Send Your Minister To Caraway!
Send Us Your Ministers
As part of the recent master plan for Caraway Conference Center and Camp, a retreat for ministers of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina was proposed. On September 27th that proposal became a reality. Through the “New Beginnings “ capital campaign a generous gift was given by Don and Mary Ann Warren of Gastonia, to assist with the building of a ministers retreat, which is now referred to as the Mountain House. This beautiful one bedroom retreat is open for business. The purpose is to have a set aside place for ministers to use for rest, prayer, and study. There is no charge for a three night stay, with meals, if the conference center is serving. If not, there is an adequate kitchen in the house.
We need NC Baptist churches to encourage their ministers (spouses are welcome too) to get away. Send them off for a few days to retool and refresh. There is no better place for this than Caraway! Centrally located in the middle of the state, close to three major interstates, it is easy to get to. Once on the campus at the Mountain House they can find solitude. Jesus said in Mark 6:31 “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while”.
God has blessed Caraway with this great facility, but the blessing cannot reach its full potential unless it is used. Churches send us your ministers!
The Legacy of Camp Caraway
There are subtle signs around Caraway indicating that summer is wrapping up. Sure, the heat and humidity still linger, but a few more leaves lay in the road each morning, and dusk takes away a few more minutes of swim time each evening. This is a good time to reflect on the summer of 2011.
Even though the summer camp program concluded a month ago, the reality of summer’s end is just now seeping in. Before too much time passes, the staff at Caraway wanted to pass along the exciting and unique details of this past summer. Summer ‘11 was notable due to a new director, the last of the Mendenhall brothers joining the staff, and a unique story about 2 campers wanting to share their “Caraway experience” with others from their church. An exciting part of each summer’s conclusion is sharing the spiritual decisions that campers made during their week.
Mark Moore first came to camp in 1991 at age 7 for a father/son camp. His father, Stephen Moore, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Brevard, NC, was on staff from 1968 through 1971. As a matter of fact, all of the Moore sons have been campers and two of the three served as summer staff at Camp Caraway. So when Mark arrived on campus to serve as Summer Camp Director last October, it was an easy transition. The former paramedic from Brevard, NC, accepted the offer to lead Camp Caraway in an attempt to reach more boys with the message of Jesus Christ. Since his first moments on campus, Mark has been focused on reconnecting North Carolina Baptist families with this special camp program designed for their sons. Mark has an amazing passion for this ministry, and it’s all thanks to a dad taking his son to camp not so many years ago.
Speaking of North Carolina Baptist sons, Keith and Martha Mendenhall have made quite a contribution to Camp Caraway over the years. Last summer they packed up their youngest son, Danny, to head off to Caraway as the last of the four Mendenhall sons to work at camp. (Danny had to briefly leave staff training this summer to graduate!) All four sons have experienced camp as campers, and now all four have experienced camp as staff. Eric, the oldest and an actor from Atlanta, GA, worked in 2001, Jason, the second in line and recently back from an extended missions trip, worked from 2005 through 2007, Brandon, 4 years older than Danny, worked from 2007 through 2010 and recently spent a year in Caraway’s apprentice program. Danny came to camp as a first-time camper in 2002, and did a phenomenal job as a CIT (counselor in training) this past summer. As if this story isn’t amazing enough, keep in mind that all of these sons required Keith Mendenhall to attend 11 father/son camps from the late ‘80s through 2002. Camp Caraway will certainly be lacking without a Mendenhall around campus.
You don’t have to be a staff member, or the son of a staff member, for Camp Caraway to mean something special to you. Summer campers often describe the best part of their summer as getting to swim in the Caraway lake, watching a sunset from Slick Rock, or bonding with their counselor around the campfire at night. Two boys from the greater Charlotte region were so impressed by their Camp Caraway experience last summer that they just had to invite the boys from their church to join them this summer. Even though their church did not send boys to camp, these guys were not deterred. Moms and Dads were no match for the enthusiasm of the boys. When the boys rode through the Uwharrie Forest into camp this summer, they carried with them 21 total campers. Camp positively impacted these boys, and they made sure their friends didn’t miss out on the special experience in 2011.
Camp Caraway served well over 800 campers this summer. Of those campers, 48 boys decided to begin their Christian faith journey here. 130 boys refocused their attention on that same journey. Of the more than 800 campers this summer, 16 indicated that they wanted their life’s work to be in full time ministry!
