Camp Koinonia is nestled in Italy Valley, the heart of the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. It's the perfect place to reflect on God's creation.
In 1957 Camp Koinonia was developed as a summertime, youth retreat. By 1964 Camp grew to include four cabins, each accommodating six people; a picnic area; a main lodge, including dining room, kitchen, recreation hall, and office; 4 additional cabins accommodating nine persons each; a chapel; swimming pool with shower houses; an infirmary; a camping area for tents; a shower house for the camping area; a craft lodge and store.
Through 1974 it was operated as a youth camp by the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Western New York Conference. Beginning in 1978 it was leased by various other organizations for summertime family camp retreats, youth leadership institutes and summer recreation camps.
In the early 1980's, camp was offered for sale to a group of families that were committed to the philosophy that a strong family structure is essential to the moral and spiritual future of our society. These families have made significant financial and personal sacrifices to purchase and maintain this property. On March 6, 1984, the property was purchased by this group.
The group formed, organized and incorporated into Camp Koinonia, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of New York. Led by Father Dave Mura, this idea of a week-long retreat for families began to grow and continues to be a source of spiritual renewal.
The current board of directors is made up of a group of individuals dedicated to maintaining the vision and mission of the founding camp families.
In the late 1970's, Father Dave Mura was leading a family camping program at Camp Stella Maris which was moved in the 1980's to Camp Koinonia. Under his stewardship, the camp began its current mission of providing a camp environment for family and personal renewal. Camp Koinonia was a labor of love for Father Dave, and he had many dreams and visions for this holy ground. He worked hard to foster the growth of these dreams to glorify God's name.
On May 2, 1995, God called his faithful servant David home to Him. Father Dave's friends and family, including his beloved brother Stephen and sister Kathleen, miss him to this day. Although he was unable to see all of his dreams for camp come true while he was on this earth, we believe he is smiling down from heaven as Camp continues this mission.
Dave's dreams were carried on thanks in large part to the leadership efforts of Rich and Sue Versluys, Andy and Helen Cohen, and Father Joe Marcoux. "And the dance goes on" today with the help of Gary and Carol Stevens, John and Belinda Brasley, Father Joe, Father Tim Niven, our blessed angels from Grand Island and all those who hold a special place in their hearts and prayers for Camp Koinonia.
The mission of Camp Koinonia is to provide a camp environment for family and personal renewal. This is accomplished by sponsoring a family camp program and partnering with other not-for-profit organizations that use the camp facilities.
