, excellent music and interactive small group cabin experiences, the lives of all who attend are enriched and changed.
The rest of the year is filled with retreat groups of all kinds coming from many different areas across the region. Great food, excellent service and unique, creative accommodations make every event at LifeChange Camp a memorable one.
Our Vision
To proclaim the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ to children, youth and adults, raising up the next generation of spiritual leaders, using the means of high quality facilities and excellent service, intentional, age-appropriate ministry approaches and stimulating educational experiences.
Affiliation
LifeChange Camp and Retreat Center is an interdenominational 501(c)3 non-profit Christian camp and retreat facility serving groups of all types and sizes from across the midwest. We believe that a few days spent at our unique facility can make an eternal difference in lives young and old. Located near Clinton, MO in the northern reaches of the Missouri Ozarks, LifeChange Camp has been impacting lives since 2003. Growing steadily, we now offer hundreds of campers, retreaters, visitors and staff many opportunities to serve the Lord and grow in Him. LifeChange Camp is affiliated with the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC) and is a member of Christian Camps and Conferences of America (CCCA).
Statement of Faith
LifeChange Foundation exists to "Expand the kingdom of God through Christian camping."
LifeChange Foundation believes...
The Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, inerrant Word of God.
There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has revealed Himself in creation, history and Jesus Christ.
In God's creation of the world and humankind with humanity's rebellion and subsequent depravity.
In the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His deity, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His true humanity, His miracles, His substitutionary death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to heaven, and His personal return in power and glory.
That for salvation of the lost, sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ as one's savior.
In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life and to grow in the knowledge of God and Christian obedience.
In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost -- the saved unto the resurrection of life and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
In the spiritual unity of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the importance of the church for worship, service and missions.
CORE VALUES
Our six core values are what defines who we are as a ministry. To depart from any one of these would undermine the very purpose and passion for our existence. These core values drive every action and decision made at LifeChange Camp.
1. Proclamation of the Gospel
The gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded for us in the Bible is the key to truly changing lives. That gospel proclaimed with power and in many different ways is the main reason we exist.
2. Multi-generational Ministry
We serve people of all ages. Children, teens, adults and families are all envisioned as we develop our facilities and programming.
3. Leadership Training
Our world has a great need for strong, Godly leaders. Our goal, through special learning sessions, faith-stretching service opportunities and hands-on experiences, is to raise up trained, motivated spiritual leaders. The future of LifeChange and the world depends on such as these.
4. Excellence in Facility and Service
Someone has said, “Christian shoddy is still shoddy.” We believe the Lord desires the very best possible from and for His people. We strive to do all we do with as much excellence as is possible. Careless or sloppy results in any endeavor are not acceptable.
5. Age-focused Ministry
Since we choose to minister to all ages, we believe it is necessary to adjust our approaches to meet the specific needs and situations of the group being served at the time. Though this adds a challenging dimension to our programming efforts, we know it pays dividends through the enthusiastic responses of our attendees.
6. Fun and Meaningful Experiences
Experiences that excite the emotions through fun and adventure, “unplugged and hands-on,” open up the spirit of a person to respond more readily to the wonders of God and His creative power. This response is the ultimate goal of LifeChange Camp.
“Founders” Retired April 2023
William J. Anderson
Bill and Carol Anderson have been married since 1974, and have three children and five grandchildren. Bill, holding a Bachelor’s of Christian Education from Grace College, Omaha, Neb. and a Master’s of Business Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, KS, is an ordained pastor having served churches in various pastoral roles since 1973 located in Nebraska,
Pennsylvania, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota. During those years of pastoring, camp ministry was always a part of what he did. Bill was convinced that camp experiences provided spiritual growth opportunities unlike any other. As a result, he kept himself connected with the camping ministry through camp speaking, music-leading, counseling and other points of involvement. He is an experienced and gifted teacher of the Word having served as lead pastor of two churches and providing guest speaking and interim preaching in numerous other settings. Starting LifeChange Camp Bill and Carol served faithfully till 2023.
Carol A. Anderson
Carol, the mother of three, Grandmother of 5 and a true visionary. Along with Bill has held the vision of building a camp from the beginning back in the 80’s. Her creative spirit, energy and talent makes her a vital member of this camp development dynamic duo. She met Bill while attending Grace University in Omaha, Neb. seeking to follow the Lord’s will for her life. She had accepted Jesus as her savior several years earlier at a Bible camp in Kansas resulting in her conviction regarding the dynamic life-changing impact of a bible camp experience. She applied all of her decorative gifting and development insight into doing everything possible to make LifeChange Camp a comfortable, beautiful and inviting atmosphere in which to experience the presence of God for 20 years.
Camp Director
Tony Masurka
Tony and his wife Linda their 9 children and joined LifeChange Camp in January of 2023 after serving nearly 19 years as Executive Director at Camp JIM Jesus is Mine in Northern MN. They bring 25 years of Christian Camp experience and look forward to continuing the legacy and mission of LifeChange Camp.
When visiting the grounds you may find Tony and the kids mowing, raking or cleaning and Linda caring for guests or preparing meals in the kitchen. Either way we look forward to serving you when your here.