Our History: Stony Point Center 

In 2008, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will celebrate 100 years of camping that began in 1908 at Camp Kosciusko in north central Indiana.  Here is the brief story of Stony Point Center (Stony Point, New York), one of the three national conference centers owned by the PC(USA).  Thanks be to God for the thousands of lives that have been impacted through the church’s outdoor ministry during the past century.  

At its foundation, Stony Point Center programs align with the themes of the denomination while engaging the emerging needs of global cultures.

How It Began
It all began with an open invitation to missionaries on furlough, a cup of hot chocolate, and a fire in the open fireplace: “Come to our home, enjoy the gardens, and renew your spirit!”   A ministry of hospitality was shaped by four daughters of a Presbyterian minister 150 years ago.  The home is now named the Gilmor Sloane House, the daughters are remembered as the “Gilmor Sisters,” and their hospitality is the inspiration for services to thousands of guests locally, nationally, and globally.  The current mission of Stony Point Center, “to broaden hospitality and deepen vocation,” not only captures the legacy of early history but mandates the service provided by this national conference center of the PC(USA).

In the Historic Hudson River Valley
Located on 32 beautiful acres in the scenic and historic Hudson River Valley, Stony Point Center is just 30 miles north of Manhattan and within one hour of four airports.  The facility offers a wide variety of accommodations for small groups, individual retreats, and conferences for up to 180 guests.  Three continental theme lodges, the historic and remodeled Victorian Gilmor Sloane mansion, and the Beta House complex provide flexible and accessible lodging and meeting spaces. Our Meditation Space, a Japanese Garden, and an outdoor Labyrinth provide wonderful opportunities for reflection, discovery, and spiritual renewal.

Programs and Events
In the last year, Stony Point hosted over 13,000 individuals from 475 different religious and not-for-profit groups.  Program events have been offered in partnership with a diversity of groups and topics, including: college age young adults, disability concerns, Horizon Bible studies, arts and worship, design-your-own mission base camps (with NYC site visits), family summer events, countless training events for church and community leadership, renewal retreats for “Ground Zero” teachers and community leaders, Presbyterian Parish Nurses, Board of Pension members, Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Northeast and the PC (USA) interfaith Christian-Muslim dialogue efforts.

Staff and Mission
Stony Point Center’s diverse and dedicated staff teams with a wonderful group of mission volunteers to keep the very spirit and legacy of this historic center operational and in focus with its mission. 

Groups such as the Peer Support Training Institute consistently write in to extend a hearty thank you to Stony Point Center, for the wonderful hospitality and support provided to their groups. “As we launch a new group of NYPD officers on their peer support journey...and for us to do this work in as open, accepting, supportive, non-judgmental, and diverse a community as your Center, is a remarkable experience.”

“Truly there is a sweet, sweet spirit in this place.”
Welcome!  Come find your place with us!

Learn More
Stony Point Center can be reached on the web at www.stonypointcenter.org or by calling 800.253.4285.