Karl Gibbs, director of Camp Dixie near Elberta, presented the challenge of camping ministry in the new millenium to "Mens 710 Second Tuesdays" at Zion Lutheran Church of Silverhill at its April 13, 2004 breakfast meeting. Affectionately known as "Doc," Gibbs is a recent "transplant from Missouri" who was sought out and given a letter of call by the Camp Dixie Governing Board and welcomed to Baldwin County to nurture a Lutheran youth program that continues to build faith and leadership skills in young people from a variety of denominations from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

"Doc" Gibbs from Camp Dixie near Elberta presents the challenges of camping ministry in the new millennium to the April breakfast meeting of Mens 710 at Zion Lutheran Church in Silverhill.

It is a misnomer to think of Camp Dixie as a summer camp. The camping year actually consists of two parts, the shorter summer youth camps, primarily in June and July, and the longer "retreat season" where Camp Dixie is a Retreat and Conference Center. This June and July perhaps 450 young people will be campers and will participate in the usual swimming and boating and canoeing of camping to which will be amalgamated a spiritual emphasis, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Good News, of course, is that Jesus loves all people unconditionally. The summer theme for 2004 will be "Go Fish" which will incorporate this concept of God's love, but will foster and equip youngsters for sharing Jesus Christ with others. A variety of leadership skills tailored for young people will be pursued as well. "It is an amazing thing for youngsters to recognize that Camp Dixie's challenge course demonstrates spiritual struggles that can be overcome in the Christian life!"

This Baldwin County treasure is an active Retreat and Conference Center with specific ministries to churches, schools, men, women, youth, and families, with services including meeting, wedding, and reunion planning. Regardless of the activity, the issue for Camp Dixie is one of keeping the Gospel of Jesus Christ central, regardless of denomination or community group focus. Family friendly activities are a key to outreach to families in a time when all families need support and nurture.

This century presents an opportunity for camping to focus on the future, to adapt to change while maintaining the integrity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Camp Dixie is addressing age-related needs for change by encouraging Christ-centered programs for kids and their families.

Doc Gibbs is from a farm family in Missouri who graduated from Concordia-Nebraska with a pre-seminary degree. His wife Stephanie is a graduate in church music. They accepted the Lord's call to the directorship at Camp Dixie after prayer and due consideration. Doc's long term goal is to enter seminary and seek a parish pastorate, but for the near and mid-future, he is focused on our needs here in Baldwin County and beyond. Further information concerning Doc Gibb's work can be obtained by contacting him at director@campdixieministries.org or by exploring the Camp Dixie website, www.campdixieministries.org