Updated Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Truett Camp amazes first-time visitors

By Steve DeVane

BR Managing Editor

When some visitors come to Truett Baptist Camp in Hayesville for the first time they expect primitive facilities at the site tucked in the southwest corner of North Carolina.

They're surprised.

"After their first trip they change their mind and come back," said Doris Roberson, the camp's guest services director.

All the camp's buildings have air-conditioning and even the barracks are carpeted.

The camp is named for one of the most famous Southern Baptist preachers of the 20th century, George W. Truett. It's located on the farmland where he was born and raised.

First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, baptized more than 25,000 persons while Truett was pastor there from 1897 to 1944.

More than 180 campers can stay in the barracks at Truett Camp. About 80 guests can stay in the Roberson Conference Center.

Truett will hold five camps this summer.

Two girls' weeks for ages 8 to 18 are scheduled for June 16-20 and June 23-27. Last year 269 girls attended.

A youth music week for those in 9th grade to 20 years old will be July 6-11. A junior music week for grades 5 to 8 is set for July 13-17. In 2007, 55 attended youth music week and 83 participated in junior music week.

A boys' week is scheduled for July 21-25. More than 130 boys came last year.

Campers have quiet times, Bible study, singing and worship.

Those attending music week focus on choral singing.

On weekends during the summer and at other times during other seasons church groups use the camp for retreats and meetings.

The church groups, including some from nearby Georgia, have their own programs.

A "Happiness Retreat" for the developmentally disabled is scheduled for May 30-June 1.

Roberson has been working at Truett for 24 years. Her husband, Richard, previously served as the director, but is now "semi-retired," she said. Their son, Tim, is now director.