A Brief History

The vision for the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center came out of a broader diocesan vision that was embraced in 1997. That vision focused on helping diocesan parishes to address issues in three key areas: youth ministry, leadership, and urban issues. The Camp & Conference Center was envisioned as a place that would be accessible to all, a place to nurture and form our youth and leaders in their Christian faith, and a place to bring together the diverse peoples and congregations of our diocese. It would also be a place that offers warm hospitality to other non-profit educational and religious institutions.

A Camp & Conference task force was convened in 1997 to explore the potential of this vision, and their recommendation to proceed with the development of the Camp & Conference Center was approved by the Diocesan Council in 1998. From 1999 to 2002, the development of the Camp & Conference Center was under the direction of diocesan staff. In addition, over 200 lay and clergy volunteers lent their time, energy, and expertise to the project, working in a variety of roles. An extensive fundraising Campaign also took place in order to finance the construction and to fund a scholarship endowment and an operating endowment. The Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center welcomed its first summer campers in July 2003.