Our History

The Legacy Behind Pine Brook Camp

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Pine Brook Camp, located in Shutesbury, Massachusetts, has a rich history rooted in Christian ministry and community. Originally founded as the Robbins Memorial Health Camp, the property included a small Methodist chapel, parsonage, and horse sheds. In 1931, Rev. William Anderson renamed the site Camp Beth, inspired by Bethsaida of Galilee, the biblical hometown of Philip, Peter, and Andrew—and the place where Jesus fed the five thousand.

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Under the leadership of Rev. Anderson, Rev. Herbert Dixon (Leverett), and Rev. Gifford Towle (Southampton), the first organized summer camp program began in 1933. However, tragedy struck in 1938 when the New England hurricane destroyed much of the camp's dining area and surrounding pine trees. The following summer, the camp suffered a greater loss with the passing of Rev. Anderson.

Determined to honor his friend’s vision, Rev. Dixon led efforts to rebuild and renamed the camp Camp Anderson in 1940.

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In 1962, the Franklin County Child Evangelism Fellowship began Good News Camp, originally holding programs in Charlestown, New Hampshire. By 1969, Good News Camp moved its ministry to the Camp Anderson property, becoming closely connected with the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Boston.

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In 1986, a fire devastated Camp Anderson’s main meeting space, Dixon Hall. Combined with a declining program, this led to a transition in leadership. A new Board of Trustees, comprised primarily of Christian leaders associated with Good News Camp, assumed stewardship of the property.

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By 1992, the Board made the strategic decision to operate independently from Child Evangelism Fellowship. In the spring of 1994, to reflect the camp's expanding year-round vision, a new name was chosen:

Pine Brook Camp and Conference Center, Camp Anderson Foundation, Inc.

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Today, Pine Brook continues its legacy of offering life-changing Christian summer camps, retreats, and faith-based programming for children, teens, and families across New England.