In ministry since 1963, Spruce Lake was founded by and is affiliated with the churches and individuals within Franconia Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. Actual ownership, however, is held by Franconia Mennonite Camp Association, a body of individuals who represent not only Mennonites but other Christians who believe in the life-transforming ministry of Spruce Lake Retreat.

Spruce Lake is a member of Mennonite Camping Association (MCA) and Christian Camps and Conference Centers (CCCA). The Wilderness Camp program is accredited by American Camping Association.

Spruce Lake's purpose of “Pointing People Toward Christ” is expressed through Wilderness Camp & Expeditions, Group & Individual Retreats, Adult & Family Ministry events, and Spruce Lake Outdoor School – all taking place in an affirming natural sanctuary of woodland, waterfalls and mountain streams. Lodging areas, family campground and natural areas create an at-home atmosphere of peacefulness and contentment.

Underlying Spruce Lake Retreat is the foundational belief that the life and teachings of Jesus Christ are central to life. As the "author and finisher" of our faith, the complete revelation of who God is, Jesus becomes for us the Holy Light which guides our thoughts and actions. He is the Creator, Savior, Lord and Sustainer of our lives, declared to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.

Our core values of service and faith are grounded in the Mennonite Confession of Faith, summarized as follows:

•We believe that God exists and is pleased with all who draw near by faith. We worship the one holy and loving God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit eternally. God has created all things visible and invisible, has brought salvation and new life to humanity through Jesus Christ, and continues to sustain the church and all things until the end of the age.

• We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit for instruction in salvation and training in righteousness. We accept the Scriptures as the Word of God and as the fully reliable and trustworthy standard for Christian faith and life. led by the Holy Spirit in the church, we interpret Scripture in harmony with Jesus Christ.

•We believe the God has created the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them, and that God preserves and renews what has been made. All creation has its source outside itself and belongs to the Creator. The world has been created good because God is good and provides all that is needed for life.

•We believe that God has created human beings in the divine image. God formed them from the dust of the earth and gave them a special dignity among all the works of creation. Human beings have been made for relationship with God, to live in peace with each other, and to take care of the rest of the creation.

•We confess that, beginning with Adam and Eve, humanity has disobeyed God, given way to the tempter and chosen to sin. All have sinned and fallen short of God's intent. Because of sin, humanity has been given over to the enslaving powers of evil and death.

• We believe that the Holy Spirit, the eternal Spirit of God, convicts us of sin, effects the new birth, gives guidance in life, empowers for service, and enables perseverance in faith and holiness.

•We believe that Jesus Christ calls us to discipleship, to take up our own crosses and follow him. Through the gift of God's saving grace, we are empowered to be disciples of Jesus, filled with his spirit, following his teachings and his path through suffering to new life. As we are faithful to his way, we become conformed to Christ and separated from the evil in the world.

• We believe that the Church is the assembly of those who have accepted God's offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the new community of disciples sent into the world to be a living sign of the kingdom of God, a people redeemed and obedient to the Word of God in a fellowship of love, intercession, and healing.

• We place our hope in the reign of God and its fulfillment in the day when Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will gather his church, which is already living under the reign of God. We await God's final victory, the end of this present age of struggle, the resurrection of the dead, and a new heave and a new earth. There the people of God will reign with Christ in justice, righteousness and peace forever.