Camp Billy Johnson Sets New Record
for Number of Campers and Counselors

This summer’s Camp Billy Johnson was a wonderful success. There were 31 staff members and 26 children, allowing for complete and undivided attention for the campers that attended. The children were from six cities and the counselors hailed from 13 cities. It was the largest camp session ever.

This year’s session included several special events such as a visit from Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block and a trip to the University of the South courtesy of Mr. Cunningham, a bus driver from Sherwood, Tenn. who volunteers his time. A special visit was also made by Bishop vonRosenberg, who fit right in and joined the kids dancing in the Punchinello circle.

Clothes donated from all across East Tennessee (and places farther away) allowed the children to dress for the traditional Thursday evening dance. A group of Friends of Camp BJ came from Cleveland to decorate and cater the dance. And there were enough clothes for full fall wardrobes for many of the children.

Camp BJ was founded in 1979 to serve as a one-week camp for children whose parents would otherwise be unable to afford such an outing. The camp’s primary aim is to provide one thing: the full-time pursuit of childhood. The grounds of DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle have ample room for music, arts and crafts, games and sports and swimming.

The campers, aged seven to ten years, are recommended by philanthropic organizations. The counselors are volunteer youth and must be rising high school sophomores or older, but not currently enrolled in a college or university.

Camp Billy Johnson would not exist if it were not for the support of people all over the Diocese of East Tennessee. The camp has no set budget, but is paid for out of donations raised from communities and individuals. All workers are volunteers and all kids come to camp for free.

This year, more money was raised and more children served than ever before. For example, one anonymous donor made a contribution for every child to have a new pair of running shoes. An organization put together toiletry bags for each child. Volunteers provided transportation to and from camp.

The total amount raised this year was $20,902 with expenses totaling $17,480. Remaining funds were rolled into the Camp Billy Johnson endowment fund, and a small amount is used for operating expenses during the year.