About Us

OUR HISTORY

Christian Berets, Inc. was founded in 1970 by Don Crooker, as a non-denominational, non-profit ministry for people with special needs. At that time, there were few non-profits that focused on serving the disabled. The name, Christian Berets, is meant to represent a team of people who (like the Green Berets, army special forces) are ready to handle any assignment and willing to do whatever it takes, with the purpose of serving the special needs community.

In 1971, Don Crooker and the Board of Directors decided to build a camp in the Sierra Mountains. Land was purchased in Long Barn from Jess and Laura Wirth. For years, the Wirth family had hoped to sell their land for the development of a Christian camp. By God’s grace and the Wirth's generosity (they returned all payments made by Christian Berets to them as donations designated for the purchase of the land), that vision became a reality! The camp in Long Barn was ready for guests in June 1973.

Months later, the Wirths shared that 35 additional acres of their land was available for sale near Mi-Wuk Village, which they generously offered to sell with a one-year option for one dollar. The Board decided to purchase this property for a larger camp site.

Photo: Don Crooker 2023

In 1981, Mary Greybell, who owned the frontage on Highway 108, donated three quarters of an acre to provide better access to the camp property.

Twelve years later, the Board accepted an offer on the sale of the Long Barn camp, which led to a groundbreaking ceremony on the 35 acres purchased for a new Conference and Retreat Center.

In 1995, construction began on an acquired 11-acre parcel adjacent to the other 35 acres. The 6,000 square foot building was designed to sleep about 50 guests and provide a multi-purpose room.

The first building (Meadowview Lodge) was dedicated in May 1996. It was built fully accessible (ADA certified) and was a big improvement over the rustic cabins in Long Barn. In May 2000, Wirth Lodge was completed and dedicated. These two lodges now provide 90 beds for our Summer Camps and guest groups.

In 2007, the Board approved a recommendation by Staff to rename the facility in Mi Wuk Village. Its new name was Whispering Pines Conference and Retreat Center.

In 2012, the Board approved a recommendation to change the facility name back to the original name, Christian Berets Conference and Retreat Center.

Christian Berets has developed under the leadership of these Executive Directors: Don Crooker (1970–2001), volunteers Mel Turner and Jack Coyle (2001–2003), Troy Thompson (2003–2005), Dave Shackelford (2005– 2011), Brad Barnes (2011 to 2012), Board of Directors (2012-2013), Tom Crooker (2013-2015), Rochelle Van Horn (2015-2016). Jeff Goudy (2017-2019), Board of Directors (2020-2021/Covid year), Kevin VanDonselaar (2021-present).

A black and white photo of a house under construction.

A black and white photo of a house with a pile of dirt in front of it.

A black and white photo of a concrete walkway being built.

OUR VISION

Our passion is to care for and serve people with special needs.

We are dedicated to helping our guests enjoy the camping experience, allowing them to discover and participate in new adventures.

We promote physical wellness, foster social interaction and teach wholesome values based on Biblical principles.

Our guests enjoy building friendships with a caring staff and other campers.

Together, they experience indoor and outdoor activities that encourage and engage them.

Our Commitment

We are committed to demonstrating excellence in our leadership and service as a team and as individuals.

Our Focus

We are called by God to serve and affirm people by:

Demonstrating real concern
Loving unconditionally
Being reliable friends who care
Helping with no strings attached
Bringing hope and encouragement
Serving with excellence and humility
Providing mountain hospitality at our facilities
Relying on God for strength

Our Circle of Influence

Greater Modesto Area and Counties of Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Fresno, Sacramento, Tuolumne and beyond.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

Christian Berets is a non-profit, non-denominational corporation accountable to a Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations, with the support of two part-time employees, an Office Manager and a Director of Outreach (prayer partners, marketing and events).

During the Summer months, the Program Director and Activities Coordinator provide immense support along with a medical team, counselors and others who make possible the camp sessions for those with special needs and different abilities.

