About Us
HISTORY:
Chautauqua Hills Camp was originally started as a youth camp to reach inner
city young people from Buffalo in 1971 by Rev. Byron Lutz, who now serves on
the CHC board.
It was then called Camp Ironbell and some still affectionately
call it that. If you find a picture of the bell it still bears the former
name . In 1998 the name was changed to Chautauqua Hills Ministries, Inc.
as we incorporated into a 501 c-3 non-profit ministry. Same place; Same
Purpose; and even many of the same people.
This camp ministry has always been dedicated to pointing young
people to the truths of Scripture and the evidence of God in His creation.
In 1988 the current directors ( Raughnsen and Holly Payne ) began at the camp
serving for five years then returning in 1997 to the present.
We are located in the beautiful height impared mountains of South Western New
York about 20 minutes in from Lake Erie and right between Buffalo, NY and Erie, PA.
Our goal here at camp is threefold:
1. To expose young people to the loving, forgiving, and purpose filled hope found
in Jesus Christ.
2. To encourage those who have begun a relationship with Jesus to grow deeper
in their walk with the Lord, through multiple means such as: teaching Biblical
truths; showing the good science of creation rather than the bad science of
evolution; and through the building of trusting relationships with Godly staff.
3. To provide a place where 18+ year olds can serve and therefore grow deeper
in their walk as well as recieve some mentoring helping them to continue in their
walk with the Lord.
The future of CHC will look a lot like the past as far as pouring out the Great News of God some changes will happen as we continue to wrestle with the elements out here and we improve facilities. One upgrade to our goals is to offer more to adults not only in retreats but also in creation training and seminars. Deeper understanding of God's Word and all His creation all point to a loving God and we will strive to help you get to know Him better.