God is doing mighty things at Caraway. As we continue with our fundraising campaign, New Beginnings, know that your gift will significantly impact both the conference center and camp ministries. Learn more about this very important project at caraway.org. And just like those two boys from the greater Charlotte area, don’t let the boys in your life miss their Camp Caraway experience!
Jeremy Jackson, Associate Director
Caraway – A Unique Place for Ministry
During the past month, Caraway Conference Center and Camp has been the privileged host of numerous unique NC Baptist churches and ministries. We have been honored to work with NC Baptist Deaf Ministries, Arabic Baptist Churches, Latino Baptist Churches, and Korean Baptist Churches to name a few. While these groups have each brought a distinct flavor to the Caraway campus, they have come here for some of the same reasons. Caraway provides a place apart for groups to retreat, a natural preserve where individuals can reflect, and a venue that partners with groups to make facilitating events a pleasant experience.
Through our work, the Caraway staff has been fortunate to have a front-row seat to the many unique and special ways that NC Baptist do ministry. The past month at Caraway has been a snapshot that shows how exceptional people serve the same loving God by sharing the news of a Christ that died for all. This news is delivered through messages as distinctive as the tree canopy lining the Caraway entrance. The outcomes, however, are the reason a place like Caraway exists.
NC Baptist Deaf Ministries has been traveling to the Uwharrie Mountains since 1985 to minister to deaf young people from all over the southeast at Caraway. Last month students from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee participated in this amazing outreach weekend. In the end, of the 54 students that attended, 9 made public decisions to begin their Christian faith journey. Thanks to the work of NC Baptist like Donnie Wiltshire and Kevin Clark, effective and creative ministry like the Deaf Youth Camp can take place at Caraway.
Caraway Conference Center and Camp continues in our New Beginnings Capital Campaign. We are seeking to enhance the facilities and property to meet the unique needs of our current and future guests. Some of the ways we plan to do this include adding additional conference center lodging, dining, and meeting space, a self-contained youth lodge, and a private mountain-top cabin – intended specifically for pastors to have a place of retreat. Join us and share our story in your way – in your community.
Thank you!
Jeremy Jackson, Associate Director
Caraway Conference Center & Camp
Gold at Caraway!
There has been a recent renewed “Gold Fever” in Randolph County. Mining companies are prospecting again. We have been told there is gold on Caraway land and have been approached about selling the minerals rights. Though this is tempting, especially during a capital campaign, I do not believe we will begin drilling any time soon. In the last 48 years Caraway has become a gold mine exposing individuals to the knowledge of Christ. In 1 Timothy 2:3-6, Paul writes that it is good and acceptable in God’s sight that all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. At Caraway there are spiritual gold “nuggets” mined ever year.
Public school children are exposed to the wonders of creation through the environmental education program called ACORNS.
Hearing impaired youth are challenged to live their lives for Christ during an annual retreat. Young boys are taught to how to live as Godly men through the summer boy’s camp.
Special needs individuals are loved on and care for in the name of Jesus during Happiness retreats.
Church planters are trained and equipped to start churches that will reach the lost.
Congregations are strengthen buy the special fellowship that happens when they retreat as a temporary community of youth, adults, men and women.
Ministers are refreshed from a time away to rest and pray.
Marriages are renewed through couple’s retreats.
Boards and committees meet to discern God’s will for their churches and this convention.
Non Christians are ministered to through intentional Christian hospitality.
Ethnic groups gather to retreat, worship, and celebrate their Christian Faith.
Senior Adults gather to fellowship and praise God.
As one can see, a “Gold Mine” is a perfect description for this set aside piece of property that God has blessed North Carolina Baptist with called Caraway. Of course, the opportunities mentioned above are only a small sampling. All North Carolina Baptist are our honored guests. Please come for a visit, for a day, or overnight stay. I think you will be blessed.
Jimmy Huffman, Director
Caraway Conference Center and Camp
A Note from Rev. Kendell Cameron, First Baptist Church of Mount Holly
Dear Caraway Staffers,
I write to you as a Camp Caraway guy. I have been a camper, summer staffer, director, and camp pastor. For a good part of the past decade, I have served in different capacities with Business Services of the Baptist State Convention. One of the key reasons I have done this is to help protect and enhance Caraway.
