ABOUT US
FAITH-FILLED FUN IN THE REDWOODS SINCE 1948
Our Mission
Providing profound experiences in God's creation.
Mt. Cross Ministries is a Lutheran summer camp and retreat facility located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California. Established in 1948, Mt. Cross is the only Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in Northern California and Northern Nevada and is affiliated with the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA and the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of the LCMS. Mt. Cross Ministries operates consistent with the theology and culture of the ELCA.
In outdoor ministry, faith comes alive through experience. Surrounded by God’s creation, campers and guests discover belonging, courage, and wonder in ways that shape their spiritual journey. Whether gathered around a campfire, hiking beneath the redwoods, or sharing meals in community, we believe that encountering God in nature nurtures a deeper relationship with Christ and encourages discipleship that continues long after camp ends.
Our Vision
Rooted in Faith. Welcoming to ALL.
Mt. Cross Ministries welcomes all campers no matter their race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic position, family status, background, or where they are in their faith journey.
We are called by Jesus to love God and one another, to practice radical hospitality, and to serve all without stipulations. We welcome you to join us at camp. You are a unique and beloved child of God. You are accepted and affirmed just as you are - with all your differences and all your gifts. We commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care. We invite you to join with us, as through Christ, we joyfully and inclusively love and serve our community.
Our History
Mt. Cross was purchased in 1948 with a vision to create a dedicated Lutheran retreat and camp ministry — a place where people could gather in God’s creation. Led by the passion and commitment of Pastor Harold Brown, and supported by early leaders like Tim Enander, the dream quickly took shape. With the rallying campaign slogan, “A picnic with a purpose,” the land was acquired for $40,000 and preparation began. Just one year later, in the summer of 1949, Mt. Cross welcomed its first campers, marking the beginning of a legacy of ministry that continues to grow today.
“Mt. Cross” was the suggestion of Rev. Ylvisaker, who at that time was the pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Lafayette, California. He explained that “Mt” was for the terrain of the property and the “Cross” was derived from “Santa Cruz” meaning Holy Cross.
MEET YOUR
YEAR-ROUND STAFF
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Finding Your Way to Mt. Cross Camp
If you’re coming from San Jose or San Francisco and not using GPS, start by heading toward Saratoga using either I-280 or Highway 85. From Saratoga, take Highway 9 into the Santa Cruz Mountains, enjoying the winding road through the redwoods. Stay on Highway 9 until you reach Boulder Creek, then watch for road signs directing you toward Mt. Cross. As you continue just beyond town, you’ll find yourself leaving the busy Bay Area behind and arriving at camp tucked into the quiet beauty of the forest.
7795 Highway 9,
Ben Lomond, CA 95005