Christian Camping International (CCI) is an alliance of 20 Associations and Networks around the world.

CCI supports Christian camps and camping leaders in 60 countries.

Christian camping is known to exists in an additional 40 countries without the support of local Associations.

Believing that Christian camping is a powerful method to impact people for God’s glory, CCI desires to see Christian camping grow around the world.

On the 21st of each month, CCI encourages people to pause and ask God to raise up the 21st Association of camps and camping leaders.

Few Associations are as outreach oriented as CCI-Spain. At their last meeting, this small but strategic Association, discussed support for camping ministries in Turkey, Croatia, North Africa, and Portugal. Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain and has been on CCI-Spain’s radar for several years.

Portugal is a country of about 11 million people, a quarter of whom live in Lisbon the capitol.  The country is known for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, ancient castles, agricultural plains, and rolling mountains.

Although 85% of the population considers themselves Christian, very few are active in their faith. Portugal is reported to be a primary access point for drugs entering Western Europe from Latin America, North Africa and Asia. Unemployment is high and their economy is facing serious challenges.  

This year, two Christian camping leaders from Portugal attended CCI-Spain’s national training conference held near Santiago de Compostela. This is our first real contact with these dear servants who we hope will someday become part of the CCI-Worldwide family.  We can learn much for them; and we can provide encourage, training, and support for them as well.  We believe that by working together, we can accomplish more for the cause of Christ; sharing, supporting, learning, and praying with one another. 

We look forward to continuing this dialogue about the value and benefits of working together for mutual support and encouragement. Please pray that through this initial interaction a foothold would be established to help grow Christian camping in Portugal.