About Us

In 2013, I was lost—struggling with direction, weighed down by doubt. A leap of faith led me to AmeriCorps and to Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp in Little Rock, Arkansas. I had never worked with kids before, but the outdoors became our classroom, and faith took root.

One day, the camp’s director turned to me and said, “You know, Dustin, Jesus was a camper.” At first, I laughed. But I came to see the truth in it—Jesus taught on mountainsides, preached by the sea, and found clarity in the wilderness.

Nature and faith changed me. They grounded me. They healed me. That journey led to my baptism, my work as an educator, and ultimately, to writing a song, a children’s book, and now a movement—called Jesus Was a Camper.

Jesus Was a Camper™ is more than a fun tagline—it’s a mindset rooted in faith, family, and the power of the outdoors. We create products that inspire kids and families to connect with nature and God in meaningful ways. And we give back to camps like the one that changed my life—so others can find hope, healing, and purpose in the simplest, wildest places.

In Service,
Dustin J. Krein, Ed.D.
Founder & CEO​
Jesus Was A Camper, LLC

Core Beliefs

  • Nature is God’s Classroom

    The outdoors provides endless opportunities to learn about God’s love, provision, and creativity.

  • Faith is an Adventure

    Following Jesus requires trust, exploration, and courage, much like a journey into the wilderness.

  • Community is Essential

    Just as Jesus built a community of disciples; we are called to build relationships that strengthen our faith and character.

The Vision

We believe faith isn’t confined to four walls, it thrives under open skies, beside crackling campfires, and along winding trails. More than just a tagline, we are a lifestyle, a movement, and a ministry built to inspire families to connect more deeply with their faith through outdoor adventures. Our mission is to bring together Christian values, the beauty of nature, and the power of family bonding through thoughtfully crafted merchandise, meaningful educational content, and a heart for giving back. Looking ahead, our goal is to grow a vibrant, community-driven brand that doesn’t just sell, it serves. By funding outdoor, faith-based experiences for children and families, we hope to plant seeds of joy, purpose, and spiritual growth in the wild places where God's presence feels closest.