The Camp Agape Story

In 1967, the churches of the Polk County Baptist Association saw an opportunity to extend their Christian directive into the area of outdoor recreation and camping through the purchase of a 230-acre tract of land in the Cherokee National Forest. Over the next two decades, local Southern Baptist churches provided support to develop the original camp for the primary use of their congregations.

Seeing the need to better utilize the natural setting and God-given resources provided at the camp, plans were developed to expand the location into a full-time Christian camping facility. Throughout the early '90s, facility and site improvements were implemented. In 1993-1994, a long-term construction and building plan was approved and begun. As part of this plan, a full-time Camp Director was hired and given the responsibility of overseeing all camp operations.

Two major buildings were constructed in 1995--a 200-seat, fully equipped dining hall / kitchen and a 100-bed dormitory. In 1996, major improvements were made to the RV camping area, now providing 10 full-service sites. In addition, 18 tent camp sites, with water and electrical service, were constructed. Several other existing buildings were updated or remodeled. In 1999, an outdoor amphitheater was constructed overlooking our 8-acre lake. To provide housing for an ever-increasing summer staff, the Upper Room, a combination storage area and staff house was completed in 1999. During the summer of 2000, volunteers began work on office space for the camp staff. The staff moved into the new office on January 19, 2001.

The camp began construction of a multi-purpose ball field in the spring of 2001. This area can be used for football, soccer, softball and other outdoor games. Camp staff and volunteers built a 32' climbing and rappelling tower in summer, 2001. Recent additions include a low climbing wall, inside climbing walls and a chimney. These will provide variety for groups using the Tower.

In 2002 camp staff and volunteers from Crosstown Community Church in Tampa, FL built 'The Rock', a 200-seat pavilion with views of Lake Agape and Chilhowee Mountain. Construction mission teams helped to build a new equipment shed for the camp's vehicles and maintenance equipment. 2003 Camp improvements include renovations to the First Baptist Cabin, a new roof over the porch and tile in the kitchen of Hammons Hall, a roof on the stage in the activity field, and relocating our low-ropes course. A new covered pavilion, Faith Point, was donated to the camp this fall.

As we look to the future, we thank God for the many blessings he has shown us. We trust him to provide our needs and to continue to bless the ministry at Camp Agape!