Mission & Vision | At A Glance | History | Statement of Faith | Board of Directors

History

Our history, while brief, is significant.

In 1999, Dr. Brad Smith felt the Lord was calling him to build a camp.  As a physician, camping was not a part of Dr. Smith’s personal history, but was soon to be a notable part of his future.

While attending a men’s retreat at Forest Home, Dr. Smith was stirred to act upon this dream that the Lord had given him.  A speaker that weekend told of three things many Christians in their 90’s wished they had done with their lives.  They wished they had pondered more, taken more risks because of their faith, and that they had left a lasting legacy for God.

As Dr. Smith boldly stepped out in faith to seek out the dream the Lord had put on his heart, he and his family created a non-profit organization – Eagle Ridge - that began the search for a place to call home.

The search led he and his family to 120 unspoiled acres in the valley of Big Bear, California.  The land boasts beautiful views, wide valleys, and is bordered on three sides by the San Bernardino National Forest.  This is the land that Eagle Ridge now calls home.

Dr. Smith and his family have dedicated their resources, time and hearts to seeing the dream of Eagle Ridge become a place where youth and adults are brought to a deeper and fresh understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

God’s hand has been evident every step of the way, and we as a Directing Board are dedicated to helping this dream become a reality – the dream that God began, that Dr. Smith stepped out in faith on, and that we are now sharing with you.