Joy El Ministries

The Mission of Joy El Ministries – To provide opportunities for life-change through personal encounters with God.

Our Story – 87 Years of Ministry
Joy El Ministries began in 1938 as Children’s Bible Mission (CBM) and pioneered the Released Time Bible Program—now called Bible Adventure—which allows public school students to receive weekly offsite Bible instruction. What began in two schools in 1967 now reaches over 3,000 students across 21+ school districts. As participation grew, CBM built a camping facility. In 1974, Camp Joy El opened, becoming the heart of the ministry. In 2004, the organization officially became Joy El Ministries.

Our Programs

• Bible Adventure & CIA: Released time programs for elementary and middle school students, offering biblical teaching, devotional habits, and faith-sharing skills.
• 4.12 Leadership Training: A discipleship program for students in grades 8–12 focused on Bible study, mentoring, leadership, and service.
• Joy El Camps and Retreats: For 51 years, Joy El has offered year-round Christian camps and retreats in PA, creating space for connection, growth, and fun.

At Joy El, we evangelize, encourage, and equip the next generation—raising up a generation that seeks God.

Your gift can help with expenses related to:

• General, programmatic funding for Bible Adventure/CIA, camping/retreats, and 4.12 Leadership Training Program
• Funding for Bible Adventure/CIA students to attend programs
• Facility maintenance & upgrades