The Wilds Christian Association
THE WILDS Christian Association, Inc. is a Protestant organization that started and operates several Christian camps. The first camp they opened was The Wilds Christian Camp/Conference Center in Brevard, North Carolina (commonly called "The Wilds"). This camp proved so successful that they have since opened more. The Wilds was founded in 1969 by Ken Hay, Walter Fremont, Joe Henson, and Carl Blythe, who knew each other from their association at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. The Wilds organization is supported by over 300 churches, and over 250,000 campers have attended its summer camp programs.
Contents
Beliefs
The Wilds is a politically conservative, fundamental, Protestant organization. It does not affiliate itself with any denomination, although many church sponsors are Independent Baptist and Bible churches. It tends towards contemporary worship methods.
The Wilds' mission statement is most succinctly stated in the "camp verse":
| “ | Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. | ” |
| —I Corinthians 10:31 | ||
Camping Ministries
North Carolina
THE WILDS Christian Camp/Conference Center is located near Rosman, North Carolina (with a mailing address in Brevard, North Carolina|Brevard). The camp property contains approximately 1,000 acres of land through which the Toxaway Creek flows. Four main waterfalls on the Toxaway are on The Wilds' property and are common hiking destinations for campers.
The camp is one of the largest Christian camps in the United States. During the summer, the camp averages between 1,100 and 1,200 campers each week. Throughout the rest of the year the camp hosts many specialized retreats.
The campsite facilities include staff residences, an inn and chapel, dormitory and craft shop, cabins, dining hall, main office building, and a large multi-purpose building (used as an indoor basketball venue and a 1,300 seat auditorium). The property includes a man-made lake, the Toxaway Creek and waterfalls, basketball courts, and athletic fields. There are also several leisure activities available such as a water slide, land trolley, and a 65-foot "Super Swing".
Colorado
THE WILDS of the Rockies was the second Wilds camp to open. It was located in Colorado in order to service a new constituency. It operated for 17 years, but was eventually shut down due to community issues. In the fall of 2004, The Wilds sold the property to Jeff and Linda Peotter, longtime supporters of The Wilds. The land is to be developed as a residential area.
New Hampshire
THE WILDS of New England is the latest camping venture of The Wilds organization. Camp operations began in 2007 before the purchase of land. Initially, several other facilities were rented for the camp grounds. The Wilds purchased a piece of land in Meredith, New Hampshire by Lake Winnipesaukee, but the Board of Directors later decided to sell the land. In 2007, the Board appointed Rand Hummel, longtime Assistant Director of The Wilds, as the Director of the new camp. On March 19, 2009, God provided them with the former farm land and conference center of the former Deering Center in Deering, New Hampshire.[1]
International
CampsAbroad is a worldwide consulting program The Wilds uses to assist the cause of Christian camping around the world. The program is designed to help already established camps, as well as churches who want to start new camping ministries.
Products
The Wilds also provides many different materials by way of bookstores and an online store. These include Bible study guides, topical studies, songbooks, recorded music, and books of activity ideas for church youth groups. The Wilds is widely regarded for its selection of conservative Christian music recordings, which are all produced by camp staff members.
