Camp Good News ® is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship ™
Camp Good News ® is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship ™
Since 1969, Camp Good News has been sharing the love of Jesus with children through exciting summer, spring break, and fall/winter break camps. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Annie, our camp is full of bright colors, laughter, discipleship, and endless adventures — from archery and water slides to Bible lessons and worship. Whether you're five years old or stepping into leadership as a teen or adult, Camp Good News offers life-changing experiences that build faith, friendships, and memories that last forever. Join us as we continue to proclaim the Good News to the next generation!
Our History
The summer of 2018 marked the 50th summer of continuous ministry at our current location — a testimony to God's enduring faithfulness.
Camp Good News is nestled along the edge of Twin Lake South, affectionately known to locals as Little Lake Annie. From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to provide a safe, fun environment where children can hear about God and grow in their relationship with Him.
Words cannot fully express how God has worked through Camp Good News to impact countless lives over the years. While some things have naturally changed, the heart of Camp remains the same.
One treasured tradition we proudly continue is our camp verses, Proverbs 3:5–6, and our beloved Good News Song, sung with joy by generations of campers as the bus rounds the first curve onto Twin Lakes Road:
Good News! Good News! Christ Died for Me.
Good News! Good News if I Believe.
Good News! Good News I’m Saved Eternally.
That’s Wonderful, EXTRA Good News!
Good News! Good News! Christ Lives for Me.
Good News! Good News He Prays for Me.
Good News! Good News, He’s Coming Again for Me.
That’s Wonderful, EXTRA Good News!
During the 1960s, local leaders of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in Gainesville organized two weeks of summer camp at Camp Lake Swan. The impact on the children was so profound that leaders dreamed of creating a longer, larger camping season. After much prayer and searching, God led them to a patch of land just five miles into Putnam County at 120 Twin Lakes Road.
It took vision to see the possibilities. The lake was overgrown, and the area near the road was dotted with old mobile homes. But with faith, hard work, and the help of many families and churches, Camp Good News was born.
In June 1969, the first structure — an open-air chapel with bathrooms — was built, offering a shaded place to eat and learn about Jesus. It wasn’t perfect (many recall the chapel flooding during heavy rains!), but it was a beginning grounded in faith.
Though many of the original stories have faded with time, we know with certainty: God remembers every act of service done in His name, and He will surely reward those who helped establish this ministry for His glory.
Camp Good News Today
Camp Good News continues to thrive as a vibrant, Christ-centered ministry serving children ages 5 to 12 through Summer Camps, Spring Break Camps, and Fall/Winter Break Camps.
Our goal remains the same: to introduce children to Jesus and help them grow in their relationship with God, all within a setting full of fun, friendship, and adventure.
When you arrive at Camp today, you are greeted by Cypress Hall, our central hub for meals, large group gatherings, and crafts. The original open-air chapel has been enclosed, air-conditioned, and renamed Oak Hall, offering space for swim-time prep and indoor games.
Over the last few years, Camp has seen exciting updates!
Our recreation areas are designed to keep bodies moving and imaginations growing.
From Adventureland with its ships and obstacle courses to Good News Gulch, a western town full of slides, swings, and tire tag, there’s always a new adventure waiting.
The activity field behind Pine and Palm dorms transforms daily for archery, soccer, kickball, capture-the-flag, and more. Beyond the field, the Bike Trail winds through the trees for thrilling rides and races.
Campers also love challenging themselves on the Octaball court, Human Foosball arena, and climbing wall.
And of course, the lake is a favorite, offering canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and the thrill of our giant water slide!
At the heart of it all, we pause each day for devotions, Bible lessons, scripture memory, missionary stories, worship songs, and interactive review games, all designed to help kids know and trust Jesus personally.
Discipleship Leadership Program
For teens and young adults, Camp Good News offers a life-changing opportunity through the Discipleship Leadership Program.
Open to those 15 years and older, this program combines meaningful service — as group helpers, kitchen staff, maintenance crew, and activity assistants — with daily discipleship by mature Christian leaders.
Participants not only help make Camp happen, but they also grow deeper in their faith, leadership, and service.
The goal is to build up bold followers of Christ who will impact the world far beyond a single summer.
Camp Good News continues to be a place where children meet Jesus, where teens and adults grow in their faith, and where lives are changed forever — one camper, one summer, one story at a time.
We are honored to carry forward the legacy that began more than fifty years ago, and we eagerly look forward to what God will do in the generations yet to come.
Camp Good News Florida is a place where Jesus Christ transforms lives through Biblical Teaching, Meaningful Relationships, and Fun Adventures.
Main Camp Hours are 8:45 am - 4:30 pm
Extended Care AM/PM available for parents dropping off children at our Camp Good News campus.
7:00 am - 8:45 am $5.00 per child/per day
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm $5.00 per child/per day
120 Twin Lakes Road Hawthorne, FL 32640
Text or Call (352) 321-8872 camp@campgoodnewsfl.com
CAMP GOOD NEWS
Camp Coordinator - Phil Wahab
120 Twin Lakes Rd, Hawthorne, FL 32640
352-481-3550
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CEF, NORTH CENTRAL FL CHAPTER
Director, Steve Carlson
2711 NW 6 Street, Suite F, Gainesville, FL 32609
352-378-0949
Serving throughout North Central Florida