Surrounded by Nature. Talking with GOD.

Your Camp. Your Retreat. Simple & Amazing.

Anyone can plan an event, but not everyone gets to host it here. Experience GOD's wonder-filled world, without distractions, with people you love.

About El Porvenir christian camp

A Place to Breathe.

What is true is not new, and what is new is not true. That is essentially what King Solomon meant when he said in the Bible that there is nothing new under the sun. We believe ministry leaders need to rethink the experiences that they are offering to people. The camp experience

 

The camp experience provides space for God to work. At camp, the power of God’s Word, God’s creation, and God’s people is released to do what God designed them to do: Speak to us about Him. We believe the secluded retreat experience is critical to life change in the 21st century church. At camp, guests receive something that makes all the difference, something they never seem to have enough of in their normal life:
Uninterrupted Focused Time Away.

 

For over 60 years El Porvenir Christian Camp and Retreat Center has been a place of refuge where campers can escape and refocus on what really is true about themselves, God, and others. Guests return home having experienced wonder, conquered adventure, and received rest, resulting in a renewed life.

Our mission is to be a Christ-centered community that partners with leaders who are changing the world one life at a time and positions them to reach their goals in a summer camp or weekend retreat context. What would you do if you could have a beautiful mountain campground for just a week or a weekend? What could God do through you?

 

We provide a place where God changes lives. We are seeking partners. You in?

Meet Our Staff

Nate Stafford - Executive Director

Nate has served as the Executive Director since 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature from Ozark Christian College (2003) and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University (2012). Before coming to El Porvenir, he served in youth ministry and as a senior pastor. Nate is passionate about creating spaces where people can experience belonging, discover new possibilities, and grow through meaningful relationships and shared adventures. He believes hospitality is more than providing a place to stay—it is an invitation to encounter something beautiful, experience genuine connection, and see the world with fresh eyes. His leadership is guided by the values of humility, hospitality, and gratitude. His personal mission statement is to unveil a beautiful, free, and wondrous world by inviting others into adventure, understanding, and service together. Outside of work, Nate enjoys exploring the mountains of northern New Mexico, hiking, playing chess, volunteering for The Crucible Project, and spending time with his wife, Terri, and their two adult children.

 

Terri Stafford - Food Service Manager

Terri has served as the Food Service Manager/Souvenir Shop Manager since 2005. She holds an Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts. She has been working in different capacities of food service for 30 years. She is a certified Instructor and Exam Proctor for ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association. She also holds the ServSafe Manager Certification, ServSafe Allergen Certification and is a Certified Instructor for the American Red Cross. She spent a couple years as adjunct faculty at Luna Community college teaching culinary arts. She worked as summer staff for 2 summers at a camp in Colorado where she fell in love the mountains and the camp environment. Terri loves the experience that camp provides and believes that the food at camp is a significant part of that experience. It brings her joy to feed people well while teaching kitchen skills to the El Porvenir staff. Terri spends a significant amount of her spare time working with The Crucible Project. She is a Certified Retreat Leader for Women and travels the country (and sometimes the world) leading retreats for the organization. She believes in the transformative experiences that the Crucible Project provides and it has been a game changer for her own personal growth. As of 2026, she has completed her time as a homeschool mom/teacher. She enjoys spending time with her adult children and supporting them in their endeavors.

Darrell Landford - Guest Services Manager

Darrell has served as the Guest Services Manager since June 2026. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible & Ministry from Harding University (2003), a Masters of Counseling Psychology from Northwestern Oklahoma State University (2010) and holds numerous certifications in mental health/personalty assessment tools. Before coming to El Porvenir, he served as a full-time youth pastor for over 20 years. In 2021, Darrell began focussing his skills on assisting outdoor ministry programs expand their impact and reach. He has worked with backpacking ministries and white water rafting ministries prior to his time at El Porvenir. He is a certified white water rafting guide, certified in Wilderness First Aid and is a skilled backpacking & rock climbing guide. He believes that the little things make the bigger picture come together and enjoys dreaming about the potential of a plan/organization. He believes that those smaller details are what make any experience a potential memorable and life changing opportunity. His service is guided by the desire to remove any barriers that may distract participants from seeing Christ in their outdoor pursuits and in their own lives. Outside of work, Darrell enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their two adult children, Phoenix and Anberlin. He enjoys ranch/animal work, fly fishing & backpacking throughout New Mexico & Colorado and is an avid Oklahoma Sooners football fan.

Kyle McEvers - Facilities Coordinator

Kyle McEvers | Facilities Coordinator

Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Kyle McEvers is passionate about creating a welcoming, enjoyable experience for every family and group that visits camp. Kyle first joined the team as a member of the summer activities staff in 2021 before returning in March 2025 as the full-time Facilities Coordinator.

Kyle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from West Texas A&M University, where he gained valuable experience in facility operations and event coordination. As a student worker, he helped prepare spaces for special events and sporting competitions, gaining hands-on experience in the behind-the-scenes work that makes a successful event possible.

Today, Kyle enjoys bringing that same attention to detail and love for hospitality to camp. Whether he’s making sure facilities are clean and ready, coordinating activities, or taking care of the many details that go into hosting a group, his goal is to make every visit feel effortless so campers and families can focus on making memories.

One of Kyle’s favorite parts of the job is seeing the joy a great week at camp brings. From the smiles on campers’ faces at checkout to the families who return year after year, those moments remind him why the little details matter so much.

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Ready to Experience Adventure