Camping for Original Free Will Baptist in Pamlico County began in 1966 by Reverend Ralph Sumner, Pastor of Arapahoe Original Free Will Baptist Church, when the church had a day camp on the Neuse River near Arapahoe.  The first year of camp was attended mostly of youth from Arapahoe.  The second year, 1967, the camp was attended by youth from several churches.  

     The camp of 1967 proved so successful that for the third year the district churches of Original 
Free Will Baptist rented the Presbyterian Camp located near Morehead City for the whole weekend with more than 150 people in attendance.  These weekend retreats were directed by the Reverend Ralph Sumner.

     The Eastern Conference of Original Free Will Baptist in 1967 appointed a search committee for the purpose of looking for property that might be a suitable location for a camp ground.

     During the Retreat at the Presbyterian Camp at Morehead City, NC the first offering was received for our own camp ground.  During the sitting of the Eastern Conference in 1968 the Conference appointed the first Board of Directors for a camp which included Reverend Bruce Dudley, Reverend D.T. Cleve, Reverend Ralph Sumner, Mr. John Gillikin and Mr. E.H. Holton.

     Reverend Sumner, working with McCotter Realtors, located a small piece of property in the town of Vandemere consisting of less than five acres.  Working with the Eastern Conference the Search Committee and the Fifth Union Meeting, the property was secured.  This was done with an option for the Union and a loan from Wachovia Bank in Bayboro, NC.  After securing this property, the property adjoining it and also property across Third Street became available.  Believing this was God's purpose, we secured all this property.  

     The first two years campers stayed in tents.  After that, we were able to erect a dormitory and a kitchen with dining area on the property.

     The Board of Directors of the Camp have experienced a very good relationship with the town of Vandemere and Pamlico County.  We have been fortunate to have had some great people from the town and the county to serve on our Board of Directors.  Mr. E.H. Holton, one of the board members, served exceptionally well until his death.  He was a great asset in so many way.  Upon his death his wife, Mrs. O'Velma, was appointed to fill his unexpired term.  She too served well and made a tremendous contribution to the camp.

     Another person that made a great contribution to the camp as a board member was Mr. Matthew Prescott.  He served well as the camp treasurer.  Mr. L.R. Caroon was on the board for many years serving on the Grounds and Building Committee.  It was through his direction and dedication we built the all-purpose building and the family sleeping lodge.  He made many, many more contributions.  There was also Billy Harris that served well on the board.

     There have been so many from this area area who have made contributions of money, work and prayers to the camp.    It is evident that the citizens of Vandemere are happy to be the home of the Camp Vandemere.  We, the Original Free Will Baptist, are happy that Vandemere was chosen as the place to establish the camp.  Our thanks to everyone for their interest in the camp.

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Written by Reverend Ralph Sumner

Manager Camp Vandemere, Inc.