If your Christian camp isn’t showing up when people search on Google, you could be missing out on families who are actively looking for a camp just like yours. That’s where SEO—Search Engine Optimization—comes in. For Christian camps and retreat centers, one of the easiest places to start with SEO is by setting up or improving your Google Business Profile.

You’ve likely seen a Google Business Profile before. It’s that box that shows up on the side of Google Search with your address, phone number, photos, reviews, and more. For Christian camps, this is one of the simplest ways to get found online by the right people—families, donors, church leaders, and future staff.

Let’s break down why this matters and how you can improve your camp’s local SEO in just a few steps.

Why Google Business Profile is Important for Christian Camps & Retreat Centers

Let’s say a parent searches for “Christian summer camp near me,” or “faith-based youth camp in Michigan,” or “retreat center facility for rent in Ohio”. If your camp isn’t listed in Google Maps or doesn’t have an optimized profile, chances are that someone else’s camp is getting that visibility—and potentially that registration.

Google Business Profile is how your camp shows up in local results, especially in Google Maps. Having an optimized profile helps increase trust, makes your camp look more active and professional, and helps families get to the right place quickly.

This is also a powerful tool for recruiting summer staff or promoting off-season retreats.

Here’s What Every Christian Camp & Retreat Center Should Do With Their Google Business Profile

Step 1: Claim or Verify Your Profile

Search your camp’s name on Google. If a box shows up with your name, address, and other details, look for the “Own this business?” link and follow the steps to claim it. If your camp doesn’t show up at all, you can create a new listing at google.com/business.

Step 2: Add Accurate Info

Make sure your contact information is accurate, including your website, phone number, and physical location. Add a brief description that clearly explains your mission—for example, “A Christian camp in northern Michigan helping kids grow in faith, community, and outdoor adventure.”

Step 3: Choose the Right Categories

Categories help Google understand what your camp offers. Use categories like:

• Summer Camp
• Christian Camp
• Youth Organization
• Retreat Center
  

Step 4: Upload Photos/Videos

Photos and videos bring your camp to life. Upload real pictures of your cabins, lakefront, chapel, team-building activities, and smiling campers. This builds trust with parents and potential staff.

Step 5: Add Your Camp’s Hours

Even if you don’t have standard business hours, you can set hours of operation that reflect your availability. Consider adding “seasonal hours” or open office hours during camp registration season.

Ask for Reviews from Campers, Parents, and Staff

Positive reviews on Google are powerful. They help your camp stand out and give new families confidence. Here’s a simple way to ask:

Send a follow-up email to families after camp ends and say something like:
“If your child had a great experience at [Camp Name], would you consider leaving us a Google review? It helps other families discover our ministry.”

Include a direct link to your Google Business review page.

Encourage former summer staff to leave reviews too. Their stories are often full of energy, joy, and spiritual growth—and they matter just as much as camper reviews.

Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—is another way to show you care. A quick “Thanks so much for your kind words!” goes a long way. For concerns or negative feedback, respond with grace and invite them to contact you directly.

Keep Your Camp & Retreat Center Profile Active

Google likes fresh content. One way to keep your listing active is by posting updates. You can use this space to share:

• “Summer 2025 Registration Is Now Open”
• “Now Hiring: Camp Counselors for June–August”
• “Women’s Retreat Weekend Coming This Fall”

Posting even once a month can help boost your visibility and keep your audience informed.

SEO Isn’t Just for Big Businesses

Christian camps have a mission worth sharing. You don’t need a massive budget to be found online. Small steps like keeping your Google Business Profile updated, collecting reviews, and posting occasional updates can make a big difference.

At Lifedge, we help camps like yours improve visibility, build trust, and reach new families through simple and strategic digital marketing. If you’d like help improving your camp’s SEO or website, we’d love to talk.

Ready to reach more families, staff, and supporters?

Visit lifedge.online/christian-camp-marketing to learn more and schedule a free website review.