MISSION:
Since 1937, Ferncliff has provided a safe space for children, youth and adults to gather, experience fellowship and connect with nature. The mission that guides Ferncliff is “As an expression of God’s love, we welcome people into a life of caring for Creation, others and themselves.” Ferncliff transforms people and communities.
Every aspect of Ferncliff — from the environment to the programs and staff — aims to connect, inspire and transform lives. Time spent at Ferncliff by campers, families and guests leaves a lasting impact. Ferncliff is a place that gives individuals and the community an opportunity to explore, practice their faith and engage with the world. It’s a place that supports, challenges and develops each person in their own journey.
Ferncliff has grown into a center of mission and ministry, now encompassing responsive ministries such as a summer camp, nature preschool, disaster assistance center and a retreat and conference center, among others. Sustainability and creation care are central to Ferncliff’s mission. From solar energy to an eco-center that is one of the largest straw-bale-walled structures in the U.S., Ferncliff strives to be environmentally conscious in its programs, practices and facilities.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:
- Give a Gift: Your gift, of any size, can support Ferncliff’s greatest needs.
- Give Monthly: Join Ferncliff’s Giving Club with a monthly gift to provide ongoing support.
- Plan Now for the Future: Designate a legacy gift to create a lasting impact.
- Capital Campaign and Naming Opportunities: Contribute to Ferncliff’s “Connect. Impact. Transform.” capital campaign to drive campus development.
FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS:
- “Connect. Inspire. Transform” Capital Campaign: Exciting campus improvements including youth camp additions, stream restoration, and the Center for Restoration and Healing. Learn more at resources.ferncliff.org/transform.
- A Ferncliff Christmas: December 2024. Experience a living Nativity walking trail and family fun
- Annual Dinner: February 2025. A celebration of 87 years of Ferncliff
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
- Disaster Assistance Center
- Sharing the Goods
- Farmstead
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace
- Residential Volunteers
- Mission & Volunteer Groups
OUR IMPACT:
First Nature Preschool in Arkansas with more than 49,500 hours spent outside by Ferncliff’s nature preschool kiddos annually.
Award-Winning
Ferncliff received the “Sustaining the Rock” award as Little Rock’s “greenest” nonprofit and Green Camp certification.
77,126 pounds
Volume of disaster assistance kits that were collected and distributed to those in need in 2023.
165
Nonprofits and faith-based groups served through retreats, mission and outreach.
75%
Percentage of campers that receive scholarships or subsidies.
600 volunteers
Contribute around 9,370 hours of service annually.
FUNDING SOURCES:
- Earned Revenue: 80%
- Charitable Contributions: 20%
1720 Ferncliff Road
Little Rock, AR 72223
501.821.3063 | ferncliff.org | Facebook | Instagram
Established: 1937
Employees: 25
Service Area: Arkansas and surrounding areas
Leadership
Executive Director: Joel Gill
Board of Directors
Melissa Fontaine, Board Chair
Beth Sigler
Betty Henderson
Rev. Dr. Robert William Lowry
Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell
Linda K Smith
Dave Hamilton
Renee Dickins
Rev. Bill Bailey
Will Faulkner
John Hall
Bob Boehmler
Daniel Ford
Rev. Carol-Ann Blow
Marion Humphrey Jr.
Leigh Woodruff
Rev. Stacey Hammons
Alfred Williams
Rev. Stewart Smith, Ex-officio/General Presbyter
Joel Gill, Ex-officio/Executive Director
The 2024/2025 Arkansas Giving Guide is presented by Wright Lindsey Jennings. Click here to read a letter from our sponsors.