Accepting God's Challenge
Meeting the Challenge
In 1949, the purpose of establishing White Mills Christian Camp was to train young people and adults in Christian ideals, skills and fellowship in a week or more of directed studies and activities at camp. The purpose of White Mills remains unchanged.
Those who were the instrumental in establishing White Mills has a vision of all that could be accomplished by having a Christian camp in this region. They planned, labored and prayed until the dream became a reality. For more than 50 years, young people have enjoyed the fruits of these labors. God has blessed the efforts of those who have upheld the vision for White Mills. Today the campus and facilities are among the best in the nation. Only in eternity will the full impact of this ministry be known.
After more than half a century, the need for Christian camping has not diminished. As one author wrote, “If we ever needed Christian camping, we need it now!” The challenge has become greater, the obstacles have increased, but the opportunities also have grown.
What is the vision for the future White Mills?
To provide additional facilities that will allow more diversity in programming
To provide new programming that will appeal to more youths and adults
To hold camps at times other than the summer months (due, in part to nontraditional/year-round school calendars)
To meet the various physical needs of all campers
To offer the Christian Camp setting for adult activities, family gatherings, and church programs.
Over the past 50 years, the Christian camp scene has seen many changes. Many more changes will take place during the next 50 years. Only those willing to meet the challenges under God’s direction will change lives for eternity.
Building on the Past - Early Beginnings
In the last 1930’s, Christian churches from central Kentucky traveled to various places to provide Christian camping programs. The first Christian camp was held at White Mills in 1940. The hotel was rented for a week and area ministers served as faculty. From 1945 to 1948 Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky, provided the location for week-long camps.
Through the leadership of area ministers, God’s challenge was accepted to provide a Christian camp at White Mills. White Mills Christian Assembly was incorporated on February 28, 1949 and the hotel was purchased. Four weeks of camp were held that summer. A faculty of 37 adults provided camp for 246 campers
1954…Construction of boys’ and girls’ form
1957…Construction of in-ground pool
1966…Construction of Chapel
1971…Enlargement of both dorms and pool
1983…Enlargement of Dining Hall (to double its capacity), construction of a large pantry
1986…Construction of six-room classroom shelter
1989…Construction of large pavilion
Expanding the Present
1990 Bring Expansion
An Ambitious plan was launched in the fall of 1990 to meet God’s challenge for a growing Christian camp. The goals were to obtain the 34 acres surrounded by Nolin River and to build new dorms to meet the demands of increasing numbers of campers.
Between 1990 and 1999, 39 acres were added to the original six. Three new dorms, another pavilion, an additional residence, a repair shop, and a storage building were completed. Today, 250 campers plus ample faculty can be housed while enjoying improved recreational facilities at White Mills.
New Programs Added
Accepting God’s challenge, White Mills became a partner with Power Ministries to provide Christian camping for disabled. Today, four camps provide an opportunity for 150 campers with disabilities to enjoy Christian camping.
The Wilderness and Backpacking programs at White Mills have added new dimensions to appreciating the great outdoors. Campers can canoe, hike and worship while studying God’s Word in Natural surroundings.
Providing for the Future
Changing the World Provides New Challenges
Over the years a number of changes have taken place in Christian camping. With the Gospel message remaining the same, more effective ways of communicating have become necessary. White Mills must continue to provide Biblical truths in a clear, yet challenging way.
The school calendar varies from district to district, with more for activities available during the summer. Children are becoming more available for fall, winter and spring camp programs.
With our churches increasing their ministries to meet the needs of their members, White Mills must partner with them to provide a wider range of programming---family camps, retreats for all ages, senior programs, and marriage-enrichment retreats to name a few. Small groups and youth groups are looking for a place for their members to enjoy times of fellowship together.
Better Facilities are Expected
Churches and schools continue to improve their facilities. Church members expect the camp to do the same. Health regulations and security concerns demand better facilities that will provide a safe place for campers.
Plans for the future include necessary improvements and expansion to help White Mills meet or exceed increasing demands for Christian camping. Christian camps have adapted to many changes through the years and will continue to be challenged to do so in the future.