History
At first glance, the old abandoned golf course which would become Camp Wiregrass, was much less than picturesque. Besides being overgrown by weeds, parts of the property were charred from fire and littered by debris from timber cutting. Although the property included a few usable buildings and a swimming pool, years of neglect caused tainted first impressions.
Walking by faith rather than sight, College Avenue Church of Christ in Enterprise, Alabama purchased the property in 1968. College Avenue was joined by numerous supporters from area Churches of Christ as news of a Christian camp in South Alabama emerged. As support and prayers increased, details were settled and work at the property moved forward with great anticipation.
Then, on a Sunday afternoon in 1970, Camp Wiregrass opened its gates to campers for the very first time. On that day, two bath houses, a dining hall without a kitchen, a craft hut, a swimming pool, a storage building for concessions, some borrowed tents, and a small office/nurse building were the first facilities at the camp. The director, who was housed in a pop-up camper, welcomed 70 campers to that first session. Food was brought in for each meal as there were no facilities or kitchen equipment available for cooking onsite. From these humble beginnings, God has blessed and guided Camp Wiregrass continuously.
Several nice additions to the facilities have occurred since that first summer. In 1971 the chapel, which had been acquired from Ft. Rucker, was reassembled on the property and; the kitchen was set up and equipped for preparing meals. Also in 1971, cabins were built to house campers and staff. In 1973, the pavilion was built providing a permanent director’s apartment, office, concession stand, and covered area for activities. A new nurse’s station was built in 1989 and in 1997 a new, larger dining hall and kitchen were constructed.
Even in the darkest times God has led Camp Wiregrass in the right direction. In early 2004 fire destroyed the nurse’s station but a newer; more modern structure was rebuilt in its place that same year before time for camp to begin. In 1998 a tornado swept through the camp causing various property damage and destroying the old dining hall, the craft hut, and one of the girl’s cabins. The Sojourners responded wonderfully to the needs of Camp Wiregrass as they came lending hands to clean up and rebuilt what had been lost in the storm.
You can learn more about the Camp Wiregrass story by reading God Smiled and Wiregrass Was, a beautifully written book by Hoyt Nelson. Please contact the camp office by phone or email if you are interested in purchasing a copy. All proceeds of the sale of this book support the work at Camp Wiregrass.