Nestled in the heart of Citronelle, Camp Whispering Pines and its serene surroundings offer a perfect getaway from the rush of city life. But that’s not the only reason that people choose to come to the campsite year after year.
“God is at work here. With all we’ve gone through with (Hurricane Katrina), decisions are still being made for Christ, people are coming and volunteers are investing their time to rebuild our camp,” said Camp Director Kevin Perrigan.
Located about 40 minutes north of Mobile, Camp Whispering Pines was not spared the wrath of Hurricane Katrina as it ravaged the Gulf Coast. In addition to completely losing the camp’s motel lodgings, every building had to be reroofed and the ropes course had to be rebuilt.
“It is in need of much, but the Lord has seen fit to preserve it for His service. After Hurricane Katrina damaged the motel, the camp has been blessed to be able to build a new one with the help of volunteer groups from many different states,” said Debra Valenti, who is working as the camp’s assistant cook this summer. “There is much to tell how the Lord has blessed the camp and the progress that has been done because of the help of Southern Baptists everywhere.”
More than 150 volunteers from all over the country have come to help rebuild the motel, trying to reach the staff’s goal of completing the project by the first of next year.
“We don’t have money for hiring out a company to do it, so we’re relying on these volunteers,” Perrigan said.
Thomas Wright, director of missions for Mobile Baptist Association, said those who volunteer and donate understand the importance of Christian camps.
“Camp Whispering Pines is a wonderful place for children and families to retreat from the secular pressures of life in the 21st century,” he said. “Each camper has the opportunity to relax, have fun and respond to the Holy Spirit.”
The land for the camp was purchased in 1946 by Mobile Association, and summer camps began in 1947.
While in seminary, Perrigan began to feel God changing his desire for international missions to local camping ministry. By the time he graduated, the door was opened for him to take over as the director of Camp Whispering Pines.
“One of the things I love about camp is getting to disciple the summer staff. They learn to serve, learn to teach and learn to disciple others,” Perrigan said.
Last year, 4,600 people came to Camp Whispering Pines and 248 decisions for Christ were made at the camp through its various missions-focused events.
Since 1973, the camp has sponsored Camp SMILE (Special Meaning In Life Experiences), which focuses on meeting the needs of those who are physically and mentally challenged.
There is also an annual camp for international students to provide an opportunity for children from local international congregations to grow deeper in their relationship with God through a camping experience.
The camp also hosts Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors each summer on its 76-acre property.
In addition to a new paintball course, one of the most popular features of the camp is Lake Chautauqua. The 3-acre lake has a designated swimming area and access to paddleboats and is surrounded by a scenic nature trail.
“Everyone who comes here is blessed by it. It’s an older camp but it’s beginning to blossom again,” Valenti said.
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