50th Anniversary Reflections from Co-Founder & Executive Director Linda Harris

Memories flood your mind and heart when you go back to the beginning when the planning and dreaming began…1967. The seed was planted in the heart of a young pastor and his wife about starting a Christian camp on the shores of Lake Gaston. God doesn’t dilly-dally when He gives the call and asks for a walk of faith to move forward. One step and contact led to countless others, all opening doors of opportunities. God had already moved in the heart of a dairy farmer and his wife to have a role in this journey through the availability of property. Two railroad companies soon helped make the building theme a reality with boxcars. Countless individuals and corporations brought their gifts to the newly formed interdenominational, Christian camping corporation. Since the five weeks of summer day camps in 1968 through the yearly camping ministry in 2018, thousands upon thousands of children, teenagers and adults have participated in the Camp Willow Run and now Camp Willow Springs outreach ministries. Hundreds upon hundreds of college students have served on summer staffs! Dozens of men and women have served on full-time staff and the Youth Camps for Christ, Inc. Board of Directors. All for His glory! Even as we give thanksgiving and joyful praise for every single staffer, donor, camper, parent and member of the BOD, we give unbounded glory to God.

“We will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever; with our mouth we will make known His faithfulness to all generations.” (Ps. 89:1)