What is Camp Billy Johnson?
Camp Billy Johnson is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, named in memory of The Rev. Billy Johnson.
Billy was rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Knoxville, and had a passion for ministry with at-risk youth. Killed in a plane crash in 1980, the camp was re-named in his memory as it operated on many of the principles he preached for working with inner-city youth with an emphasis for one-on-one care and attention.
At Camp Billy Johnson, no camper pays and the high-school and adult staff are volunteers. We run on donations, and count on people like you to keep this ministry running! Our goal each year is 20 campers (10 male, 10 female) and 20 high-school staff (10 male, 10 female).
What We Need & What You Get
The cost to accommodate each camper in 2013 is $390. We need 20 campers to be fully-funded.
There are other costs for camp, as every camper who attends receives a brand-new sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, toiletry kit, welcome kit (flashlight, bug spray, sunscreen), and a new backpack with school supplies for the new school year.
All donations are received and administered by the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, based in Knoxville, a registered 501(c)(3).
We offer several contribution levels, and some donors will receive thank-you cards written by campers, camp photos, camp t-shirts, and more! Every little bit helps, and we appreciate anything that you can give!
The Impact
Camp Billy Johnson gives children from financially-challenged, inner-city communities a chance to experience summer camp when they may not otherwise be able to. The camp may last a week, but the benefits last a life-time.
The campers who attend get to experience lots of traditional summer camp activities at Grace Point Camps, located on Watts Bar Lake. The campus at Grace Point features 2 miles of shoreline with kayaking and canoeing, plus hiking trails, archery, arts and crafts, field games, a full meal plan, and lots more!
We strive to maintain a 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, and each full camp day features an hour of "Buddy Time" where one camper and one counselor spend one-on-one time in an activity of the camper's choice.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:
- We need high-school staff! If you are interested in lending a week of your summer to Camp Billy Johnson, please visit our website and download a staff application!
- Spread the word! Please let folks in your parish, neighborhood, office, etc. know about Camp Billy Johnson and the ways they can help! Be sure to use the shrae tools found here at Inidiegogo!
www.campbillyjohnson.org