Retro Friday: Fidelis Hall

Fidelis Hall, better known as the “Shack” served Camp Ridgecrest for Boys well for many years. It was already on the property, being used by the Conference Center, when Camp Ridgecrest for Boys was started. Prior to 1942, when Spilman Lodge was built, the Shack was the camp’s only indoor recreation center. After Spilman was built for a dining hall, the Shack was used as staff meetings, indoor games, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics and the Sunday worship services. A movie screen rolled down from the ceiling at one end of the hall to make an ideal camp theater. This building was centrally located at the time. Now, this building would be located below the tennis courts on the grassy area by the barn, near the front gate. This picture was taken from the 1960 brochure of Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. The “green” outside the hall and surrounding the flagpole served as the site for Retreat and flag-lowering ceremonies each day at dusk. Do you remember the Shack? Comment below and tell us your stories!

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A New Hire for the Camps

As of Friday March 1st, we have a new full time employee with the camps. For years people have asked us how we survived with only 1 maintenance person. With around 70 buildings, 7 vehicles, heavy equipment, 130 acres, and new projects always on the horizon, we have had our hands full. Marty Quinn has faithfully served with us for about 8 years! And now, he has some help!

Rob Wilson has served at LifeWay’s Ridgecrest Conference Center since 1998. He was currently operating as the Grounds and Water Department Manager when we hired him onto our Maintenance Team. While Rob has expertise in plumbing and operating heavy machinery, he also has experience with just about every situation that he can expect here at the Camps!

Rob grew up around Black Mountain, NC and currently lives here with his wife and 2 boys. Introduce yourself to Rob when you see him and help make him feel welcome to the Ridgecrest Summer Camps family!

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Cabin Updates!

Well, it has been a while since we last discussed the progress of the cabins. A lot has be done to say the least. The Arapaho cabins have been gutted, studded and have now budded into great looking cabins. The interior has been revamped and the porches are updated and roofed. They are looking real nice about now. We went with a wooded brown with scarlet red trim to compliment as the Apache cabins inverse. Take a look for yourself at the brand spanking new cabins!

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Retro Friday: Camp Gate

Every opening day cars line up outside the gate and excited campers gather around eagerly waiting for the gates to open. This has been true for many years now. The top picture shows the entrance into camp in 1936. Back then, camp was from July 14 – August 25. Campers came for six weeks. Charles Burts was the director of Camp Ridgecrest for Boys at this time. He was the second camp director. The bottom picture shows the camp gate nearly 20 years later. The sign in the second picture is hanging in camp. Do you know where the sign is hanging now? Comment below and share any stories or facts about the different camp gates! We’d love to know!

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Retro Friday: Lakeside Dock

Did you know that Lakeside Chapel used to have a dock? This picture was taken in the mid to late 1960’s or early 1970’s. We know this because the boy sitting in the front left of this picture is wearing one of the jersey’s that camp used to have every year. The number on the back of the jersey corresponded with the year. This dock was most used by staff during Morning Watch. Our Lakeside Chapel now has a platform with a podium for staff to use during their devotions for Morning Watch. Take a look below to see what Lakeside Chapel looks like now compared to the picture above. Comment below to let us know if you remember when Lakeside had a dock!

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Man Skill

There is one statement that gives me chills every time it makes its way into a conversation; Men of the Ridgecrest Nation. Camp Ridgecrest is alive with boys becoming men, and men becoming better men, so much so, that camp offers a Man Skill to sharpen and hone those raw qualities of a man. Here’s a little sneak peek into the infamous Man Skill.

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Retro Friday: Activities on Lake Ridgecrest

Lake Ridgecrest is the center of Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. It was the intial step in creating a summer camp for boys back under the administration of the SBC Education Board. Lake Ridgecrest is a 15-acre man-made lake. This picture shows campers canoeing and sailing during their free time. For many years Lake Ridgecrest has been a popular activity among all tribes. The lake looks a little different now with a large dock, floating dock, two blobs, zipline and a slide. Of course we still have canoes and playaks. This summer we are excited that we will be adding paddleboards! Tell us your stories about Lake Ridgecrest! We’d love to hear from you!

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Retro Friday: Spilman Lodge

Did you know that Spilman Lodge is the largest and oldest vertical log structure east of the Mississippi River? Spilman Lodge was built in 1942 though this picture was not taken then. Spilman is one of our most popular buildings around camp. When the bugle rings for lunch kids race into Spilman to stand behind their chairs and wait for the stop, clap, clap and “Further Along”. Our campers eat, play tribal activities and have a few different skills in Spilman. We also have a large fireplace in case council ring or campfire are rained out.

We have added an extension on the front of Spilman to include a porch, complete with rocking chairs and our new skill boards, and a wing for the Sioux to be able to eat when they are in camp. Do you remember Spilman Lodge before the extension? We’d love to hear some of your stories about Spilman!

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Retro Friday: The Old Infirmary

This picture shows what is now the old Infirmary. The date on the back says 1960, however it still looks very similar today. A major change is the white walls instead of the wood. Phil recalls the beds being removed only a few years ago. This building is now used for our Central Staff during the summer. The infirmary now is one of our newest buildings here at camp. It is also in the middle of camp for easy access. Did you ever have to spend time in the infirmary? Tell us what you remember about the “old” infirmary!

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Retro Friday: Canteen

At 3:00pm the Canteen bugle rings out across camp. Seconds later campers come running down from their hills to get their candy and soda. This picture shows canteen at what is now our dry storage building. These campers seem relaxed and happy to have their bottles of soda and ice cream. What is your favorite candy and drink that we have in canteen? Comment below and let us know!

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