Have you been to The Outpost?
The Outpost in Wise is the most cozy place to grab coffee in Wise, Virginia, tucked away in the center of Camp Bethel.

"Officially" opened as a coffee shop, event space and mercantile in July of 2022, this former camp kitchen has a fun history!  It originally fed and housed up to a hundred campers in its outdoor "dining room," and grew to include "The Loft" dorm space upstairs.  Over the years, this dorm housed the summer staff girls, who gained the nickname "loft ladies," and if walls could talk, there are probably some pretty memorable stories of late nights, tired volunteers, and lasting spiritual growth that took place there.  In more recent years, the building also became the camp store for summer campers.

With the "reboot" of camp in 2021, we re-envisioned this space to become a year-round haven for local residents as well as a fun gathering spot for seasonal campers and guests.​.. and the little coffeehouse in Wise was born.

Each week, we post updates to Facebook and Instagram, where you can catch up on our menu, see events we're hosting, and keep track of our schedule (which is evolving as we develop our volunteer barista team and learn the needs of our community!).

The Outpost opened during a summer camp week when history-making rainstorms made outdoor activities nearly impossible, so it quickly became the hang spot for the campers and volunteers.  Patient visitors waited in long lines for cold and hot drinks and treats, and stayed for hours to play board games and chat.  What an unexpected blessing to have this space in the perfect time!

The heart behind The Outpost is to be a place of welcome where guests can have a delicious drink or snack... but more, that they'll feel the love of Jesus even without a word.  Whether it's meeting a friend for a quick catch-up date, studying for an exam (we made sure to bring in good wifi!), curling up on the sofa with a journal, or hosting a small group event, this historic little spot is our way of offering year-round welcome for our neighbors.

Depending on the day, you might find a fresh pot of soup waiting, a freshly baked breakfast item (with gluten-free menu options!), hot or cold herbal tea lattes, refreshing cold drinks and of course, amazing espresso drinks, including decaf and house-made syrups.

The Outpost also carries a growing selection of handmade goods, shirts, and pottery (we're proud to feature the artistry of locals Kaitlin and Joseph of Wood + Fired).  We hope to support small businesses and provide a way to bless friends and family with gifts, as well as items you can use to make your own home more welc​oming.

Rooted in the desire to "awaken the palate and nourish the soul," we hope to reflect the creative and welcoming heart of God in the items we serve and the space we create... a spot to pause from the busyness of everyday life and connect with others... with forever-impact.  Our by-line is "coffee and community," and we mean it when we say we're making a place at the table for those who visit.

Our goal is to serve you one of the best cups of something good you've had... but also to subtly remind you you're valued by the One who made you... even if it's just that you get a smile and a kind greeting before you find a quiet spot to enjoy it!

(We've also recently opened our space for events rental, and we host weekly Bible studies for groups of all ages.  Email us for more information!)

We invite you to come try a seasonal drink, shop for that special item for your home or a friend's, sit by the fire or watch the kids play on the playground, or go for a walk and enjoy this special place tucked away in a special town in the mountains of southwest Virginia.  How can we serve you?

Meet the "A Frame."  Originally built as staff housing by our founder's son, this cabin has hosted volunteer groups, short-term volunteers and long-term mission staff, and campers and guests of all ages.  

Over the years it's held its own season after season, and it's time for some attention!

Last summer this sweet cabin got a quick overhaul with some hard work from a volunteer family who traveled all the way from New Jersey to serve at camp for several weeks!   A fresh coat of paint for the bathroom walls and cabinets, a deep scrub, new curtains for the kitchen, flowers in the flower boxes, and recovered dining chairs were just a few of the improvements... it was a wonderful update!

Bunk beds in all three bedrooms meant this cabin could host several large volunteer and camp groups last year.  It was great to have them and God worked in the lives of campers and blessed our local community, too!  From free medical care for local residents to work on our local parks, to the largest group of teen campers to stay on campus, this cabin served its residents well.  And now it's time for a much-needed overhaul!

It's official!  The "A-Frame" has been adopted and will be getting a new roof and updated exterior, along with major updates to the interior.  It will become more of an "airbnb" type cabin that will be perfect for families and small groups and some day, potential mission staff housing.  Follow along to see more of this cabin's transformation over the coming months.   (Below is the design board we're using for inspiration as we work with our ministry partners to transform and care for this beloved cabin!)

​Are you interested in becoming part of Camp Bethel's ministry
by adopting a cabin? 
Whether it's spearheading a major overhaul of long-standing buildings or committing to help maintain a space for the year, you can come alongside the ministry team and help create a place of comfort and welcome so that campers can rest and connect with their Savior.  Families, churches, small groups, and volunteer groups can all become part of Adopt A Cabin on whatever level you're able.

We have more information here - head over and learn all about it!  Want to contact us right away with questions and ideas?  Email Brian, our director today.  

​Which cabin or community space is your favorite at camp?  Share a comment below!