My childhood is filled with memories of both campers and counselors who influenced my Christian life. CIT Chris Wiley befriended me my first day at camp, and we reconnected every year I was a camper. Tom Stocks led me on my first campout at Old Caraway. David Langford was there – that avuncular face that said he would make sure to protect us. Two Mountain View camp-ers, Greg and Steve Yost, taught me to swim in the camp pool. We later served together, and Ste-ve was a groomsman in my wedding. Ben Sutton always seemed to be there, and his enthusiasm for Christ (and Wake Forest) was palpable. 7’1” Mike Crissman was my counselor in Rocks 4 with Joel Collette as my CIT. I remember walking the trails on Mike’s shoulders; I felt I could touch the clouds. Mike made me feel like the whole world was within my grasp. Thomas Hinton challenged me to see my life as a mission for Christ in mission study. I surrendered my life to full-time Christian service in the outdoor chapel my last night as a camper.
Glenn Boone was my last Northwoods counselor. He stopped me as I was about to leave and put his hand on my shoulder, “You know, I sure hope you come back here to work someday.” And I did.
I remember infuriating a group at a state Baptist Student Union conference when I announced that I worked at the “Holy Land with the best guys in the world.” Admittedly, I was biased, but when I think of those guys with whom I had the honor to serve at Caraway, I still think the same thing. Richard Brunson has had a great influence on my Christian walk, and that is true of so many Caraway guys. I learned from, served with, and directed legends. Just a few names from the past fly back to me: Wayne Britt, Mark Lail, Tracy Johnson, Rex Shaver, Andy Hanner, Mark Abernathy, Jimmy Huffman, Tom Beam, Mike Hilliard, Steve Periconi, Johnny Gatlin, Bailey Melvin, Jeff Anderson, Bill Stanfield, Isaac Bumgardner…
I could go on and on; indeed, I could go on forever naming the best guys in the world. Some of these names are enshrined on the wall in the dining hall; others are only pictures on that wall. As I started the list above, I didn’t want to stop. I looked at a couple of old staff pictures and memo-ries flooded back to me. Those names brought me to many more names, and I know you’d add far more to the list.
However, the greatest legacy of our work at Caraway is the lives of the boys we influenced. To this day, I meet men whose lives were touched at Caraway. Just recently, I was visiting in the hospital in Charlotte and a guy in his 30s kept looking at me. Finally, he asked, “Is your name Kendell?” “Well, yes, it is.” “You were my counselor in Mountain View! I felt my call to ministry while in your cabin!” Indeed, if I were to meet on of those staffers from 77-81, I could say the same! Such stories are a part of the fabric of all of our lives as we look back to that place.
Now I tell you that Caraway needs you again. One of our own, Jimmy Huffman, is now the year-round director of Caraway. To say that he has great expanded plans for Caraway – both the conference center and the camp – is a grave understatement. Jimmy’s expansion of the camp side amenities has been impressive, and, quite honestly, it has blown me away. He has forged a new connection between Caraway and Baptist Men that I believe strengthens boy’s camp.
At the present time, Caraway is starting a capital campaign called New Beginnings to enhance both the conference center and camp. The details are included in this mailing. I know many of us came along in an era where we probably didn’t care too deeply about what happened to the con-ference center, but I ask you to consider that strengthening what Jimmy does at the conference center only gives more resources for use for camp.
Jimmy has a heart for camp and a heart for Caraway long term. So do I. I hope you do as well. If you do, I recommend you check out Caraway’s website or, better yet, find time to go by Caraway to see how many things are the same while others are great upgrades. I would ask you to pray for the upcoming boy’s camp season, director Mark Moore (Mark is a true legacy – the son of a for-mer staffer who is now director!), and his summer staff. Finally, I urge you to prayerfully consider how you can support the New Beginnings campaign.
Caraway guys – the best guys in the world. As I write this letter, that thought makes me smile. I am thankful to all Caraway has given me – what many of you have given me. I hope we all can support Caraway so that legacy can continue.
I usually end letter with the words from Paul: Grace and peace. But, for you, it might be more appropriate to say:
Moonpies and Grapes!
