History

Camp Lake Stephens History

Camp Lake Stephens has a rich history that dates all the way back to the mid-1940s.  Dr. J. E. Stephens, a Methodist minister who had a heart and a vision for young people, launched a plan with the help of other Methodist leaders and local businessmen in Oxford, Mississippi, to provide a camp for the youth of Northern Mississippi.  Dr. Stephens was well-known for his love of nature, and believed that camping offered great opportunities for youngsters to experience God in the great outdoors while also enjoying fun activities and fellowship with their peers.

While Dr. Stephens was serving as Senior Pastor at Oxford-University United Methodist Church, he approached the local Junior Chamber of Commerce and asked them to help find land for a camp in the area.  Under the leadership of Noel M. Hodge, the Jaycees raised $2,000 to purchase 87 acres of land south of town, which they donated for the camp. 

Excited youngsters began coming to camp in summer of 1946.  The camp was named Camp Lake Stephens in November of 1947 in honor its principal founder, Dr. J.E. Stephens.

From that initial donation of land, Camp Lake Stephens has grown today into more than 400 acres of rolling hills and thick forest, where thousands of campers have come to experience God and to grow in their faith. Camp Lake Stephens which was established primarily as a summer camp for children and youth has become a camp and retreat facility that provides year-round programming for children, youth, and adults of all ages.