Camp Joy's History



48 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

I Sam. 12:24b “….for consider how great things He hath done for you.”

Camp Joy has evidenced God’s great faithfulness, provision, protection and blessing since its inception in 1959. Pastor John Loggans, then pastor of Burlington Baptist Church, had a burden for a Bible camp in this area. Other pastors shared in this burden and began searching for property when the Lord directed them to 21 acres of wooded land with lakefront frontage for $12,500. Forming a circle on their knees, these men sought God’s direction: this was the beginning of a ministry for the glory of God.

Chicago area churches joined with Wisconsin churches in forming an association. Together, they joined hearts, support, finances, and much labor to begin construction of the first building. The lodge with six rooms for boys on one end and six rooms for girls on the other, with a dining room/chapel in the middle was ready for campers on June 23, 1962. 598 campers from 40 churches attended that first year.

In 1963, 27 more acres were acquired north of Kettle Moraine Drive. It was now necessary to hire full time staff to live on the grounds to manage, maintain and administer the schedule.

Niedermeier Hall/Chapel was built in 1971 where thousands of messages have been preached and lives have been changed in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

In 1973, six cabins and a bathhouse were added for the boys. Expansion and renovations continue with a second floor added to the lodge rooms and staff housing, storage buildings, gym, climbing tower, etc.

The facilities are used year round with school camps, Spanish camp, winter camps and various retreats such as: Golf, Single Young Adults, Senior, Deacon’s, Ladies, Men, Father/Son, and Mother/Daughter.

Reflecting on God’s faithfulness, we have witnessed many changes – from sleeping in tents, washing in the lake, and cooking over campfires to clean, furnished air-conditioned rooms with private showers and eating in a spacious dining room. But there are some things that will never change – our purpose has always been to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all things. God has been faithful in changing lives through the preaching of the Word and we continue to witness young people surrendering to full-time ministry.

The spiritual legacy of Camp Joy is built on the generosity, sweat, sacrifice, and determination of thousands of volunteers who have given of themselves to maintain this ministry and make their lives count for the glory of the Lord.