Rev. Kendell CameronPastor, First Baptist Church of Mount Holly
Mountain View camper 77-78, Rocks camper 79, Northwoods camper 80-81Westwoods & Mountain View counselor 85-86CHA staffer (and occasional Rocks counselor) 87-88Boys’ Camp Director 90-93
An Experimental Education
Sometime tomorrow morning the peaceful sounds of Caraway Conference Center and Camp will be interrupted by car doors shutting and the laughs from light-hearted conversation. Staff will begin to set up their stations, getting things ready for the moment when a noisy school bus full of even noisier students comes winding up the driveway. Students will hop out of the bus and circle up in a field in an orderly way. Before long, the rigid structure present on a normal school day will be replaced with the excited cries of Caraway staff begging students to return “Good Morning” at the top of their lungs. And just like that, the day will begin. It will be over far too soon, and when the bus tops Caraway Mountain on the way home the campus will seem strangely quiet.
This has been the scene for over thirty mornings this spring at Caraway. Over two thousand children have experienced A.C.O.R.N.S. (Awesome Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Nature Study), an environmental education program offered by Caraway for elementary school students. The A.C.O.R.N.S. name was literally a natural fit with countless oak trees covering the Caraway property. Today’s group will be the last one for the school year and next fall, when the new school year begins, thousands of new students will come out to experience the A.C.O.R.N.S. program.
Caraway Conference Center and Camp recently entered into a three year, seven and a half million dollar capital campaign called New Beginnings. As the New Beginnings campaign gains traction, many North Carolina Baptists are being introduced to new parts of the Caraway ministry. Caraway is sometimes defined differently among those that have experienced one aspect or another of the ministry here. Some believe that only R.A.’s are allowed on campus and that the property is closed from late August to early June. Others are unaware of the magnificent beauty that exists beyond the central campus, out on the ridge tops and down beside the streams. Still others do not realize the full extent of the programs that Caraway offers, programs like A.C.O.R.N.S.
Caraway exists to provide a special place apart, where people can connect through ministry, education, recreation, and programs. Caraway’s mission is to provide each guest with comfortable facilities, gracious hospitality, quality programs and friendly service in a Christian environment. The New Beginnings campaign will help ensure that Caraway is able to realize this mission many years from now. The desire of the Caraway staff is to honor God while overseeing this extraordinary property owned by North Carolina Baptists.
Though the core ministry of Caraway has always been the summer camp program for boys, additional programs like A.C.O.R.N.S. have been added to position Caraway’s leadership to be the best possible stewards of this ministry. As Caraway continues to expand programs, services, and opportunities our hope is that North Carolina Baptists will expand the way in which they define the Caraway ministry. The best way to do this is to experience Caraway firsthand! Participate in one of the programs, host your next event venue here, or simply schedule a tour for your Sunday School class. Then share the Caraway story with others. We look forward to seeing you winding up the driveway very soon!
Jeremy Jackson, Associate Director
Caraway Conference Center & Camp
A Gift from The Heart
A capital campaign is about raising money; however it also about the heart. It is about the transfer of gifts that have been received by one, for the benefit of others in the future. For Don and Mary Ann Warren they have come full circle. Both were raised by hard working parents who instilled that same work ethic in their children. Their parents also gave them the gifts of understanding the value of giving to others, and the blessings that come along with servant’s heart.
Through the “New Beginnings” capital campaign of Caraway Conference Center and Camp they have chosen to “honor” their parents by giving a gift. The Warrens have made a substantial pledge for the purpose of building a retreat for ministers to use at Caraway. This retreat cabin will be known as the Powell/ Warren Mountain House in memory of Bluford and Madie Powell and Curtis and Grace Warren. The retreat will be available to Baptist ministers from across the state, at no charge, as a respite for rest, prayer, and study. Plans are for construction to begin in August.
Their gift is from the heart. It will minister to ministers for many years to come. Caraway is a treasure for NC Baptist; however it just became more valuable for the Kingdom of God through the generosity and big hearts of the Don and Mary Ann Warren.
Jimmy Huffman
(Don Warren serves as the Chairman of the New Beginnings Capital Campaign. The Warrens are members of Parkwood Baptist Church in Gastonia)
Caraway Reaches Out to Wounded Warriors
Caraway Conference Center and Camp has always been very civic minded. Caraway’s staff is involved in community organizations, they volunteer with schools, and they support our local law enforcement and emergency personnel. Caraway, as a business, participates with the Chamber of Commerce and other civic groups to better the Asheboro and Randolph County community. Many organizations, in addition to church groups, have always been welcome to use Caraway. Being involved with the community is an extension of our ministry of Christian hospitality. We want to show we care about people.
