Ohio Campground Update

We are gearing up at the Apostolic Campground for our 2007 camp season! Since there has been much discussion about the future of the campground at Buckeye Lake, I thought it would be helpful to send out an update.

At our spring conference in Delaware, the two committees that were asked to review the recent proposal to purchase a new campground facility near Circleville gave their reports. Their findings showed that to build another campground that comparable to our existing facility would run between $11 and $13 million. That did not include the $1.9 million to purchase the Circleville property. Also, it appears that we would not be able to get much more than $1 million for our campground in Millersport. After much detailed discussion, the ministers in attendance at the conference voted to stay at Millersport and do what we could to upgrade and enhance the facility there.

Renovation projects on the campground have already begun. New roofs have been applied to the hotel and tabernacle, including a considerable amount of replacement of rafters and decking. The interior of the tabernacle has been transformed. Gone is the wood paneling that had been up for over thirty years. New drywall, new lighting, new ceilings and new carpeting will greet visitors this summer. I have personally inspected the work and it is beautiful!  The front staging area looks like a concert hall.  We have also undertaken other projects around the grounds like replacing hot water tanks and outdoor steps and crews have been painting and repairing other buildings.

As far as our future is concerned, we believe there is great potential in negotiating a shared use of grounds and facilities with the Millersport Lions Club. We have considered this in the past, but too much uncertainty existed for us to go very far in the talks. It appears that the majority of us believe that staying in Millersport is our best option. This creates a scenario in which we can seriously plan for future expansion. For example, the present ball field may make an excellent site for a new tabernacle, especially if we can park on the Lion’s Club property that adjoins it. They have around one hundred acres that is used only for parking. As time goes on, we will continue to update you as to the progress we make in negotiations and plans.

We hope to see you at the main campmeeting July 30-August 3! Doug Klinedinst, Greg Godwin, Anthony Mangun, Robert Trapani and all the great musicians will keep things exciting for us this summer. Impress upon your people to put Buckeye Lake in their vacation plans this year. God bless you!