History

Camp Penuel USA, located in Ironton, MO and chartered in 1973, is dedicated to providing a free Christian camping experience for at-risk children who not would normally have such an opportunity.  In the context of outdoor recreation and loving relationships, the volunteer staff modeled the love of Christ to each camper in order for every child to come away with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Paul Bernhagen first came into contact with the camp in 1990 after bringing some children there from a church he was pastoring in St. Louis, MO.  Paul first met his wife Thelma who came to volunteer at the camp from Costa Rica over the summer.  After falling in love and getting married, God put on the hearts of Paul and Thelma to start a similar free Christian camp for children in Costa Rica in 1999.  For more information on Camp Penuel USA please visit: www.camp-penuel.org.