Greetings from Hanging Rock. Now that summer camp 2026 is over we are starting to evaluate everything summer camp related: 

-Food Service

-Programs

-Recreation

- Facilities

-Check-in & Check-out

We are really working hard to make sure that the summer camp experience is everything that our supporting churches want, parents want and campers want. One of the areas that we are really going to be working on over the next year is our wilderness camp experience.  We had one of the lowest attended wilderness camps in a long time. On a program side, Caitlin will be working with camp committee and event coordinators that lead our wilderness camps to see what can be done to add to the programs and recreation back there. We have some facility upgrades that need to happen back there as well. So be on the lookout for updates from the back property. 

We are also talking through re-vamping our check-in process so that it goes smoother and quicker. We are thinking through going from the parking lot to a tent in front of the parking lot, to the dorms and then to the chapel. 

Just because we have always done it a certain way for years, does not mean that is the most efficient or best way. So, parents we have heard you when you share with us your frustrations with check-in. We are working on making improvements. I will say that the expanded parking lot and new exit went very well this summer. 

Just wanted to let everyone know, that we are working through this past summer and have already started working on next summer. We are hoping to have the 2027 summer camp dates finalized this month and publish them next month in the October email newsletter.  Be watching. 

Serving through Christian Camping,

Gary Baker

Ice Breakers - January 9

Ladies Overnight Retreat - January 22-23

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser - January 30

Winter Fest - February 5-6

Junior High Winter Retreat - February 12-13

High School Winter Retreat - February 26-27

 

We really need your donations to help with this match so we can make these upgrades. 

WE have raised $35,000 so far for this match. Our goal would be to have this fully matched by the end of the year. 

Projects we are currently working on:

The first cycle was a grant of $1.5 million. 

- The larger parking lot and the new exit - Asphalt will be put in at the exit and entrance. The exit will be finished first in the next couple of weeks. 

- The Shop - We are working on demolishing the old shops and the site plan for the new shop. This will be happening sometime this month. We are making preparation now. 

- The Waste Treatment Plant - We have signed a contract. The work has started on this. 

-  Generators - 2 of the 4 generators have been delivered and will be installed in the next two weeks. 

Hanging Rock has been blessed with a $1 million matching gift opportunity. Every dollar donated toward this campaign will be matched, allowing supporters to double the impact of their generosity.

Matching these funds will allow Hanging Rock to complete several transformational projects that will directly enhance the guest experience and expand ministry opportunities, including:

Maintenance Upgrades - $100,000 match - We are on the 3rd part of this million-dollar match. We would love to get this funded by the end of this year.  If we match the $100,00 that gives us $200,000 to make so many upgrades to the camps property that will help with long-term sustainability. 

- New electrical run throughout both the bunkhouse and retreat center with new lights in both dorms. 

-New concrete on the gym porch

-Gutters on the office, bunkhouse and the kitchen. Currently these buildings have no gutters. 

-Replace doors on the bunkhouse

- Wilderness upgrades 

-Lights arounds the circle

-Both staff houses upgrades

-Retreat Center updates

-Apartment updates

Fundraiser Banquet: A Night of Laughter

We hope you will make plans to join us for this year’s fundraiser banquet. This year, we are doing something a little different—we are planning an evening filled with good food, fellowship, and plenty of laughter.

Our special guest for the evening will be Rik Roberts, a Nashville, Tennessee-based comedian and speaker known for providing 100% clean comedy. Rik has also served as the warm-up comedian for the television show Huckabee on TBN.

Rik accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a young man and rededicated his life in 2008. His clean, encouraging comedy will help make the evening enjoyable for guests of all ages.

Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the new dining hall, where we will remain for an evening of laughter and encouragement. Rik will share at 7:00 p.m.

During the banquet, we will be raising funds toward our $100,000 Lilly Endowment Match. We invite you to come enjoy a wonderful dinner, share in a night of laughter, and support this important opportunity.