The goal of this effort is simple: to restore Lake Ellen Camp as a gospel-centered Christian camp serving young people, families, and churches in the region.

A group of local pastors, community members, and ministry leaders are working together with Bay Lakes Baptist Association to make this possible. Bay Lakes Baptist Association would hold the property, while the camp itself would be operated by an independent board of directors made up of local leaders who share a commitment to the camp’s mission. 

The first step in this process is purchasing the camp property. The purchase price currently being discussed is approximately $3.5 million. To move forward, the project is seeking pledges toward a $1 million down payment from churches and supporters who believe in restoring the camp’s ministry. 

Once the property is secured, additional funding is expected to come through grants and partnerships that support youth programs, camp facilities, and ministry outreach. These grants often require the organization to own the property before funding can be finalized.

If the project moves forward, the vision is to once again host youth camps, family camps, retreats, and discipleship programs that focus on sharing the gospel and helping young people grow in their faith.

The heart of this effort is not simply reopening a property, but restoring a place where lives can be impacted for Christ for generations to come.