Standing on the Shoulders of Faithful People

Pickett Lake Camp did not begin with buildings, programs, or polished plans. It began with prayer.

For forty years, Mother Sapp faithfully taught Sunday School and prayed for a permanent place where children could study the Bible, experience Christian community, and grow in their faith. She may not have lived to see every life that would eventually be changed at Pickett Lake Camp, but her prayers helped lay the foundation.

In 1952, her son, Theo Sapp, began turning that vision into action. His brother and sister-in-law, Delmer and Minnie Sapp, donated twenty acres of land. In February 1955, the property was officially deeded for the ministry, and volunteers began building with donated materials, generous contributions, hard work, and a shared belief in what God could do through a Christian camp.

That story matters because Pickett Lake Camp was never built by one person.

It was built by families who gave. It was strengthened by churches that believed in its mission. It was maintained by volunteers who worked when no one was watching. It was supported by donors who gave what they could. It was led by directors, board members, staff members, pastors, and ministry partners who understood that camp ministry can change a life.

Every cabin has a story. Every trail carries memories. Every worship service, campfire conversation, shared meal, and moment at the altar has become part of the camp’s testimony.

As my family and I prepare to begin our chapter at Pickett Lake Camp, we do so with gratitude and humility. We are not arriving to erase what has been built or overlook the people who made it possible. We are stepping into a story that began long before us.

We are standing on the shoulders of faithful people.

That means one of our first responsibilities will be to listen. We want to hear the stories of former campers, staff members, volunteers, pastors, donors, and families. We want to understand the traditions that have shaped the camp and recognize the people whose faithfulness carried it through both strong and difficult seasons.

Relationships will be essential to the next chapter. Buildings can be repaired, programs can be developed, and new opportunities can be created, but ministry is ultimately built through people. We want to strengthen relationships with local churches, reconnect with former campers, welcome new ministry partners, and create meaningful ways for volunteers and supporters to become involved.

Honoring the past does not mean refusing to move forward. In fact, the best way to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us is to carry their mission into the future.

There are new generations of children who need to hear the gospel. There are families who need time together. There are churches that need a place for worship, fellowship, and discipleship. There are pastors and ministry leaders who need rest and encouragement. There are young people who need adventure, trusted leaders, and an opportunity to step away from everyday distractions long enough to hear God’s voice.

The facilities may improve. New programs may be introduced. Additional ministry partnerships may develop. The methods may change as we respond to new needs and opportunities. But the heart of Pickett Lake Camp must remain centered on Christ.

Our mission is clear:

“Reaching the lost for Christ through Faith, Fellowship, and Adventure in an unforgettable camping experience.”

That mission will help guide every relationship we build, every project we undertake, and every decision we make.

We move toward the future with excitement, but we do not move forward alone. We carry the prayers of Mother Sapp, the vision of Theo Sapp, the generosity of Delmer and Minnie Sapp, and the faithful work of generations who believed that God could use this place.

Now it is our turn to be faithful.

Our chapter will eventually become part of the camp’s history too. My prayer is that we will care well for what has been entrusted to us, build relationships that strengthen the ministry, and prepare Pickett Lake Camp to continue reaching people for Christ for generations to come.

See you around the Camp Fire,

Travis