Baldwin Association camp provides outreach tool

Baldwin Baptist Association church members began camping out in 1955 in tents on the banks of Wolf Bay. 
   
Charging less than $9 per person, the camp’s first theme was “Pioneering for Jesus,” and recreation included cutting grass and clearing paths over the 22-acre site.
   
Hosting 63 junior and intermediate boys and girls during the first summer, the camp’s leaders did not let their humble beginnings deter them from the real purpose of the camp. 
   
Two campers made professions of faith, four rededicated their lives to Christ and eight dedicated their lives to the Lord’s service, according to camp records.
   
Fifty years later, the encampment, now called Camp Baldwin, has expanded to 66 acres and can accommodate more than 400 campers at one time. 
   
Eight full-time employees and 16 college and high school part-time summer workers staff the facility as more than 8,000 campers visit throughout the year.
   
“It is evident that God has had a design on this facility and camp for His honor and glory,” said camp director David Payne.
   
Camp facilities include three lodges, one dormitory and a recently completed 33-room motel for children and adults. 
   
With several conference and meeting spaces, a chapel, outdoor sports, food service and catering, Camp Baldwin can provide services for various groups and functions.
   
Even hurricanes haven’t slowed the steady growth of the camp. Although Hurricane Ivan caused a great deal of damage to the site last year, records show a 35-percent increase this year, according to Payne.
   
“We had the busiest winter we have ever had, even with the hurricane damage,” he said. “God has just blessed us through the hurricane more than we could have ever anticipated. Every need we have had, he has supplied financially and every other way.
   
“Eleven years ago, we started a 25-year long-range plan that we completed in 11 years, so we will be planning again,” Payne said.
   
More important than the facilities are the nearly 400 campers decide to follow Christ each year, he said. 
   
“There have been many decisions for Christ over the years, and, God willing, with the increase in facilities, there will be many more in the years to come,” Payne said.
   
“All these nice buildings and facilities will crumble to dust but what happens in the hearts of the young people is for eternity.”
   
He added, “That’s why we do everything we do — to see young people have an encounter with the Lord and accept Him as their Savior.”
   
Larry Patterson, director of missions for Baldwin Association, said the camp has aided the association with many fellowship opportunities.
   
“It has also allowed us to bring people away from the distractions of every day life,” Patterson said. 
   
“It gives us an opportunity to help them be in closer contact and fellowship with the Lord and learn more about His work in our county and around the world.”
   
He added, “It is a great tool for teaching the Word and missions.”
   
John Long, former director of missions for Baldwin Association, said that the camp’s outreach to other churches and associations gives the campus a more regional feel.
   
“It provides a wonderful Christian environment and affordable housing for churches who want to do a youth or church retreat close to the beach,” said Long, who is currently serving as director of missions for Madison Baptist Association. 
   
“It’s had a rich history and steady growth since the conception of it, and a lot of that is due to lay leadership who have a passion and vision for the camp.”
   
Likewise, Payne attributes the camp’s success to its wonderful heritage.
   
“This exciting ministry exists because of those who, in past years, saw the vision and opportunity of touching lives for Jesus Christ through the ministry of Christian camping,” Payne said. 
   
“For those who have benefited from the ministry of Camp Baldwin, the rewards are eternal.”