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. Jim Rose's continuing commitment to the program has provided quality and
continuity for over 25 years. |
|
Jim Rose |
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.
Thurman Roxburgh |
|
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 1988. 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. This year two new board members
have been added, Craig Prather and Blake Bowman. |
During the summers
of 1995 and 1996 the camp's enrollment increased from 900 to 1500 campers per season. In
1997, restroom/dressing rooms, an onsite camp office, a ropes challenge course, and a new
entrance off of Pioneer Parkway were added, with enrollment now reaching 3000. In 1999, a
second activity pool and a second, larger climbing wall were constructed. The year 2000
brought the addition of a 300 foot long zipline and a 35 foot high power pole. And
then in 2001 the zipline was extended to four lines and 9 new low elements were
constructed to add an effective challenge course to our activities.
2002-2004 saw the addition of a third pool, a team wall, the K-Klimb
(cargo net climb), and several new activities for the younger
campers - including the minizip and the water wagon. In 2005
we added the K-Klimb Zipline and the CCD deck. The enrollment
now is over 4600; yet, the camp still maintains the wooded seclusion the campers enjoy so
much.
It's hard to mention Camp Thurman in any
community setting without someone remembering their involvement as camper, counselor,
parent, or friend. Many of the current staff began their involvement with the camp as
young children. Some of the counselors of the past years have gone into
full-time Christian service with gratitude for the blessings of past years and trust in
God for the future that the ministry of Pantego Camp Thurman will continue to serve His
children. To this day, more and more previous campers, those who became staff and those
who didn't, bring their own children to the camp, creating a special group of second
generation CT campers. And God's blessings continue! |
