Like thousands of kids throughout Alabama, Julie James always looked forward to summer because that meant camp at Shocco.
“I went every year from 5th grade into college,” said James, who now lives in Mississippi. “I have a thousand Shocco stories, but one of the best would be that I met my college roommate there. We met in 8th grade and got to see each other every summer at camp. Then we lived together at Auburn.”
James credits her experiences at Shocco with many spiritual milestones — meeting mentors, being called to ministry and growing in her faith. She remembers a lot of fun as well. That combination of spiritual, emotional and physical refreshment is what Shocco strives for with every guest, said Shocco director Buster Taylor.
“At Shocco, people can hear God speak better because they are away from their normal distractions,” Taylor said. “They are also surrounded by friends who are here for the same reason and leaders who are here to speak into their lives and help build them up.”
Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, or Shocco as it is usually called, is an important part of Alabama Baptist life primarily because of its mission “to provide a distinctly Christian environment for spiritual transformation and renewal,” said Taylor, who has served at Shocco since 1989.
Nourishing souls
Hundreds of decisions for Christ are made in the summer months alone, Taylor said. Thousands come to camps, retreats and workshops with one common goal — to nourish their souls and refresh their spirits.
“Shocco is so peaceful and serene,” said Reba Gay, a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church, Fruithurst, in Cleburne Baptist Association. “There is a spot driving into Shocco where it seems like all my burdens and problems are left behind. You can feel the Spirit of God, the closeness of Christian fellowship.”
For new campers, that peace may take a little while to settle in — a fact that is often evident on the faces of campers on check-in days.
As campers wait for their room assignments and nametags, they display a variety of emotions. Some are eager to say goodbye to their parents so they can join the games already in progress. Others are quiet, anxious about spending a few days away from home.
As bags are moved from car to cabin and last minute hugs are shared, Shocco staff members see the excitement in the eyes of the students as well as their adult chaperones. It’s the beginning of “an adventure of a lifetime,” both physically and spiritually, said Wendy Westerhouse, sales and public relations associate at Shocco.
“We offer quality facilities, multiple recreation options and a staff eager to serve for one reason — so that God’s voice can be heard during the camp experience,” Westerhouse said. “We hear stories regularly about the spiritual impact that occurs on the Shocco campus.”
CP funding
Shocco is an entity of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, who provides funding to Shocco through the Cooperative Program. However, the influence of Shocco goes beyond Alabama Baptists.
Nonprofit and Christian groups of many denominations come to Shocco each year. With a few exceptions, programming at Shocco is coordinated by the group reserving the facility, allowing Shocco to focus on providing the best possible host services, Taylor said.
“We recognize that every group leader has a unique vision for their event and we strive to help make that vision a reality,” Taylor said.
Churches and ministries have many options when it comes to planning events at Shocco. From day trips to multinight stays, Shocco staff members work with leaders to develop a plan that includes the facilities and activities they want to use, said Lauren Adams, marketing coordinator at Shocco.
“Our facilities are great for general recreation, but groups also can do team building and leadership training with guidance from our recreation staff,” Adams said.
Minister’s getaway
Alabama Baptist groups get a discount for their events, as do Alabama Baptist ministers. Shocco provides a minister’s getaway package that allows pastors to enjoy an affordable time of rest.
“Jesus went up into the mountains to pray and those are valuable times for church staff members and ministers,” Taylor said. “We provide a quiet, serene environment and Christian hospitality, which is what we love to do.”
In order to provide excellent service, Shocco staff members regularly work to update and upgrade facilities on the property. Often those updates include painting and repairs, but major renovations are regularly scheduled as well to keep Shocco facilities in premium condition.
Currently, Shocco is in the middle of a four-year renovation project of Springview Hotel, the lodging facility adjacent to the Bagley Conference Center. By summer 25 rooms will be complete.
“This is not just paint and fixing up,” Taylor said. “We’re ripping out everything to the substructure and putting in all new drywall, carpet, bathroom fixtures and furniture. Even the locks will be brand new when we finish.”
The renovation also includes energy-efficient lighting, hot water heaters and air conditioning. The updates are part of the ongoing mission at Shocco to be good stewards of the resources God has provided. From well-maintained recreation fields to giant water slides in the lake to clean hotel rooms and delicious food, the Shocco experience is about challenging visitors of any age to see their value in the Great Commission, Taylor said.
“It is our prayer that God will continue to use this special place to encourage individuals and churches in their response to His command to make the gospel known to all people.”
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