Pickett Lake Camp was built through prayer, sacrifice, and generations of faithful people. As our family prepares to become part of its story, we are committed to honoring its deep history, building strong relationships, and carrying its Christ-centered mission into the future.

Dolly Parton understood that the best stories begin with knowing who you are and remembering where you came from. Behind the rhinestones was a woman who honored her roots, remained true to her values, and gave people a reason to care. Her life reminds us that our stories matter, and no one else can tell yours quite like you can.

Some of life’s most meaningful moments are also the easiest to miss. Photography has taught me to slow down, look beyond the obvious, and notice the stories unfolding around the edges. Perhaps God’s goodness is often found the same way, not only in the dramatic moments, but in the ordinary ones we take time to truly see.

Sometimes the hardest place to be is between where you’ve been and where God is leading you next. But waiting isn’t wasted when God is working. A reflection on trusting Him in the in-between, staying faithful today, and believing He is already preparing tomorrow.

Every table has a story to tell—and sometimes the most important seat is the one that's empty. This week, we're exploring how a simple invitation can become an act of ministry, reminding us that hospitality isn't about having the perfect home or meal. It's about making room for people. Pull up a chair and discover why one empty seat might be God's next opportunity to change a life.

Around the campfire, titles don't matter much. Pastor, camper, business owner, volunteer, or camp director—we all end up on the same log, sharing stories under the same sky. Maybe that's why some of life's best conversations happen around a fire. This week's Around the Campfire explores how God has a way of reminding us that what brings us together is far greater than what sets us apart.

Sometimes God doesn't change our calling—He changes our assignment.

The hardest part isn't always leaving what's familiar. It's trusting that the God who faithfully led us through one season is already waiting in the next.

If you've ever found yourself standing between what was and what will be, this week's blog is for you.

Some recipes are passed down because they're delicious. Others are passed down because of the memories they carry.

Mrs. Apple's fried chicken is both.

As a little boy, I would pull up a chair in my own kitchen and help coat chicken while Mrs. Apple cooked in my mom's yellow electric skillet. Looking back, I wasn't just learning how to fry chicken—I was watching hospitality, generosity, and love in action.

Last week at Pickett Lake Camp, I wasn’t handed a radio or put in charge—and that turned out to be a gift. Instead, I had the chance to observe, listen, and learn. I discovered that every camp has its own rhythm, language, and personality—things you can’t grasp from a manual, only by being present. This experience reminded me that leadership doesn’t begin with action, but with understanding. Like Joshua before Moses, preparation often happens quietly, long before stepping into a visible role.

Excellence isn't about perfection. It's about loving people well enough to prepare for their arrival before they ever get there. Whether you're serving coffee, leading worship, mowing the grass, or washing dishes, every act of service can point someone to Christ.

After three years serving at Beersheba Springs Assembly, this summer feels a little different. As our family prepares for a new ministry opportunity in Florida, I'm reflecting on the people, lessons, and memories that have made these years on the mountain so meaningful.

A couple of weeks ago, Cannon and I headed to Kids Camp with First Baptist Church McMinnville. I was serving as a counselor while Cannon enjoyed camp from the camper side of things—and repeatedly reminded me that his counselor, Ryan, was cooler than me.

Like every week of camp, there were distractions, schedule changes, and plenty of moments that didn't go as planned. But through it all, God was moving. By the end of the week, three kids had given their lives to Christ, one student had rededicated their life to the Lord, and there wasn't a dry eye in the worship service.

After all these years around camps and retreats, I'm convinced of one thing: God still moves, and camp

Join Travis Johnson, incoming Camp Director of Pickett Lake Camp, as he shares stories of faith, fellowship, adventure, and life-changing moments through the new blog, See You Around the Campfire.