The Pine Valley Bible Association is holding its fourth annual Camp Christmas holiday festival with 20 nights from Nov. 15 through Dec. 22. With all the lights and sounds of the holidays, Camp Christmas, a nonprofit organization, is an explosion of the holiday season all in one place. From a colorful dancing water show to holiday photo ops, winter hayrides and train rides, and much more.
This annual event has grown extensively over the past four years said PVBA President and Camp Christmas creator Randy Rebold, starting with 6,000 people attending the event, to last year’s attendance of 11,000 attendees. This year, he said they are expecting between 11,000 and 13,000 people to attend the event.
“Not many people knew about us, but as more people attended,” he said. “This is a fun opportunity. It is three and a half hours of family fun, and a traditional Christmas. Even though we are open 360 days a year, Camp Christmas is usually attended by church groups, youth groups. We have an educational program where students come up and do educational camps. But we wanted to do something that would benefit the entire San Diego County community. We are excited. It keeps getting bigger and better every year.”
Rebold said its prices have remained the same and they have no intention of raising the cost of admission.
“We feel we have a very affordable program. Children 4 and under are free, children 5 to 15 are $10, and adults 16 and over are $16,” he said. “We want this to be a family-friendly affordable opportunity. Many people have told us that Camp Christmas is now a family tradition and that they look forward to it every year.”
Rebold said Camp Christmas has something for the entire family, including live entertainment, hayrides, a ropes course, tree climbing, bounce houses, activities, all kinds of food, a computerized water show in addition to a computerized light show.
“We do light shows on the hour, and we do water shows on the half-hour. And they are outstanding. The person that does our lighting is the same as Seaworld’s show lighting. We have really worked hard to maintain a program that is quality, and at the same time, just a lot of fun. We have firepits for smore’s for families.”
Rebold said other than admission, and a few activities and food, everything is free.
“There is so much to do,” he said.
Rebold said the proceeds from Camp Christmas go to expansion of the PBVA.
“Obviously we want to cover what it costs to put on this event, then any profits are gifted into the camp, specifically for building projects. We currently can house 350 campers a week. Our dining hall can only seat 350, and our goal is to expand that to 500. After that, we will have to build lodges to house an additional 150. These funds go to make the camp bigger and better to service more people,” he said. “We hope to bring more San Diegans to this event. If you have heard about us and have not yet come, this will be the year. If you are just now learning about us, we hope that you will come. You will find it worth your time, and it is pretty simple to get here. You will be glad that you came.”
The following attractions are included with each ticket purchase: Lights & Sounds of the Season light show, H20 on the Glow – Dancing Water Show, Winter Wonderland Hayrides, Pine Valley Train Depot, Bows & Arrow Arcade, bounce houses at Candy Cane Corner, Sappy The Talking Christmas Tree, live entertainment at the Holiday Theater, Holiday Photo Booth, The Nativity, Prayer Chapel, game room, and the Camp Christmas Playground.
For an additional fee, attendees can enjoy laser tag, the Tree Top Climbing Wall, face painting, and the Elevation Gift Shop.
Food options include the Alpine Peak Buffet, Rick’s Bar-B-Q, Summit Grill Snack Bar, Altitude Café Coffee Shop, Sugar Shack, Sweet & Salty Treats, and the Camp Christmas Chalet.
Camp Christmas is located at 8668 Pine Creek Road in Pine Valley. The altitude at Camp Christmas is 4,000 feet and the evenings can be a bit chilly. Warm clothing – winter jackets, snow hats, scarves, and gloves – are recommended. Dogs and other pets are not allowed at Camp Christmas due to insurance and safety reasons. Service dogs are permitted if licensed verification is provided.
Pine Valley Camp Christmas
Nov. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29 & 30
Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
Hours: 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.PineValleyCampChristmas.com.