Glacier View camp ministry offers faith, adventure in scenic locale

For the better part of eight decades, nonprofit Victory Ministries of Alaska has delivered Christ-centered camp experiences to kids and families at its Victory Bible Camp in Glacier View. A second site, Camp Li-Wa, serves the Fairbanks area.

Jesse Cripps, an administrative assistant for Victory Ministries, said the organization has a heart for helping people of all ages become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Victory staff have been serving Alaskans this way since 1947 through their two year-round camps and conference centers.

“Every year, thousands of children, youth, adults, and families come to Victory to experience something more, something eternal,” Cripps said. “These beautiful, remote locations offer immersive experiences that strengthen faith, build community, grow leadership, and help participants encounter Christ in meaningful, personal ways.”

A culture of service fuels Victory Ministries. More than $1 million in volunteer labor is donated each year. Staff and volunteers work side by side to create a safe, welcoming place where people are transformed through the Gospel.

“We don’t do this alone,” Cripps said. “Our ministry depends on faithful partners – our donors, volunteers, and foundations – who help bring the vision to life.”

Part of that vision is the belief that no young person should miss out due to financial need. To that end, Victory Ministries established a scholarship fund.

In March, the fund got a boost from a Mat-Su Health Foundation grant. Part of the $20,000 outlay will be used to cover scholarships, which last year totaled $55,000 and enabled 256 youth to attend camp.

“Thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches, and partners like the Mat-Su Health Foundation, more young people are able to experience what makes this camp so special,” he said.

The nonprofit Mat-Su Health Foundation has been making this kind of investment in community health and wellness since it became part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in 2007. In the last 27 years, the Foundation has returned more than $138 million of its share of hospital profits to the Valley community through scholarships, sponsorships, and grants to other nonprofits.

Victory Ministries’ programming spans every age and stage of life. From an introductory camp for grades 3 through 6, to leadership and ministry training for ages 14 through college, there is an outdoor adventure for everyone.

Despite a full summer schedule, Victory’s mission doesn’t stop when the season ends. The organization also hosts a full lineup of seasonal conferences for men, women, mothers and daughters, and church groups. Each is designed to foster rest, renewal, and Gospel-centered community.

“In every season, through every campfire conversation and every trail ride, Victory Ministries remains committed to our calling: to evangelize and disciple Alaskans for Jesus Christ through Christian camping,” Cripps said. “We want to raise up faithful leaders who will impact the world for His Kingdom.”

FIND OUT MORE

https://vbcalaska.org

https://victorymin.org