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About Camp
Christian Camp for the Deaf, Inc. established 1957, currently hosts at YMCA Ocoee, TN, is a fun and fulfilling Family Christian Camp, offering kids ages 9-17 and families an unforgettable lifetime experience. We provide a variety of programs and activities, to the enjoyment and safety of all our campers. Come enjoy the magic of Christian Camp in a caring and inspiring environment.
The Christian Camp for the Deaf is a non-profit organization currently operated by Flying Hands Ministry and its volunteers. It is staffed with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing men and women who are experienced and competent in working with the deaf and hard of hearing. All staff members work without pay.
YMCA Camp Ocoee offers each camper a healthy and spiritual atmosphere. Towering and thick trees, lake, and quiet surroundings set the mood for Bible study and discussions. YMCA Camp Ocoee is a camp that desires to be different. The principles of Jesus Christ are the controlling factors in camp life. Everyday activities always include time for spiritual growth. We expect every camper to conduct him/herself honorably at all times.
History
The first workshop for the deaf was conducted in the church building of the deaf congregation on Newton Street in Austin, Texas on July 9-11, 1957. There were about 30 to 40 in the daily services. During this time, Gary Blake, a junior at Harding College, suggested beginning a Christian Camp for the Deaf at Camp Wyldewood in Searcy, Arkansas. The first camp session of Christian Camp for the Deaf was held at Camp Wyldewood in Searcy, Arkansas on August 18-23, 1957. Ben Holland served as the first director of the camp from 1957 through 1959. Richard Hawkins served as director in 1960. Bob Anderson served in 1961 and 1962.
In 1963 the camp was moved from Wyldewood to camp Haiayaka, located in Shelby Forest just north of Memphis, TN. Richard Hawkins again served as director in 1963 and 1964. Sam Roach served as director in 1965 and perhaps 1966. Richard Hawkins again served as director from 1967 through 1971. Clayton McCray took over as director in 1972 and continued through 1973. Afterwards, Camp Haiayaka was sold by the Jackson Avenue Church of Christ to the owner of a Memphis cotton company.
As a result the camp for 1974 was moved to Camp Ney-A-Ti, just north of Guntersville, AL and remained there for 36 years where Frank Rushing took over as Director in 1975. In 2011 the camp was moved to the YMCA Camp Ocoee in Ocoee, Tennessee. Frank Rushing has served his last year as Director in 2017. From 2018 to this day, Morgan Greene and Jesse Neal currently serves as Co-Directors for Christian Camp for the Deaf which has continued to enrich growth of God's people to this day.