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