Celebrating 60 Years of G!
1966 – 2026
It Started With a Vision
In the early days, there was only a lake, pine trees, three horses…and a 60% finished house.
In 1966, faithful leaders purchased this prewith a vision — cabins here, a gathering place there, a camp where young people could encounter Christ in the beauty of creation.
Over six decades, God has written a story far greater than any of us imagined:
Thousands of campers
Hundreds of volunteers
Countless lives growing closer to Christ
Generations returning with children and grandchildren
60 Years in Moments
1966 – Pine Lake Fellowship Camp founded
1967 – First summer camp held ($12 per camper). The Pavilion is built “on the knoll across the lake.”
1968 – Original camp logo adopted: lake, pine tree, and intertwined ropes symbolizing reconciliation.
1971 – Special weeks were scheduled for youth from Gulfport, Jackson, and Meridian. A $3,000 grant from the Showalter Foundation supported scholarships, expanding Pine Lake’s outreach beyond its original constituency.
1972 – Junior Camp, Junior High Camp, Senior High Camp, Family Camp, and youth gatherings held.
1975 – 10-foot water wheel approved; roof repairs, bathhouse improvements, trailer spaces added.
1979 – Shady Valley Shelter built. Camp attendance grew from 97 to 110. 30 volunteers served. Seven new groups used the camp.
1982 – First Camp Sale held in Meridian at Highland Park.
1987 – Camp Sale location moved to Des Allemands, LA.
1989 – Updated camp logo designed by Laurence Horst and adopted by the board.
1990 – Major infrastructure upgrades to Main Camp cabins and faciltiies increase rentals and morale.
1991 – Low Ropes Course elements installed.
1994 – “Planting the Pines” capital campaign approved for Lake View Lodge.
1996 – Lodge construction site cleared.
2001 – Swamp Trail was built for school groups and outdoor education.
2001 – Lodge completed and fully operational.
2005 – Hurricane Katrina recovery donations totaled $57,954.21. Annual donation from the Stewardship Fund created to bless other camps in crisis or natural disasters.
2008 – “Growing the Pines” capital campaign to build Tall Pines Fellowship Center is launched.
2009 – 179 campers attend. First Wilderness Camp program launched.
2012 – Cabin expansions completed. Tall Pines Fellowship Center framing begins
2013 – Camp Sale moved to Gulfhaven Mennonite Church (Gulfport, MS).
2014 – Tall Pines lower floor lodging used for the first time.
2016 – Pine Lake turns 50!
2016 – Tall Pines upper floor lodging used for the first time.
2019 – Day Camp added to Summer Camp schedule.
2020 – Tall Pines Fellowship Center completed.
2021 – Camp Sale moved to Pine Lake. Day Camp expanded.
2023 – Record 306 campers attend overnight & day programs.
2026 – Celebrating 60 Years of God’s Faithfulness
1967 – Herb Kell
1973–1975 – Bill & Barbara Baughman
1976–1981 – Orlo Kauffman
1981–1985 – Eugene Kauffman
1986 – LeRoy Kliever
1987–1988 – Laurence Horst
1988–1992 – Howie Schiedel
1992–1993 – Emily Burkholder Maust
1993–2000 – Robert Kanagy
2000–2001 – Stacey Waltner Kramer
2001–2012 – Jeff & Cheryl Landis
2013–Present – Matt Graybill
Through the Years
From black-and-white beginnings to today’s vibrant summer nights —
These photos tell a story of growth, laughter, and faith.
Your Story Is Part of Camp’s Story
Were you a camper, counselor, cook, donor, board member, or parent?
How did Pine Lake shape your life?
Upload photos and send your reflections!
The Next 60 Years
For six decades, God has been faithful.
And as we look ahead, we believe the best days of Pine Lake are still to come.
New campers. New leaders. New stories of reconciliation.
The mission continues.
It Starts With You.
What if 60 people stepped forward to sustain Pine Lake for the next generation?
Join 60 for 60 by becoming a monthly Campfire Keeper —
and help ensure that campers continue encountering Christ for decades to come.
– Pray for the next generation who will encounter Christ here.
