The cabin that is now Cherokee 25 has gone through a few changes in it’s time. In our post last week, the aerial view showed that there was only one cabin built on Cherokee Hill at the beginning. Technically, it wasn’t called Cherokee Hill then. That cabin started out as Arvine Bell’s living quarters and the Staff Lounge. The original cabin had a wall separating where Arvine lived from the Staff Lounge. It also had a fireplace. When they decided to build the Cherokee cabins, that cabin became Cherokee 1. Arvine had to move down to the cabin that is now where the SALT girls live. The Staff Lounge was moved to what was most recently the store.
In this picture, it looks like they are having cabin devotions just before bed and they have a fire in the fireplace. How great would that be to have a fireplace in your cabin! Although it would be great, it probably is not too safe. They decided to take the fireplace out. In 2009, Cherokee 1 was changed to Cherokee 25 since we added 5 new cabins. By 2010, we were able to renovate all of our cabins. Cherokee 25 is now all open with 2 bathrooms and 2 showers.
Our new store will have the Museum on the top floor. You will be able to find lots of great information about camp and its history!
The first summer at Camp Crestridge was 1955 which means we’ve celebrated 57 summers! That is a lot of history, pictures, stories, etc. We’d like to show you what camp was like “back then”. Every Friday, we are going to post a blog that will highlight different parts about camp through the years.
Today’s focus is the beginning of the Dining Hall. Did you know that when camp began in 1955, the Dining Hall wasn’t even built yet? The campers and staff had to put their dresses on and walk to the Ridgecrest Conference Center to eat every meal. And remember, the roads weren’t paved yet. They had to walk on the dirt roads. How would you like to do that now?
As you can see, these pictures are of the Dining Hall being built after camp began. Sometimes it is hard to imagine what camp was like before all the buildings were here. We are thankful for the way God has provided for us and grown camp through the years!
As you may know, our beloved Store was recently taken down in order to build a bigger, better Store. Most of us aren’t aware of what the Store once was. After digging through old pictures, I found one that reveals its history.
The Store used to be the Staff Lounge back in the day. This picture was taken in the 1960′s. It used to be an open room with furniture, books, and the signature pay phone. According to Anja Cleveland, if a staffer wanted to make a phone call, they had to wait in line and everyone would end up hearing their conversation. Campers were rarely allowed inside. As a camper, Rhonda Smith went in only once and that was to give her counselor a perm!
At that time, the clothing was sold in a small building behind the Dining Hall called “The Beehive”. The small building was where the Crafts building is now.
After the Staff Lounge was moved, it turned into the Store; a place where we currently give out candy and drinks and sell camp clothing. The Store had a more official name which was “Crestridge Cupboard”.
Before we tore down the Store, we wanted to take out anything salvageable. This was the last picture taken of the Store.
That building held a lot of memories! We were sad to see it go, but just wait until you see what is taking its place! Check back soon to see pictures of the progress.
Have you ever thought about what camp is like after the summer? Have you ever wondered what we do when you’re not here? It’s a hard transition when you leave camp and there’s only a few of us here. I’m sure you probably go through a “camp” withdrawal after you leave. We go through a “camper” withdrawal as well. Just know that we are here thinking and praying for you. Anytime you want to stop by or send us a message to let us know how you’re doing, we’d appreciate it! Well, hopefully this will give you an idea of what camp is like without the campers…
I hope you heard at the end of the video that we are getting a brand new Store/Museum this year!!! Construction will be starting soon so be sure to check back for updates!
Flags represent a community of people, where they come from, and what they stand for. This summer, Crestridge has received its own special addition to fly proudly at camp. Given to us and made by hand by one of our own lovely camp nurses, Monica Kidder, the flag sports camp’s symbol and colors. We are happy to have a place like Crestridge where we can grow in the Lord, and make lasting friendships that build up the body of Christ. Whenever you think about Camp Crestridge or see the waving flag this summer, give thanks to the Lord for blessings such as camp, friendships, and creation. We are getting so excited for the summer to start, and we are just about ready to have all of you here! See you all very soon!
Say “hello” to the lovely Ashley Sutherland! Ashley is from Greenville, South Carolina, and she just graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Marketing. This will be Ashley’s third summer at Crestridge. Serving as a counselor her first two summers, she is back this summer to lead and serve the sweet Cherokees as the Cherokee Village Director. Ashley is very excited to get to know all of her campers, meet the new girls, and see the growth of her returning girls. Keep Ashley in your prayers as she kicks off her life as a college grad and prepares to come serve all the young ladies and staff at Crestridge.
Say “hello” to Katie Correll! Katie is from good ol’ Memphis, Tennessee and is currently studying Earth Sciences at the University of Memphis. This will be Katie’s third summer at Crestridge. Her first two summers, she was a counselor in the Choctaw Village. This summer, Katie will be serving the lovely Choctaw’s as the Choctaw Village Director! Katie loves geocaching at camp, and loves being in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. She is really excited for planning activities, and is looking forward to serving her campers along side of her staff! Be praying for Katie as she is finishing up her classes, and as she prepares to come lead the lovely Choctaw Village this summer!
That’s right campers, get ready for a new addition to the Crestridge Lake this summer! You might be wandering…what else could we possibly add? Well, we have replaced the ancient cement docks with bigger, floating docks! You now have the option to walk out to a new swim platform without getting wet, or you can swim to the new platform. Take your pick! We are excited to see campers swimming in the lake again, it’s too empty right now. Check out the pictures below:
4.5 weeks till the first session begins!!!! We’ll see you soon!
Say “hi” to Ragan Story! Ragan is from Waverly, Tennessee and is studying Intercultural Studies at Liberty University. Next year, she will get to do mission work overseas for five months…possibly in Romania! This will be Ragan’s third summer at camp, serving as a Cheyenne counselor her first two years . This summer, she will be leading the Cheyenne ladies as their Village Director! Ragan is looking forward to spending time with old friends, making new friends, and getting to hang out with her campers. Ragan is super pumped about this summer, and she is counting down the days until she can be back at Crestridge! Be praying for Ragan as she finishes up her semester at Liberty, prepares to come serve the Cheyenne Village, and gets ready to dominate in some four square! The summer is just around the corner.
Jessica Crosby, also most commonly known as “Crosby”, has been at camp for three years. First as a JET, and then the following year as a counselor. She holds a dear place in her heart for Crestridge, and she can’t wait for this summer when she will lead as the Village Director for, in her words… “the best village, the Chickasaws!” Crosby is currently studying at the University of South Carolina . She is most looking forward to camp-wide and village activities and getting to spend time with all her amazing campers! Keep Jessica in your prayers as she finishes up classes this semester, and prepares to come serve her campers and staff this summer!
