Forty Years of Christian Camping
1964 - 2003

2003 marks Marmon Valley Farm's 40th year in Christian Camping.  Marmon Valley Farm has been operating as a summer camp and retreat center since 1964, under the establishment of founders Bill and Phyllis Wiley. This leadership has since been handed down to the direction of their son Matthew Wiley. Marmon Valley Farm sits on land that was once familiar to Wyandot and Shawnee Indians, as well as home to frontiersmen such as Simon Kenton.

Shortly after Ohio became a state the Marmon family settled in this valley in which the Native Americans referred to as Taloga, meaning cradle of the hills. Part of our 450 acres still holds the historic house of Martin Marmon. Thus, the name Marmon Valley Farm was adopted when the Wiley’s established the camp. The camp itself is actually spread out over three formerly neighboring farms. The Louden farm, purchased in 1964 was the first property attained. It now is the stable area of the camp. The Wileys began the camp and retreat facility by opening their house to guests. As the word got out about Marmon Valley the number of guests increased as did the need to expand both the camp and the riding stables. In 1970 they were able to purchase more property, the Thompson farm which allowed for more riding trails and sleeping quarters, hay storage and a dining hall.

The mid seventies also brought about new goals for MVF as Uncle Bill and Aunt Phyllis decided to develop a stronger Christian emphasis in the camping program by presenting the gospel to all campers who attended. This has since become the ultimate purpose of Marmon Valley Farm, to share Jesus Christ, His love, and His Word with any guest. The program has continued to grow in this way as we have continued to deepen our relationships with the Lord.

As the Lord blessed these efforts, the camp grew in size and attendance. An all purpose activity barn was constructed in the late seventies, as well as, new housing facilities for campers and guests. Another land purchase brought the Farm’s total acreage to its current height of 450 acres. In recent years a historic log cabin was moved to MVF and rebuilt to be used as guest lodging, and a giant size covered wagon was constructed for groups to stay in as well. In 1996 we introduced Lake Hill-Be-Gone, our 1 and 1/2 acre pond for swimming, boating and fishing. The Butler Play Barn, another new attraction for kids of all ages, officially opened in May of 1997. The Play Barn was a special project created in memory of our friend Jeff Butler, a former staff member who later lost his life as a missionary pilot in Africa.   1998 brought about the completion of the camp’s new water system and also marked the 35th year of operation for the camp. More recently we completed construction on a large picnic shelter, in memory of "Wild" Bill Smith and Cal Cal, remodeled several buildings, and built a 120 x 225 Indoor riding arena. The program and facility keep growing and developing as we add to and refine many areas of our operations.

Currently Marmon Valley Farm offers nine weeks of residential summer camp. Aside from camp we also operate a large year round riding stable and retreat facility. The grounds are open to the public for picnicking and playing. Marmon Valley also provides a school field trip program that allows for unique farm experiences.  The Lord is faithful to lead us into new directions and areas of ministry as we seek Him and hold to the purpose we believe the camp is to serve.

"Uncle" Bill and "Aunt" Phyllis Wiley

"Uncle" Bill - 1973