Camp Evergreen, tucked away in the serene mountains of North Georgia near Lake Burton, is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 25 years of nurturing faith, friendship, and adventure.
The event will be held at Camp Evergreen, located at 478 Andersonville Lane, Clarkesville, GA, on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since its founding in 1999, this family-operated Christian camp has become a cherished sanctuary for children and families seeking spiritual growth and outdoor exploration.
A journey rooted in faith
The vision for Camp Evergreen was planted when two members of Northside United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Bob and Jeanie Cook, saw potential in a rundown summer camp at Lake Burton. Inspired by Psalm 1:1-3, they aimed to create a “living forest of the faithful.”
The camp officially opened in June 1999 with three family camps, and by 2000, it expanded to include traditional kids’ camps.
In 2004, Katie Grady became the camp director, and her husband, Pastor Toby Grady, took on the role of camp pastor. Together, they led the camp through significant growth and transformation.
“At Camp Evergreen we are intentionally rustic – creating space for kids and teens to unplug, explore their faith and build lasting relationships,” Katie Grady, Camp Director, said.
In 2009, Camp Evergreen relocated to a new property on Moccasin Creek, partnering with Mt. Bethel UMC. This move allowed the camp to expand its programs and eventually become an independent non-profit organization.
By January 2018, Camp Evergreen purchased the property, establishing permanent roots and continuing its mission to provide Christ-centered experiences in a rustic outdoor setting.
More than just a camp
As one camper put it, “I thought I was coming here to just have fun. But I left with something way bigger—I met Jesus, and I’ll never be the same.”
In a world full of noise and distraction, Camp Evergreen offers something rare: sacred stillness, intentional community, and a foundation built on God’s truth. It’s a place where kids unplug from the world and plug into the One who made them, loves them, and calls them His own.
So yes, Camp Evergreen is a camp. But it’s also a mission field. And as it steps into its next 25 years, its prayer remains the same—that every camper who walks through its gates would leave, rooted in their faith and with hearts forever changed.
A legacy of growth and community
In the past quarter-century, Camp Evergreen has grown to offer nine weeks of summer camp annually, welcoming children aged 7-14 to experience faith-based fun and fellowship. With a commitment to small group sizes—no more than 80 overnight campers at a time—and a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4, the camp ensures personalized attention and meaningful connections.
Camp Evergreen’s unique programming includes creative activities like Half Christmas, Survivor Day, Super Hero Day, Ridic-Olympics, and The Amazing Grace.
These events, combined with daily worship, cabin devotions, and outdoor adventures, foster self-confidence, spiritual growth, and lasting friendships among campers.
Celebrating 25 years of impact
On Saturday, Camp Evergreen will host a free, family-friendly celebration at its Clarkesville campus to commemorate its anniversary. The event will feature canoeing, hiking to Hemlock Falls, signature field games, delicious food trucks, birthday cake, and live worship music from Passion Worship.
Attendees can also look forward to an exciting announcement about the camp’s future.
Looking Ahead
As Camp Evergreen celebrates this significant milestone, it remains dedicated to its mission. With plans for future improvements and continued outreach, the Grady’s say they look forward to many more years of impacting lives through faith, nature, and community.
For more information about the 25th-anniversary celebration or to learn how you can support Camp Evergreen’s mission, visit their official website at campevergreen.org.
