About Us

Our Mission

Reconciling and Equipping Youth for Lives of Service in God's World.

Our Vision

To pursue and advance God's vision of wholeness, unity, justice, peace and healing for today's increasingly diverse and urban world by rebuilding relationships that make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of youth. To this end, CTT envisions a year round ministry of reconciliation that builds on the primary and foundational experience that occurs while being part of a diverse and caring community at camp. Our year round ministry will provide ongoing support to enable and equip young people with the faith, confidence and ability to face and overcome challenges to achieve their potential and live lives of celebration and service as agents of renewal and reconciliation in their communities.

Our History

Camp Tall Turf was established in 1968 during a period of keen social unrest and racial tension in the U.S., particularly in urban centers. The camp founders (mostly prominent community and business leaders) were moved to respond to this crisis in America's inner cities. They did so with the hope of the Christian gospel causing change and the conviction that rhetoric without action was of little consequence. The founders targeted the camp's program to focus on children and young people who were most threatened by urban violence and poverty. They felt that offering them a safe environment and opportunities for personal growth in surroundings that reflect God's creative handiwork could combat the violence. From the beginning, Tall Turf has been rooted in faith and action.

Two Locations and Facilities

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Most of our community-based programs which occur during the academic year take place in Grand Rapids. Additionally, Tall Turf's main offices are also located in Grand Rapids at Baxter Community Center. The majority of our programming during the academic year occurs or begins at--in the case of field trips or monthly service projects—at the community center located in the Baxter neighborhood—a core city neighborhood on Grand Rapids southeast side. Find out more about our community-based programming by clicking HERE.

Walkerville, Michigan

Our camp is located in Walkerville, Michigan in southeast Oceana County near the town of Hesperia. It is approximately 70 miles north-northwest of Grand Rapids. It presently has 16 cabins, a dining hall, activity hall, nature center, animal barn, a boathouse, camp offices with infirmary, staff housing and storage buildings. As of June 2000, we also have our first year-round retreat and conference center, the Proctor Youth and Family Center. Visit our Group Rental page to see how we can accommodate your group.

 

Questions? Comments? Please share your thoughts with us!