.jpg)
ssharpBy Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- Camp Galilee Directors Mark and Melissa Lay were guest speakers at the South Campbell County Rotary Club luncheon on Tuesday.
Camp Director Mark Lay spoke about the camp’s summer programs, as well as construction and upgrades taking place at the Christian camp. He also gave some history on Galilee, calling it one of “Campbell County’s best kept secrets and a top-notch children’s camp. “Camp Galilee began in 1958 and over the years thousands of campers have made special memories out on the lake. Lay and his wife began volunteering at the camp in 2008 after they got married. In 2012, they came on full time and then took over directorship of the camp in 2017. The pair have a long history at Galilee. Both of their fathers were active at the camp with construction. Mark Lay attended the camp from age seven to 18. “Miss Glover and Miss Clark, the Bible ladies, would come to the schools to tell Bible stories and my mom and dad got involved in the camp through them. I was only seven and they let me come early,” Lay said. His wife Melissa Nelson Lay grew up next door to the camp. Her father, Paul Nelson, helped build many of the newer buildings at Camp Galilee.
Lay gave updates on current construction at the camp including work on a permanent children’s home, as well as a covered riding area and additional stables for the horse program they started last year. According to Lay, the covered riding area and stables are about half complete, with plans to finish roofing on the structures next week. “After the more permanent children’s home is complete, it will be paired with the horse program to provide kids with a “therapeutic farm setting,” according to Lay. “We’re diligently trying to teach these kids Jesus loves them,” Lay said. Camp Galilee hosts five big camps each summer and just completed the High School Camp which is one of the smaller camps at 23 students. While at camp, the children get to participate in fun things like archery, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, tubing, games and all in a “Christian learning environment.” “Everyone remembers the Bible ladies and the legacy they started. We’ve tried to carry that on,” Lay said.
There are four more camps coming including: Day Camp open to ages 5-7 running June 21-24, cost $120.Children’s Camp open to ages 6-8 June 28-July 2, cost $175.Pre-teen Camp open to ages 11-14 July 11-16, cost $195.Junior Camp open to ages 9-11 July 26-30, cost $175.Camp Galilee has “camperships” for those that qualify, contact the camp for applications. There are also family discounts available. Camp fees include a t-shirt and water bottle. For more, information, contact the camp at 423-562-4910 or galileebiblecamp.org. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 6/15/22- 6AM)