OUR TWENTIETH YEAR
Looking back to a few cairns along our journey . . .
1987 – A year of intercession, transition, anticipation – planting
the seeds of vision.
1988 – Land and property acquired in Appanoose County, near Lake Rathbun, Iowa’s largest lake at that time.
1989 – First camp programs under the name Camp Appanoose. Appanoose was the name of a great Native American chief whose name means chief as a child, reminding us that God can do great things through young people. Campers lived in tipis and had lots of fun with borrowed canoes, horses, and many creative activities.
1990 – Chesapeake Week, featuring more water activities for teens, was added to the Buckskinner Camp weeks.
1993 – Bible theme – “The Creation, Fall, and Flood” – Three big events that answer the big question of life. The flood became realistic as it rained nearly all summer – except for the week of our first Aviation Camp. Attendance doubled.
1994 – Miles of trails were developed with volunteer labor under permit by the Army Corp. of Engineers. Leadership Training Camp was added and training took place at a remote location in Ontario, Canada.
1995 – “Give Me Five in 95”. Nat Love was our cowboy for the summer and brought our focus to five character strengths taught in the Bible.
1996 – A tree house was built, Swiss Family Robinson style, using items salvaged locally by our campers. Bible lessons emphasized resourcefulness. New offices and a camp store were opened.
1997 – “Choices” our summer theme featured lessons from the life of Samson. Last Chance Filling Station was competed.
1998 – “Outrageously Courageous” lessons from Joshua.
1999 – “Back To The Future” – an in depth look at the man, Daniel. Dirt-N-Wheels camp initiated.
2000 – Camp theme – “Immortal Kombat” – New Sod Houses completed. Plans completed for a major multi-purpose building.
2001 – “Power Under Control” a look at the life of Moses, the Prince of Egypt. Camp Appanoose, Inc. became the official name.
2002 – “On The Rock” – Building life on the Rock. First major capital campaign launched.
2003 – “Catch The Wave” – learning from the greatest flood a decade after the great Iowa flood.
2004 – “Go For The Bold” An Olympic year, we examined the Bible’s examples of bold faith. New staff bunkhouses were opened and Confidence Gulch Trail was established.
2005 -"Five For The Tribe" With a "Survivor" motif, five lessons from Joseph in the Old Testament challenged campers to not Add to the bottom 2005 - "Five For The Tribe" With a "Survivor" motif, five lessons from Joseph in the Old Testament challenged campers to not only survive, but to thrive regardless of life's circumstances. Many campers were lodged in the new wagon camp. Financial goals for a matching grant were met, allowing work to proceed on the new building. The new RV area (Appanoose Village) was begun.
2006 -"Construction Zone" - With Construction in progress on the new 10,000 square foot multipurpose building, and many other projects, the camp was literally a construction zone. Bible studies from the book of Nehemiah, an ancient construction zone, directed campers to God's work in building lives. Bible Talk Times were held in the hay shed.
For those who have been on the journey, there are many more cairns, trail markers, reminders of God’s faithfulness, His saving grace and His wonderful purpose which has remained consistent throughout the adventure of following Jesus Christ at Camp Appanoose.