Camp Echoing Hills – Where Memories Last a Lifetime.
The Beginning of a Mission
In May 1965, the founder of Camp Echoing Hills, Cordell Brown, encountered the Lord while working on his family’s farm. He writes in his book – I am what I am by the grace of God. “A dream had been planted as I prayed, Lord I know what you want me to do. I don’t have any money to do it with and no college education. I can’t write so people can read it, but you know all that. I’ll do what you want me to do.” (pg. 79). The encounter brought him clarity and spiritual healing.
On a small farm in Coshocton County, Cordell prayed, “Speak Lord – for your servant hears.” He began to accept his physical appearance as the first step in loving himself – refusing to be limited by his disability. He writes, “We must be careful as a society to continue to place value on human life instead of putting a price on it. God doesn’t make any junk.” (pg. 137). That farm would be the beginning of Camp Echoing Hills – a camp dedicated to helping individuals experience the love of Jesus through recreation.
How Can I Help?
Camp lasts eight weeks, starting June 8 through August 1, 2025. Volunteer opportunities include helping with the kitchen, cleaning, work projects, devotions, worship music, and being a camper buddy. Donations are suggested – $50 per day or $250 per week.
Anyone can volunteer, but those under eighteen must have a guardian. Volunteers can come for a day, a weekend, or a week – however, those planning to serve for more than two days must undergo a background check. The application is on the Echoing Hills website, listed under the Camp Echoing Hills page. Activities Assistant Sarah Thomas explains, “It is helpful to have people come alongside staff and assist with the smaller details that can begin to pile up.”
Come For a Day, Stay For a Lifetime
Volunteers come to serve and leave feeling loved – changed by their experience with campers who find the love of Jesus Christ. Kimberly Thomas from Convoy Methodist Church shares, “Although we went there to serve and bless the campers and staff, the campers blessed us in so many ways. We developed friendships with many of the campers, and although we were exhausted at the end of the week, it was hard to say goodbye to all of our new friends.”
Jim Gross from Missionview Church encourages those considering volunteering to take a leap of faith. He says, “My entire team had an amazing experience! To see how the staff was helped by our presence was such a relief to them. Someone considering volunteering should just go and have no expectations other than to be present, engaged, involved, and willing to do anything needed and you will be changed forever.”
Alysa Hampton from Sevierville grew in faith as she explains, “This year our team was able to lead worship for 3 nights. The genuine love that campers have for worship is something that our team goes back to every time they talk. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. The world sometimes distracts us from that truth, but at Camp Echoing Hills, we are reminded of this truth and that we can walk in it.”
Nick Campbell from Central Bearden was changed through his experience. He shares, “Camp took me out of my comfort zone. Camp also taught me patience and to love all people the same. Everyone desires to be loved, and God has a plan for each of us, Echoing Hills amplified that for me!”
With two hundred dollars and a dream, Cordell’s testimony continues to impact the lives of “his people.” (I am what I am by the Grace of God, pg. 94). Camp Echoing Hills has revolutionized the lives of individuals, counselors, and volunteers every year as they experience the love of Christ.
