Founding History

Nature's Friend is the brainchild of John E. Martin, a graduate of Virginia Union University, a successful administrator, counselor, educator, and organizer. After a brief stint with the Baltimore Colts, he began a thirty year career of community service that has taken him to every state in the USA and many countries overseas. He is an experienced counselor, teacher, and organizer. During his long career following his military service, Martin worked for the Urban League, the AFL/CIO, and the National Education Association.

Upon retirement in 1992, Mr. Martin began acting on his commitment to helping young people by shaping his dream of a camp for young people that he called 'Nature's Friend Camp and Retreat.' A cadre of friends, colleagues, and dedicated volunteers joined his efforts and formed an advisory Board and a Board of Directors. Countless volunteer hours have led to the creation of a non-profit camp/retreat facility.

 

The Camp

Nature's Friend Camp & Retreat is a non-profit summer camp facility located between Crewe and Victoria on Route 49 in Lunenburg County, Virginia. The camp is 65 miles southwest of Richmond, 40 miles from Petersburg, and approximately three and one-half hours from Washington, DC. Directions from DC and Richmond: Take Interstate 95 South to Petersburg. Go west on State 460 to Crewe. Go south on Rt. 49 for ten miles. Nature's friend is on the right one mile past Nottoway Falls.