Humble Beginnings

Camp Thurman must have been God’s plan and not man’s, because when Iva and Thurman Roxburgh offered their land as an area for recreation and training for youth of their church – Pantego Bible Church – they had no idea just how many lives and ministries that decision would affect. 
In 1969, Dale Boyles, PBC’s first director of Christian Education, began the camp as a 2-week program serving 25 boys and girls each session. With Becky Hughes as Director, the camp soon expanded to 4 weeks. Activities were held at the church, Roxburgh’s land, and the nearby Lucas Pool.

A major improvement came in 1974 when the Roxburghs generously provided a wooded campsite just minutes from PBC. In 1975 a pool was built on the Roxburgh’s property for Day Camp use. Bob Choun followed Dale Boyles as DCE and expanded the program to 8 weeks, serving 60 children each session.

Other directors have included Jerry Bain, Neil Wood, Scott Freeman, Karen Almond, and Jim Rose. In 2014 the camp came under the leadership of Blake Bowman.

Camp Expands

Bob Choun passed the baton of leadership to Steve Briggs, who added special programs including computer training at ‘boot camp’ conducted by Glenda Keilstrup and a Sunshine Days session for younger children. Under the leadership of Jim Word, the camp instituted the accreditation process. A bike trail and ropes course were added to provide new activities without compromising the natural setting. In 1992, again under the leadership of Becky Hughes, the camp continued its ministry to the community.

Camp Becomes Thurman

As the summer of ’93 began, the FAIC Non-Profit Foundation took over ownership of the camp. By fall the new name became Pantego Camp Thurman in honor of Thurman Roxburgh, who died in 1987. The administration of the camp, as well as the daily operation, came under the leadership of Jim Rose with accountability to the Board of Directors: Bill Sweaney, Sam Meserve, Becky Hughes, Vince Puente, Larry Bowman, Iva Roxburgh, and Rollie Jones. Board members Mark Topel, Rich Lowe, and John Phipps were added in 1994; Bill Jordan in 1998. In 1999 Brad Cecil was added to fill the position left vacant when our beloved Sam Meserve died.

In 2007 two new board members were added, Craig Prather and Blake Bowman, and in 2008 John Blesi and Brent Jones joined. By 2013 several of the board members had retired and two more were added so that the current board members include Brent Jones, president; Rachel Richter, secretary; Mark Topel, treasurer; Ralph McPherson, vice president; Rollie Jones, Rich Lowe, Craig Prather, John Blesi, and Jack Chambers.