History of Camp Victory
 1943 - AMF missionaries John and Ruth Larson had a dream. They started with just a few committed couples who stepped out in faith to forge a new ministry, Camp Victory. Camp was one of several ministries of a home mission organization, The American Sunday School Union (renamed, The American Missionary Fellowship,"AMF"). When Camp Victory started, the registration fee for the entire week was just seventy-five cents! Over the course of the next 27 years God tremendously blessed this outreach. Thousands of young people attended Camp Victory and hundreds received Jesus as their personal Savior!
1970 - AMF missionaries Jim and Jan Barnhart replaced John and Ruth upon their retirement. Along with running vacation Bible schools in rural Southeastern Minnesota, the camp ministry continued to flourish. As more volunteers were added and the word spread, Camp Victory grew larger and larger. Hundreds more found Christ and were mentored through the camp programs.
2000 - AMF missionary Jeff Urban joined Jim and Jan in the camp outreach. This addition enabled Camp to do more follow-up with local campers and counselors.
2001 - Unlike so many camps that started during the depression era, Camp Victory never purchased property. In fact, the youth ministry has moved five times in its 60-year history! Camp Victory leased property at Waseca, Lake City, Lake Crystal (near Mankato), Woodland Camp (near Zumbro Falls, and Whitewater State Park (near St. Charles.). As our camps grew, so did our desire to purchase property that could house camp ministries during all seasons of the year.
2006 We held our first camps on the new land. David Nelson became our Executive Director.
We praise God for the continued growth and discipleship over the years! So much has been because local, Christian volunteers from the area have shared a vision and a heart for young people. Our desire is to stay as local as possible, focus on the fundamentals of our faith, and make camp as affordable as possible.
last updated:
8/11/08
|
