CHESTER TOWNSHIP — Kirkwood Camp and Conference Center, which Matthew 25: Ministries started operating earlier this year, is opening the campgrounds to the community for a Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be free admittance and parking at the site located at 5719 State Route 73 West near Wilmington.
“Experience not only the lovingly restored and upgraded Kirkwood facility, but the beautiful and unique handmade crafts of local artisans. Craft items will be available for purchase,” stated a media release.
The event includes craft vendors and food trucks, hay rides, door prizes and games.
Now owned by Matthew 25: Ministries, the 214-acre multi-purpose facility has received extensive upgrades and improvements. Those include tree and debris removal, grounds maintenance and improvements; cabin upgrades and new cabin installations; lake cleanup, enhancements and upgrades; pool improvements, new challenges and activities including a low-ropes course and a canopy walk; and a general overhaul of all facilities, the release stated.
In addition to those improvements, Matthew 25 has a five-year plan of continuous upgrades and improvements to Kirkwood that will include more new activities, a restored and improved RV park and a fully habitable Global Village Experience, where campers can spend the night and experience daily life in a replica of a village in a developing country.
Matthew 25’s founder and President Reverend Wendell Mettey and CEO Tim Mettey have a long and cherished connection with Kirkwood. As an American Baptist minister and the former senior pastor of Montgomery Community Church, Rev. Mettey was dedicated to Kirkwood and the nurturing, formative experiences it provided campers of all ages.
His son, Tim, has fond memories of being one of those campers and the many good times he enjoyed at Kirkwood throughout his youth. Rev. Mettey and Tim Mettey said they are both excited about what the future holds for Kirkwood.
“We want Kirkwood to be a place where we want our kids to go to camp; a place we want to share with family and friends; a place where we want to have special gatherings and events; and a place where we will continue to feel God’s presence,” said Tim Mettey.
Kirkwood Camp and Conference Center includes a lodge and conference center, a detached mini-lodge, cabins and a family campground as well as a small lake, all surrounded by open fields and gently rolling hills, according to the release.
“The mission of Kirkwood is to provide quality facilities for day and overnight camping in a place designed for connecting and growing with friends, renewing and enriching family and professional relationships, experiencing new and exciting activities and expanding knowledge of other lifestyles and living conditions,” stated information provided by Matthew 25: Ministries.
Kirkwood has been providing camps since 1963.
Matthew 25: Ministries is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization located in Cincinnati.
