Camp Kum-Ba-Yah (CKBY) Nature Center

The late Reverend Bev Cosby started summer camp at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah (CKBY) in 1950 as a place where children from all walks of life could play in a protected natural space. CKBY was at the forefront of integrating the City of Lynchburg in the 1960s when our swimming pools welcomed all, and it has stayed an inclusive space welcoming all children, from all parts of the city and all walks of life. Situated on 47 acres of urban forest in the heart of Lynchburg, CKBY Nature Center has influenced countless lives, providing formative experiences in nature and a lifelong circle of friends that spans generations. CKBY Nature Center has protected 42 acres in a conservation easement to allow the community to "find their place" in the woods for many generations. Thousands of children have been taught to swim, fish, cook over a campfire, play in the mud, share stories and songs, and find nurture in Cosby Woods. In addition to summer camp, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center offers year-round programming to our multigenerational community. School children participate in environmental education field trips. Young children play at KinderWoods in the mud kitchen and playground. The community is invited to hike the Cosby Trail (1.2 miles), which encircles the property. The Schewel-Clark Family Cottage sunroom is available for corporate meetings and individual rental. Come by here today!