Our Story

Toah Nipi is a refuge within the beauty of creation, offering individuals and groups a space to encounter Jesus and be renewed

A Place of Rich History

For decades Toah Nipi has served as a gathering place for individuals and groups to reflect and experience the goodness of God amidst the beauty of His creation. It has a rich history as a previous haven for indigenous peoples, the Melville & Torvela families, Trinitarian Congregational Church of Wayland, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

In 2022, a new vision emerged to guide Toah Nipi into the next chapter as an independent Christian camping and retreat center, dedicated to serving students, families, and churches by fostering an environment for deeper connections with God and one another. Come experience Toah Nipi with your team or family.

The Toah Nipi Story js-hero-timeline

  • 1930s

    1930s

    A neighbor on a dugout canoe fished out from the bottom of the pond.

  • 1940s

    1940s

    Generations of Finnish immigrants enjoying the pond after settlement in New England.

  • 1979

    David Melville acquires the property for logging purposes, then decides it would be better enjoyed as a retreat center. He named only a shed for himself, and gave the camp its current name, Toah Nipi.

  • 1980

    1980

    Toah Nipi is given to David Melville’s church, Trinitarian Congregational in Wayland, Massachusetts. Church members and IV alums, Ernie and Lauraine Bauder (center and far right), begin stewarding the camp as its first directors.

  • 1990s

    1990s

    The camp undergoes multiple construction and renovation projects to increase facilities and housing supply for guest groups.

  • 1993

    1993

    Toah Nipi is gifted to InterVarsity Christian Ministries.

  • 2024

    2024

    InterVarsity gifts Toah Nipi to a new board of trustees, making the camp an independent, Christian camping and retreat center.

    What began as a gift of God’s creation to indigenous peoples, continues today as a gift to the Toah Nipi board, staff, and guests. Retaining our mission to grow and steward the camp as a place to meet God and be renewed.

Our Statement of Faith

We believe in:

The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—full of love and glory.

The unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.

The value and dignity of all people: created in God's image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.

Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.

Justification by God's grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.

The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshiping and witnessing churches making disciples throughout the world.

The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.

To God be glory forever.

Our Core Values

Our Team

Introducing our team at Toah Nipi Christian Retreat Center. Though the organization is new, the faces will remain familiar. We’re here to help and support you as you plan and enjoy your retreat.

Meet Our Staff

  • Abby Stroven

    CEO

  • Greg Hodgson

    Greg Hodgson

    Executive Director

  • Elisha Hodgson

    Elisha Hodgson

    Associate Director

  • Arianne Miller

    Executive Chef

  • Elizabeth Brown

    Elizabeth Brown

    Office Administrator

  • Mindy Niemela

    Mindy Niemela

    Kitchen Coordinator

  • Crystal Baldwin

    Crystal Baldwin

    Housekeeping

  • Bill Burt

    Bill Burt

    Facilities Coordinator

  • Aahnix Bathurst

    Forest Stewardship Coordinator