Welcome! Friday, March 29, 2024 | Login | Register
   
Shelby Mission Camp vital to county
Adult volunteers work on a roof.

On Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, caregivers and their guests from across Cleveland County were treated to an appreciation brunch. Shelby Mission Camp, located at 302 Sharpton Drive in Shelby, provided the brunch for free to honor people who often don't get much recognition.
"We wanted to give caregivers a break from the stress of caring for a loved one," says Shelby native and camp director David Brown. "We wanted them to enjoy a time of good food, fellowship and entertainment."
Dedicated in April 2012, the Shelby Mission Camp provides programs such as this and much more to Shelby and the surrounding area. In 2016, the camp sponsored 212 construction projects, including the building of 109 wheelchair ramps. They also sponsor other activities like Bible schools.
The Shelby Mission Camp is a ministry of NC Baptist Men/Baptists on Missions, and is located on 43 acres of land, located directly off South Lafayette Street in Shelby. The camp boasts 214 beds, a worship area, a meal area and a commercial-quality kitchen. There are also campground sites, a warehouse, a prayer garden and an outdoor chapel.
"This past year we have hosted volunteers from across North Carolina, as well as from eight other states and three foreign countries," says Brown, who manages the facility along with his wife, Janet, also a Shelby native. They are nearing the end of their fourth year of service at the camp.
"Construction and home repair remains our top ministry to seniors and to handicapped and disadvantaged individuals," says David Brown. "Our projects include wheelchair ramps, handicap modifications, roofing, floor repair, painting and more. We also provide vacation Bible schools, sports camps, community outreach and a variety of senior adult ministries. Special events such as the Family Caregivers Brunch and our upcoming Community Thanksgiving Meal are also an important part of our mission."
Shelby Mission Camp partners with other Cleveland County agencies and non-profits to provide many of its services, including Accessing Cleveland County Elder Services (ACCES), the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association, the Cleveland County Rescue Mission, senior apartment facilities, Gardner-Webb University and local churches.
Next on the organization's agenda is its annual Community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. This year the event will be on Thursday, Nov.23, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Shelby Mission Camp.
"It is open to anyone that would like to have a good meal and share fellowship with others," says Brown. Deliveries are available to seniors and handicapped individuals and family members. Those needing food delivered should call the camp and ask to be placed on the delivery list. Volunteers are still needed to make the home deliveries.
"While we are supported by the NC Baptist Mission Offering, we have been blessed by the support of the Dover Foundation, churches and individuals whose donations help us buy building materials, supplies and tools," says Brown. Donations to the Shelby Mission Camp are tax deductible.
For more information, search for "Shelby Mission Camp" on Facebook, or contact David by calling 919-422-9990 or emailing dbrown@ncbaptist.org. Janet Brown can be reached by calling 919-337-2342 or emailing jbrown@ncbaptist.org.

By April Hoyle Shauf

Special to Community First Media


Printer-friendly format