By Russell Klinner
Executive director, Shocco Springs
Summer of 2020 was definitely not “business as usual” for Shocco Springs.
Campus was beautiful as always, but it was quiet. We missed the usual sounds of constant multitudes of kids splashing in the Aqua Park on the lake and the cheers of students as they prepped for team activities.
Groups coming back
It was strange not to see groups of kids sprawled all over the grass in front of the chapel or on the rock walls near the stream, working on their daily Bible studies.
But they’re coming back this year, and we can’t wait to see them again!
This summer very possibly may be the biggest and best we have ever had at Shocco, and we are so thankful to God for His provision.
In addition to our faithful, long-term groups like CentriKid, Student Life, Christway, Golden Acres and many others, we welcome new partners in ministry this summer: Generate YM360, Victory Church Leadership Retreat, Victory Christian School Football Camp, Rabun County High School Football Camp, Morningside Baptist Church, Crosspoint City Church, The Bridge Ministries Youth Camp, Launch Point Church College Summer Retreat, Tullahoma FBC Family Retreat, to name a few.
Returning campers who didn’t make it to Shocco last summer will find the first floor of Bagley Center beautifully renovated. Our hospitality desk has been moved across the lobby from its old location and combined with the gift shop and snack shop into a “one stop does it all” spot called THE STATION.
The handsome cabinetry, countertops and many of the fixtures inside THE STATION were designed and handmade by some of our maintenance staff.
Remember the yellow tables and benches in the old snack shop? They have been replaced by beautifully handcrafted tables with chairs and sofas in a new lounge area.
And new this summer you will find two arcade games and carpetball games for your enjoyment.
More campus upgrades
The driveway and parking area in front of Gilbert Dining Hall in our Adventure Camp has been redone with new concrete, and it looks amazing. We have new signage across campus that fits the rustic ambience of our wooded environment. The older staff house that was located between Bagley Center and the chapel has served its time and has been torn down to make room for much needed parking space.
And when students are looking for somewhere to hang out during their free time, they’ll find a new, sand-filled beach volleyball court set up outside Bagley, along with a new Gaga ball area as well.
God has been faithful to Shocco, and we are committed to faithfully serving Him as we welcome the thousands of people who will visit our campus this summer.
Please pray for us as we continue hiring staff and complete our summer preparations. If you are within commuting distance to Shocco and would like to be a part of all the excitement, we still have part-time positions open (shocco.org/employment).
As always, we are thankful for God’s blessings on Shocco Springs and for the support of our guests, our financial partners and our prayer partners.
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