We are also incredibly blessed with wonderful, facility hosts at the camp, and an excellent Chef who serves up the delicious food we all love! Additionally, Christian Berets' ministry is well connected with many volunteers who offer their time and services throughout the year.

A man wearing a black polo shirt is smiling for the camera.

Executive Director - Kevin VanDonselaar

In 2021, after months of prayer, Kevin VanDonselaar, accepted the position of Executive Director. Kevin was involved with Christian Berets as a board member and volunteer for three years. Kevin has been an attorney for 26 years. Kevin and his wife, Karin, along with their children Caleb, Elyse, and Megan, serve and are members at Big Valley Grace Community Church.

Kevin's sincere love and compassion for people with special needs along with his vision for the Christian Berets' camp made him a unanimous choice by the board.

A man with a beard and a blue shirt is smiling for the camera.

Mark Burns, Board President

A man , woman and baby are posing for a picture in the woods.

Baby Carlo James,

Christopher & Hope Rivera

On-site Camp Facility Hosts

A man is cooking food on a grill with a spatula.

Camp Chef, Casey Paulino

Board of Directors

Michelle Mott, Vice-Chairperson
Wayne Mott, Secretary
Kelly Luth, Treasurer
Brian Balsbaugh
Tom Crooker
Russell Crooker
Frank Oliviera
Carletta Evans Steele
James "Woody" Woodhead

MISSION STATEMENT

Motivated by compassion and love, Christian Berets reaches out and cares for those with special needs, and their families, by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through camping, retreats and a variety of activities.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe the Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament, to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative word of God. (II Tim. 3:16; II Pet. 1:21; Heb. 4:12)
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, shedding his blood for the remission of sins; was buried, rose bodily from the grave the third day, ascended on high where at the right hand of the Father, He is our high priest and advocate. We believe in His personal return to power and glory. We are looking for His imminent return. (John 1:11; I Cor. 15:3-4; Heb. 1:8; John 1:17-18; John 14:3; I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:51-53; Rev. 19; Acts 1:9; I John 2:11; Heb.4:14-16; Matt. 1:23; Heb.9:22)
We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful man, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are essential. Man must be born again. (Rom. 5:12; John 3:7; Eph. 2:1-2; II Cor. 5:17; Isa. 53:6; Titus 3:5; John 1:12)
We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ and this blessed hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (I Thess. 4:13-18; Acts 1:11; Rev. 20:1-6; John 14:3; I Cor. 15:51-53)
We believe in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust. Physical death does not end all. Those who know Christ will be resurrected into eternal life; those who do not know Christ will be lost. (John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:12-14; I Cor. 15)
We believe in the eternal destiny of man. Heaven is a real place of eternal joy and bliss for the redeemed. (John 12:1-3) Hell is a real place of eternal condemnation for those outside of Christ. (Rev. 10:11-15)
We believe in the “Great Commission” of the Lord Jesus Christ, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matt. 28:19-20) “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Mark 16:15 ) “Preach the Gospel in all the world!” (Acts 1:8)
We believe God intentionally designed and created humanity male and female. (Gen. 1:27, 5:1-2; Mark 10:6) We believe marriage is ordained and instituted by God and, according to the Scriptures, can only exist and be fulfilled between one man and one woman. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in this Statement of Faith. (Gen. 2:21-24; Mark 10:2-12; Matt. 19:3-11) We believe marriage is a picture of the relationship of Christ and the Church and is to be a lifelong, covenant relationship between a man and a woman based on love, respect, mutual submission and personal sacrifice. (Eph. 5:21-33, Mal. 2:14-16, Matt. 5:31-32; I Cor. 7:10-16; I Tim. 3:2,12; I Pet. 3:1-7) We believe God intended sexual intimacy to be enjoyed only within the context of the male and female marriage relationship; and that all other sexual relations outside of marriage are personally destructive, sinful, inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible, and forbidden by God. (Gen. 1:28, 2:25; Heb. 13:4; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:24-32; I Cor. 7:2-5; I Thess. 4:1-8; Jude 1:7)