History

“Before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” These words from Isaiah 65:24 have special meaning to the founders of Horton Haven Christian Camp. Two men agreed to invite others to join them in prayer that God would provide property for a camping ministry. However, even before they contacted others with similar interest, the property now known as Horton Haven Christian Camp became available to them.

The gift of this property, some 150 acres, was the result of a little 8-year-old girl accepting the Lord Jesus Christ in a Child Evangelism Fellowship Good News Club. She in turn was responsible for her family coming to Christ, and ultimately the offer of the land for Horton Haven Christian Camp.

Over the years the Lord has graciously blended together an overseeing Board of Directors with faith, vision, and unusual ability to work together for the glory of God. At present, of the eleven members now serving, four are from the original seven that first put their shoulders to the work in 1975. A variety of talents and abilities give depth to the functioning of this board.

Horton Haven has been a faith effort from the beginning with no assets other than the property on the Duck River. Without ever having a fundraiser or putting out letters of solicitation, the assets of Horton Haven are valued at approximately $3 million. The dining hall, completed in 1991, has the capacity to feed 300 people, quite different from the first camp held in 1976 when there was a “Wilderness Camp” for about 20 teens. We survived two weeks without running water and many other “necessities”. The addition of the Fernwood Lodge in 1997 has tremendously impacted the ministry. It is used for housing of staff in the summer and retreats the rest of the year. We added a pool in 2000 and a full size gym with a climbing wall, game room and snack bar in 2004. We completed the Greystone Chapel in 2007 which has given us much more flexibility in what we can do. At present, in addition to winter, spring, and summer retreats, ten weeks of camp for children and teens are held each summer. Total capacity is 225 people. Canoeing, rappelling, horseback riding,the High Adventure Area, and many other activities provide great summer fun for all.

The mission statement however, “Creating a Camp Environment Where People can Come to Know and Follow Jesus Christ”, sums up the history, the current status, and determination of all involved in this ministry.

He did answer before we called, and we experience His continued answering in daily needs–often even before we call. “To GOD be the glory forever and ever, amen.” Galatians 1:5

Creating a Camp Environment Where People can Come to Know and Follow Jesus Christ