Celebrating 75 Years of God’s Faithfulness at Lake Forest Ranch

Since 1950, LFR has been a place where lives are changed, faith is deepened, and lifelong friendships are made. Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of this special place!

Timeline by Decade

  • Facilities 

    • A cabin was built near the lake - used for small retreats

    • The Tabernacle was built  for revival meetings

    • kitchen, dining hall, and cabins were constructed.

  • Directors 

    • Dick Shurtz

    • Charlie Barge

    • J.L. Morris

    • Richard Barge

    Notable 

    • Lake Forest Ranch began in 1950.

  • Staff 

    • Directors - Mickey Park, Fred Minton, Bob Hutcherson, Gerald Cowen

    • Facilties Managers - Mark Weaver, John Harmon

    • Camp Dietician - Olga Simmons

    Facilities 

    • Lake Pier, Swimming Pool

    Notable 

    • Camp Bible Conference/Deer Hunt started with Skip Shelton at leadership

    • First father/son fishing retreat

  • Staff 

    • Directors - Bob  Hutcherson, David Walker, Greg Cromarte, Steve Morris

    • Facilties Managers - John Harmon, Morris Miller

    Facilities 

    • The spillway moved from near the dining hall to the present location.

    Notable 

    • In 1970 there were 899 campers – 142 decisions for Christ. 

    • In 1974 the first telephone line was run to the camp.

  • Staff 

    • Directors -  Steve Morris

    • Facilties Managers - Morris Miller, Kent Morris

    Facilities

    • construction of Red Oak and Evergreen

    • The old residence called “the apartment” was converted to adult cabin.

    • Construction of 2 story Timberlake Lodge

  • Staff 

    • Directors -  Steve Morris, Rich Malone

    • Assistant Directors - Mark Leach, Chuck Cochran

    • Facilties Managers - Kent Morris, Tim Kanagy, Alex Hedgepeth

    Facilities

    • Lakeview constructed to replace the Lodge

    • Pineview constructed

    • Additional home moved next to Director’s home 

  • Staff 

    • Executive Director -  Rich Malone

    • Assistant Directors - Chuck Cochran, Jerry Jackson

    • Facilties Managers - Jacob Dinkins, Davey Gunter, Jeff Troyer

    • Asst. Facilities Manager/Ropes Course Manager - Chad Chapman

    • Housekeeping Director  - Betty Glass

    • Business Admin. - Jackie Jackson

    • Four Interns as “Facilities Manager” in 2004- Davy Gunter, Nathan Chapman, Drew Witt, and John Cordova

    Facilities

    • C.A. Barge Dining Hall replaced Chuck Wagon

    • Cabins 1-22 constructed

    • Old cabins 8-10 are left standing for storage, laundry, media

    Notable 

    • Mission Camp Macon started

  • Staff

    • Executive Director -  Rich Malone

    • Assistant Directors - Jerry Jackson, Nick Hall 

    • Facilties Managers - Jeff Troyer

    • Asst. Facilities Manager/Ropes Course Manager - Chad Chapman

    • Housekeeping Director  - Bethany Borntrager, Candi Nolt,  Tina Harmon

    • Office Manager - Jackie Jackson, Sandy Malone, Amy Gauntt

    • Bookkeeper - Paula Kirkpatrick, Amy Gauntt

    • Food Service Manager - Gray Barnes, Sheila Powell

    Facilities

    • New barn built

    • New Camp Office completed

    • New Lakefront shop built

    • Ropes Course relocated

    • Swimming Pool Replaced with new Pool House

    • Disc Golf course + Archery Tag course added

    • Old office renovated for staff residence and eventually the Camp Infirmary

    • New staff Home built

  • Staff 

    • Executive Directors -  Rich Malone, Nick Hall 

    • Assistant Directors - Nick Hall, Stuart Reese, Nick Young

    • Facilties Managers - Jeff Troyer

    • Asst. Facilities Manager/Ropes Course Manager - Chad Chapman

    • Housekeeping Director  - Tina Harmon

    • Business Admin. - Jackie Jackson

    • Office Manager - Amy Gauntt,  Laycee Higginbotham, Sarah Hill

    • Bookkeeper - Amy Gauntt, Brandi Provias, Lynn Lovorn

    • Food Service Manager - Suzanne Robbins

    • Communication Manager - Joe Cain

    Facilities

    • Lake Drained for Spillway and Pier repairs

    • Laundry Facilities Built

    • GoKarts added to the program

    Notable

    • 2020= No campers on camp grounds for first summer in 70 years

    • 2024 = Horses Retired #gokarts

Our Story:

75 Years of Camp Ministry

For 75 years, Lake Forest Ranch has been a place of encountering Jesus, building deep relationships, and training up the next generation of Christ-followers. Founded in 1950 with a vision to see young lives transformed by the Gospel, LFR has grown into a ministry that has impacted thousands of campers, staffers, and families.

Through the years, campers have come to faith, felt called into ministry, and discovered lifelong friendships rooted in Christ. From the early days of rustic campfires to more than a decade of Camp Macon, one thing has never changed: God’s faithfulness.

“For the Lord is good and His faithful love endures forever; His faithfulness, through all generations.” — Psalm 100:5

The Legacy:

Alumni Camp Stories

Lake Forest Ranch is more than a camp—it’s a life-changing community that continues long after campers leave the tram road. Over the years, countless alumni have shared how their time here shaped their faith, led them into ministry, and deepened their relationship with Jesus. Would you be willing to share your story?

“LFR is the most amazing place to see God in motion every moment of every day! When the camp is full activities abound for Youth and Adults. The vibe of the day is all encompassing. When the camp is empty oh my just breath in Gods beauty and grace. The staff are Real People serving a Real God in a Real World! They have become more than friends they are family. Have been going to LFR for going on 19 years!”
Cheryl Chesteen

Help Us Continue the Mission

As we celebrate 75 years of God’s faithfulness, we’re also looking ahead. The best way to honor the past is to invest in the future!

Pray

Pray for the next 75 years of life-changing ministry. Whether it be hiring of summer staff or discernment for the future of camp, we covet your prayers!

Support

Become a member of our Loblolly Club by becoming a monthly supporter. Every gift makes an impact.

Give to help us improve facilities, expand outreach, and continue our mission via Unrestricted Gifts, Camperships Donations, and gifts for Camp Improvements.

Come
Back!

We have several opportunities for all of our favorite people to come back to the camp. Join us for family camps, retreats, and summer camps.

Thank You to Our LFR Family

Lake Forest Ranch wouldn’t be what it is today without the campers, staff, families, and churches that have supported this ministry. God is faithful!!

Tag your LFR friends & spread the word!
Use #LFR75 and share your stories on social media.