The story of Seyfert Camp began in 1919, when camp meetings were first held in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. In the years that followed, the Holiness Christian Church began searching for a permanent campground where people could gather for worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. In 1921, the Seyfert property was purchased for $1,000, and in 1922, the first camp meeting was held on the property under the leadership of Presiding Elder G. B. Dietrich.

Eschol Camp Grove is the official name of the camp property, a name reflected in the camp’s early brochures and rooted in biblical history. In the Book of Joshua, Eschol is associated with the place where the Israelite spies found a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried on a pole between two men (Joshua 15:13–14; see also Numbers 13:23–24). This meaningful name connects the camp’s history to the biblical story of God’s promises and the abundance found in the land He provided. What began as a gathering of believers soon grew into a lasting ministry dedicated to sharing the Gospel and nurturing faith across generations.

As the years passed, Seyfert Camp continued to grow and develop. The original dormitory and dining facilities were built in the 1920s, followed by the completion of the present tabernacle in 1940. Under the leadership of Rev. Ira W. Bechtel, who served as Presiding Elder for many years, the camp continued to flourish. New facilities and ministry opportunities followed, including the first Youth Camp in 1957. In the decades that followed, the Nace Memorial Dining Hall, baptistry, Charlotte’s Web, Youth Tabernacle, and Conference Center were added, creating more opportunities for worship, fellowship, and ministry to people of all ages.

Throughout the years, dedicated leaders and faithful volunteers have played an important role in shaping Seyfert Camp’s legacy. From children’s ministry to youth programming and family camp gatherings, each generation has helped build upon the foundation laid by those who came before. In 1988, the tabernacle was renovated and rededicated as the Bechtel Memorial Tabernacle, honoring the lasting impact of Rev. Ira W. Bechtel. As the years continued, the camp expanded its facilities and ministry offerings, including the opening of Charlotte’s Web and the addition of a swimming pool and bathhouse in 2003.

In 2001, the Evangelical Christian Church joined The Wesleyan Church, while Seyfert Camp continued as an independent association. The first independent camp meeting was held in 2002, marking a new chapter in the camp’s history. Though the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of camp in 2020, the ministry’s legacy endured. In 2021, Seyfert Camp celebrated 100 years of holiness evangelistic ministry at Eschol Camp Grove—a remarkable milestone honoring a century of faith, fellowship, and lives changed through the Gospel. The dedication of the Gilmore Pavilion to children’s ministry in 2023 continued that tradition of investing in future generations.

Today, Seyfert Camp remains a place where faith is strengthened, friendships are formed, and lives are transformed through the love of Jesus Christ. With Mrs. Pam Shaffer becoming Camp President in 2026, a new chapter begins in this rich history. As we look toward the future, we are grateful for the generations of leaders, families, churches, and volunteers who have helped make Seyfert Camp what it is today. For more than a century, God has worked through this special place, and we look forward with excitement to all He has yet to do.