
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
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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.
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Directors
Dick Shurtz
Charlie Barge
J.L. Morris
Richard Barge
Notable
Lake Forest Ranch began in 1950.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.









