A Place of Purpose
Lakewood Retreat is a retreat and conference facility designed primarily to enhance

church ministries from all Christian denominations.
We provide a setting in which guests are removed
from the pace of our culture to focus on the Bible,
prayer, worship, and fellowship for spiritual
growth. “Sharing God’s love through service by
providing a setting in which to experience Jesus
Christ” is Lakewood’s written purpose statement.
Our purpose is in response to Jesus’ command to
His disciples in Mark 6:31; “Come with me by
yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Lakewood provides a quiet place in which to come away.

We also welcome and seek to bless families and groups not opposed to Lakewood’s
Christian purpose and who wish to attend and enjoy the beautiful grounds. Each
year many families, scouting groups, hospice groups, school groups, and many others
also come to our unique setting.

A Place of Peace
Our motto; “Relax, Refresh, Renew,” is fulfilled in many different ways depending on
the needs of each guest or group who attends. Our 120 acre facility provides ample

opportunity to find peace and quiet in nature, be it
on a hiking trail, at the tree house, out on the lake,
at the animal farm, or sitting on a shaded bench off
in the quiet corners of the property. The setting
feels more northern as the land is hilly rising to an
elevation of 180 feet and with plants not seen in
many parts of Florida. There are dozens of birds
and animals often sighted, the sounds of nature all
around, a misty morning sunrise, a glowing sunset

over the lake, lots of forested areas with beautiful mature trees, many different types
of plants and flowers, and a night sky full of stars, all giving glory to God in the
wonder of His creation.

A Place to Play

For those who wish to “relax” in more energetic
ways, there are over two dozen activities to suit
almost every interest. From boating and hiking to
ball fields and courts, an activities center full of
games, a low ropes course, hayrides, a swimming
pool, and the list goes on. Disc golf, shuffleboard,
mini-golf, horseshoes, sand volleyball…, it’s hard to
imagine what’s not to do at Lakewood. End the day
with open kettle popcorn or s’mores while singing

around the campfire. The sleep is sweet after a day of activities in the fresh air.

A Place to Stay

Lakewood has a diverse range of overnight accommodations,    
from primitive tent sites to full service RV sites, bunk cabins,

lodges, and motel rooms. There are 55 camp sites available and over 250 beds in air conditioned comfort. All lodgings except for some bunk cabins have attached bathrooms. The campground and cabins have bathhouses close by.

A Place to Eat
Lakewood’s dining hall seats 180 at a time in air conditioning with additional seating

on the screened porch for those who prefer to
enjoy the outdoors. The dining hall is often open
as a café for those looking for a mid-day snack or
who did not purchase a prepaid meal plan. The
camp store and Snak Shak are also open for
snacks, supplies, and souvenirs. There are two
picnic pavilions in the campground area and open
picnic locations in the activities area.

The dining hall is also used for banquets, receptions, and special events.

A Place to Meet

In addition, there are seven meeting rooms
available with seating capacities ranging from
200 to 20. We also have an outdoor open air
chapel at the lakefront and other public
gathering places, both covered and
uncovered.

A Place for Youth Camps
When schools are out of session, things are hopping. Whether Christmas break,

spring break, or summer break, Lakewood is the
place to be for a great youth camp experience. We
not only host many church summer camp programs
each year but also hold our own summer camp
program for Mennonite children from all over Florida
and many other youth in all denominations from the
surrounding communities. Lakewood’s summer
camp program is expertly run, Bible centered, and is
both fun and rewarding.

A Place of History and Promise

Lakewood’s history goes back to 1965. The facility is
owned by a group of committed individuals called the
Southern Mennonite Camp Association. The SMCA elects
a board with members who meet regularly throughout
the year to govern the operations of Lakewood. The
SMCA holds an annual meeting in February to review
each year’s progress and learn about the plans for the

coming year. There are also periodic fund raisers,
generally to raise money for a specific project or need.
Anyone is invited to participate at these events. At
Lakewood, an on-site administrator oversees the camp
operation and a team of willing and friendly staff members
are available 24/7 - 365 to serve guests with any needs.

A Place Seeking Your Partnership and Patronage
Lakewood’s marketing is primarily to the church. We do not seek to bring in bus
loads of tourists each day. Most of our marketing is by word of mouth or internet
search. Therefore, our budget and pricing are based on limited usage to those who

appreciate this kind of ministry. We cannot be
compared to state run facilities supported by tax
revenues or to commercial businesses who market
widely to the general public. It is our purpose to
provide a uniquely Christian environment. We rely
on many volunteers and donations each year to help
with upkeep and expansion. Our Adopt-A-Building
program is one way by which groups can partner
with us and receive added blessing as well.

However, most of our operating budget comes from the patronage of our guests. It
is our hope that as Lakewood continues to make progress on future plans to improve

the facility that our registrations will be full thereby
providing continued funds for growth and the ability
to keep prices below market averages. As a not-forprofit
501-c3 religious organization, it is our goal to
continually invest revenue back into Lakewood for
honor to God and the benefit of our guests. We
invite you to join with us to keep Lakewood a
wonderful place of God’s glory and presence.

A Place Easy to Find
Lakewood is located about 30 minutes north of Tampa and 20 minutes south of
Brooksville, FL, two miles off I75, exit 293. Please contact us for further information
or to make a reservation – by phone, 352-796-4097 or by e-mail,
info@lakewoodretreat.org - We look forward to serving you.