Siloam Camp attendance up, says Wilkie

LITTLE ROCK - Jason Wilkie, executive director for Camp Siloam, also known as Arkansas Baptist Assembly, brought the Arkansas Baptist Assembly report at the Nov. 2 session of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Annual Meeting.

Wilkie said the collaboration between the camp and the ABSC allows for the expansion of ministry. He said the assembly has been able to work with the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, Baptist Collegiate Ministry directors, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation and more.

He also addressed the issue of whether or not camping is still relevant. He pointed out that many biblical heroes went into nature to hear God. He said as more people move to cities, he believes camping will be more relevant as people “seek to dialogue with God.”

“So I want to encourage you … to make retreat, missions, adult retreats (and) camping part of your ministry mix,” Wilkie said.

He said camp attendance was up this summer for the first time in 10 years, with more than 3,600 campers attending camp. It was the best camp attendance since 2008. More than 400 decisions were made, with more than 200 of them being decisions for salvation. According to a survey conducted by the camp, 39 percent of lost campers who attended camp were saved, Wilkie said.

He told the story of a girl who gave her life to missions at the camp – the same camp where, 30-plus years prior, her grandmother had done the same thing.

“And so, folks, the legacy of this camp is a place where kids come to know Jesus and where kids give their hearts to missions,” Wilkie said.

He continued, “And so our vision … is also based upon a legacy … that we want our campers and our staff to have a significant impact on the world for the kingdom of God.”

Wilkie said they are hiring a new program director, a tenured missionary from Turkey who graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and who has worked in camping before. They hope to introduce him this summer.

Wilkie said one of the goals is to keep camp affordable, and Cooperative Program gifts help make this possible.

He thanked messengers for their donations and support and closed with a video of campers thanking donors.