When the opportunity came to partner with NC A&T’s Air Force ROTC program to sponsor a 5K run in support of the Wounded Warrior program, it was a natural fit. Caraway has a great trail system through the beautiful Uwharrie Mountains that is ideal for a “Warrior” run. On April 2nd around three hundred runners will come out to support our military, enjoy a run through God’s creation, and see this great facility owned by theBaptist State Convention of North Carolina. We are so thankful for the men and women of our military who have made a sacrifice that allows us the freedoms we have in our great country. One such freedom is the opportunity to offer our brand of hospitality that also was allowed because of a sacrifice that was made thousands of years ago. Please join us as we pray for our military.
Jimmy Huffman, Director, Caraway Conference Center & Camp
This blog is dedicated to Specialist Jarrett Huffman and all the other soldiers of the 326 Combat Engineering Battalion that is currently serving in Iraq.
Caraway New Beginnings Video
Caraway Day, February 27th
Next week every NC Baptist church should receive a DVD that gives excellent insight into the significance of Caraway’s ministry.
I ask that your church pray for, promote and possibly receive an offering for the capital campaign on Sunday February 27th. I have been asked by several churches if February 27th is the only day of promotion. The answer is most definitely not. We would welcome participation on any Sunday that would work best with your church’s calendar. “New Beginnings” is a three year campaign, so please feel free to use this material as you see fit.
Because “New Beginnings” is a three year campaign I would also like to ask that churches consider being a “Dogwood” donor which is a gift of $1000 for three years. The dogwoods at Caraway are plentiful and provide much beauty to our grounds in the spring. We believe if many churches would consider this level of donation, our campaign would also be a beautiful example of North Carolina Baptists working together to achieve our common goal of equipping Caraway’s ministries to honor Christ for years to come.
It is a privilege serving you at Caraway.
Jimmy Huffman, Director
Great Things Happening
About this time each month we receive many stats from our previous month of labor. How many guests did we have the opportunity to serve, what services did we provide, and of course – did the month end with black ink or red. We are proud to announce that we had a great January! We were privileged to serve so many of our loyal guests last month and this put us off to a great start for 2011.
As the staff discussed this great start, we reflected beyond the previous month. As wonderful as it is to begin 2011 on such a high note, we feel confident that our hard work in 2010 laid the foundation for this.
One stand-out accomplishment of 2010 was Caraway seeking, and achieving, American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited status. ACA is the leading organization in the camp industry providing standards for accreditation. Almost two years of work went into this process and many administrative and financial commitments were made. Although it was difficult to attempt to meet over 300 standards, we believe that meeting these standards of excellence is exactly what our guests and campers expect.
Caraway has reached for excellence in ministry since our inception. The ACA accreditation was a natural next step in our existence. As we begin 2011 with incredible promise and potential, we ask that you remember us in your prayers. We will minister to over 20,000 guests this year, and your support makes that possible.
Please take time to support our work through your prayer, advocacy, and financial contributions.
Kind Regards,
Jeremy Jackson, Associate Director
New Beginnings, New Blogging
Greetings from Beautiful Caraway!
What a blessing it is to be able to walk the Caraway property daily. So often God reveals his wonder during these walks. This wonder is shown in the fact that even though the same paths are traveled, experiences during the walk are never the same. A new bird song, the fresh rub of an antler, a previously unnoticed sycamore sapling, or a bobcat print in the mud made by a recent rain. It is almost as if the search for the unexpected is what draws one to the same path, time after time.
The recognition of needed growth has set Caraway on a journey to envision the future of this ministry. Caraway is not setting out on a new path in search of a new identity. Rather, we are taking a fresh look at who we are and where we need to grow. We continue to earnestly desire to glorify God through our stewardship of this amazing property. The time has come for a fresh evaluation, and a fresh vision.
This vision has come together in the form of a capital campaign called “New Beginnings”. To learn more about the campaign, click here.
Please join us on this journey! Walk beside us by committing to pray for this process. Share your special Caraway Story with us, and a friend. And please consider giving to the New Beginnings cause.
May God bless you, and others through you.
Jimmy Huffman, Director