Christian Camp's 75-Year Legacy Threatened By Gender Policies

A Christian camp in Colorado is on the verge of shutting down. Not because they lack attendees, but because they refuse to compromise on their biblical convictions against transgender ideology.

For over 75 years, Camp IdRaHaJe, nestled in the serene mountains of Bailey, Colorado, has been a beacon of faith, fun, and fellowship for thousands of children ages 6 to 17. Even its name, which stems from the 1922 hymn "I'd Rather Have Jesus," reflects its deep-rooted mission to share the gospel and nurture young hearts in the truth of God's word. Between 2,500 to 3,000 campers attend Camp IdRaHaJe each summer. But now, the camp, alongside the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), has found itself in the middle of a legal battle.

On May 12, they filed a federal lawsuit, Camp IdRaHaJe Association v. Roy, against the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. The issue is centered on a new state regulation that mandates children's resident camps allow campers to access bathing, dressing, and sleeping facilities based on their gender identity.

For a camp grounded in the biblical and biological belief that God created each person immutably male or female (Genesis 1:27), this policy is not just a logistical hurdle, but a direct assault on their freedom to operate according to their faith. As the suit reads, "This civil-rights action seeks to prevent the government from forcing a Christian summer camp to surrender its religious character, beliefs, and exercise to maintain a license to operate in Colorado just like everyone else."

The lawsuit accuses the state's department of violating the camp's rights under both the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. As it went on to note, "IdRaHaJe currently is, and intends to continue, operating its programs according to its religious beliefs, including by separating restrooms, shower facilities, and dressing and sleeping areas based on biological sex."

"The government has no place telling religious summer camps that it's 'lights out' for upholding their religious beliefs about human sexuality," said ADF Legal Counsel Andrea Dill. "Camp IdRaHaJe exists to present the truth of the Gospel to children who are building character and lifelong memories." And yet, "the Colorado government is putting its dangerous agenda -- that is losing popularity across the globe -- ahead of its kids. We are urging the court to allow IdRaHaJe to operate as it has for over 75 years: as a Christian summer camp that accepts all campers without fear of being punished for its beliefs."

Ultimately, the legal outcome of this case could set a precedent for religious organizations across Colorado and beyond. Should Camp IdRaHaJe prevail, it will reaffirm that ministries can operate according to their convictions without fear of government overreach. If the state's policy stands, it could feed into a troubling trend where religious freedom is sidelined in favor of ideological conformity.

As Arielle Del Turco, director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, told The Washington Stand, "It's shocking and confounding that the state of Colorado would require licensed resident camps to allow participants to use opposite-sex facilities. Not only does this pose clear risks for campers, but it violates the freedom of Christian summer camps to run their organization in accordance with their religious beliefs about sex."

She continued, "It's particularly odd that Colorado is digging its heels in on enforcing blatantly false and dangerous gender ideology, even as the movement's popularity is plummeting." Del Turco further emphasized that she's "hopeful that the state of Colorado will be corrected in court and that religious freedom protections will be upheld for this Christian summer camp."

In the meantime, Christians are called to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and to support those standing for righteousness. Camp IdRaHaJe's fight is a reminder that our faith is worth defending, not just for our sake but for the next generation. Parents, pastors, and believers can and should rally behind this cause, just as we've seen in other cases such as the state's push for taxpayer-funded abortion and establishing "deadnaming" and "misgendering" as discrimination.

Christians and conservatives can come alongside the camp by praying for their leadership, supporting ADF's legal efforts, and raising awareness about the importance of religious liberty. At its core, Camp IdRaHaJe's mission is to point children to Jesus, the One who offers true identity and hope. In a world of confusion, the camp's commitment to biblical truth is a light in the darkness.

After 75 years of service, let's pray that Camp IdRaHaJe can continue its ministry for another 75 years, welcoming all campers while boldly proclaiming the truth of God's word. And may this case inspire Christians everywhere to hold fast to their faith, trusting that God will guide and sustain those who honor Him.

Originally published at The Washington Stand