Ponderosa Pines Christian Camp began as a dream in the heart of Pastor George Golden and Ventura Baptist Church in 1982. The vision was to have a camp that could be the catalyst for life changing experiences for students who were members of an association of churches called the Baptist Bible Fellowship. BBF churches throughout Southern California played a big role in the development of Ponderosa Pines during its formative years. Lewis McClendon was the founding Executive Director and served in that capacity for 14 years. He is now an active member of our Board of Directors. Ponderosa Pines began a transition in 1997 toward becoming a non-denominational ministry with a heavy emphasis on providing fully programmed camps.

Today, thousands of people of all ages from various denominations call Ponderosa Pines “home”. One of the true marks of an organization becoming firmly established in the hearts and minds of its constituency is a nickname. Over the past few years Ponderosa Pines Christian Camp has lovingly become known simply as “Pondo.” In 2005 the Board of Directors unofficially adopted the new name and ordered a total re-imaging of the logo and endorsed the launching of an all-new web site. In 2014, a new iteration of the name (Camp Pondo) evolved with a brand refresh and a new web site. Surely the best days are ahead for Camp Pondo as we continue to provide “a unique place to encounter Jesus.