Who We Are

At Mystic Mountain, we believe in the power of gathering and connecting. Our summer camps for kids and programs provide the perfect opportunity to build friendships and strengthen faith. With a focus on community and fun, we create an environment where everyone can feel at home and make lasting connections.

Why We Exist

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

To know Jesus Christ and to make Him known.


Vision

Mystic Mountain Training Center exists to provide a safe and positive experience for children, adults, and families to learn about the saving hope of Jesus Christ. We are dedicated to providing quality training and facilities for unique learning experiences to help build balanced development of mental, physical, and spiritual needs in today's youth and adults.


Statement of Faith

Mystic Mountain Training Center is a faith-based organization. Though Mystic Mountain is not associated with any particular denomination, the Founders and Board of Directors believe in a Sovereign God and the saving grace of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action. Faith at Mystic Mountain is demonstrated through "living example" to those we work with. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds with the same loving grace that has so freely been given to us.

How we started

The History of MMTC

In the 1950’s Camp Mystic became the first ski slope in NW PA. Changing times eventually led to its closing sometime in the 1960’s. The property sat unused for nearly 20 years.             


In 1981 Bill and Denise Olczak purchased the property. By 1985 the family had moved into their new, owner designed and built, passive solar home. The barn became home to a rescued collection of goats, ducks and chickens. Bill and Denise dedicated their property to the Lord, thanking Him for His blessing upon them.


Horses, horses, and more horses

After wanting horses and waiting for over twenty years, Denise promised the Lord if He would allow her to have horses, she would give them back to Him for His service. In 1995 the Olczaks discovered the American Bashkir Curly breed of horse. In a very short period of time the herd had grown to nearly 20 horses and the Olczak’s became Pennsylvania’s largest breeder of American Bashkir Curly horses. Horses and children just seem to go together. As the horse breeding program increased, so did the number of children visiting the farm.


Mystic Mountain Training Center Is Born

In 2001, God opened the doors for the formation of a summer day camp and Mystic Mountain Training Center was formally established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation sitting on top of the Olczak farm. We kicked off our first summer of the Great Adventure Day Camp with a full schedule of equestrian, shooting sports, drama, puppets and teaching. Every year since then campers, teens, parents, and friends have come to experience God’s glorious creation and His unlimited love expressed through His Son Jesus as it is reflected in changed lives. Many years later it is still our goal to bring a message of hope and love into a world desperately in need of a Savior.

  • A barn is surrounded by yellow flowers and trees

    Nature's Symphony

    Button
    • Who We Are

    Our Founders

    Bill and Denise Olczak met in 1972 while both were enrolled at Penn State University. They fell in love, married, and moved to Erie for Bill's employment and where Denise finished her degree at Mercyhurst University. Both had grown up in rural Pennsylvania and longed for this lifestyle. Within a few years they had purchased 40 acres, designed and built a house and a barn themselves (with a lot of help from family and friends), and began their family. In 1983 they became born again Christians, dedicating their lives and everything they own to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 


    Bill and Denise have been involved with one aspect or another of youth ministry since 1976. They have two grown sons and daughter-in-laws, two beautiful granddaughters and dozens of kids and adults that consider them second parents and grandparents.

    Staff at MMTC

    Mystic Mountain Training Center is made up of many people who are involved year round, or just for the summers. We would love for you to meet our wonderful staff, who is made up of 100% volunteers!