Founded in 1962, Camp Joy has been privileged to serve countless numbers of people of all ages in its efforts to reach souls and change lives for Jesus Christ. By standing firmly and without apology on the inspired and inerrant Word of God, Camp Joy’s founders and its supporting churches have seen the ministry progress from what began as a vision of a local pastor in 1959 to the thriving ministry it is today. The spiritual legacy of Camp Joy has been built on the generosity, sacrifice and determination of hundreds of volunteers who have given of themselves to maintain this ministry and make their lives count for the glory of the Lord. It is wonderful to think of God’s great provision over the years. It is only by His empowering hand that churches and families have experienced His blessing and faithfulness by means of Camp Joy’s ministry.


1959-Pastor John Loggans, Burlington Baptist Church, became burdened for a Bible camp in this area. Then, he and four other pastors encouraged 23 conservative Baptist churches to join in the formation of a non-profit corporation to seek land to build a camp. Meanwhile, the camp met in Freeport, Illinois at a rented camp.

1961-After much prayer and seeking of God’s direction, the camp founders were led to purchase a 23-acre parcel of wooded land with frontage on Whitewater Lake. Some years later, an additional 20 acres was purchased. During the first year, work was done to establish a sand beachfront, and to erect the camp’s first building which served as it’s chapel, sleeping quarters, kitchen and dining hall.

1962-The camp opened its doors to youth of all ages, offering a challenging and refreshing camp program, while changing lives for the Lord’s glory.

1963-An all-purpose building with a fireplace, as well as a bathhouse, was constructed. Land and a home across the street from camp were purchased.

1964-Music camp was added, churches promoted camp with slide presentations, and a horse fund was started.

1965-500 pine seedlings were planted, horses were purchased, and a rifle range and mini-golf were added. Churches continued to join the Association, and camp facilities were overflowing, which necessitated using tents and renting cots for 5 weeks.

1972-A steel building was purchased for storage of equipment and as a shop.

1973-6 new cabins and a bathhouse were constructed.

1976-Pastor Charles Hatchett became camp director.

1977-School camps and a couples retreat were introduced

1980-Music camp was expanded to include drama camp, and a fiberglass superslide was built.

1981-Four rooms were added above the lake bathhouse, a tubing hill and a screen house were constructed.

1982-Expansion projects were completed for the duplex and dining hall.

1983-Awana retreats and senior trip ministries began.

1984-Couples retreats and Teen Extravaganza were added.

1985-A scholarship program, water sport program with boats, and youth worker’s conference added. Welcome center renovated.

1986-An Early Bird Discount established and road and parking lot were paved.

1987-Spanish camp added, and maintenance building for wood and auto shop finished.

1988-Sky glide and remote control car course added.

1989-New ceiling in chapel, new roof on kitchen, lodge, and fireside room.

1990-Building materials for a 2,800 sq. ft. storage building were donated.

1991-Archery range was moved, climbing tower constructed and storage building completed. Gymnasium constructed.

1992-Sand volleyball and balloon launchers added.

1993-Lake bathhouse rooms renovated, second floor of lodge construction began.

1994-New bed frames in boy’s cabins, paintball and gun range added, first golf retreat.

1995-Lodge second floor additions completed.

1996-Superslide extended. Home/School festival added to spring program. Deck added to lodge. The Bog (adventure skills course), climbing and rappelling tower, and arena in the gym. Preacher boy camp added to music/drama camp.

1997-Golf carts were donated for staff use on grounds.

1998-Catacombs constructed, house moved on property and addition started.

1999-Broke attendance record with 1,600! Commercial washer/dryer installed.

2000-Staff home built, deacon’s retreat introduced, and blessing of food provided by local distributor.

2002-Sand volleyball and cookout pavilion added.

2003-Camp Master Plan drawn up, 17 acres of property purchased adjacent to camp.

2004-Camp web site established.

2005-Playground equipment donated, and scholarship fund campaign begins.