by Phil Younts

In 1953, Florida Conference Executive Committee members sat on the bank of Hornsby Spring northwest of Gainesville and prayed, “Father, should we buy this property for a summer camp and year-round retreat facility?”

God answered their prayers in the affirmative, and Camp Kulaqua was born. Soon, a name contest was held, and a church member in South Florida suggested “Kulaqua” or “cool aqua” since the fresh flowing water of Hornsby Spring is 72 degrees year round.

Located near the town of High Springs, Camp Kulaqua’s early beginnings were very basic, with the first groups staying in tents amidst the natural surroundings of a beautiful spring and the great outdoors on 250 acres. In those early years, Conference membership was 6,519, and the Camp could accommodate up to 200 people.

In 1984, a new master plan was designed for Camp Kulaqua to accommodate up to 600 people so it could meet the needs of a growing Conference with 23,904 members. The master plan was completed in the late 1990s.

Today, Florida Conference membership is more than 60,000. Meanwhile, Camp Kulaqua, with more than 600 acres, can still only accommodate up to 600 people in cabins, mini-lodges, and chalets. It also offers multiple meeting facilities and a variety of activities for people to enjoy.

As a rule, 1-2% of a constituency base attends Conference functions such as youth events, women’s retreats, and men’s conventions. Clearly, the need for larger and more accommodating facilities has grown as membership has increased. This is especially true now that Camp Kulaqua is the host location for both English- and Spanish-language Camp Meetings.

Thus, Conference and Camp administrators have initiated a new master plan study and are soliciting input for ministry and facility needs. Your feedback is very important! Please take a few moments to go to CampKulaqua.com and click on the master plan survey link to give us your feedback. A hard copy of the survey can be obtained by calling (386) 454-1351.

Florida Conference anticipates continued growth through discipleship and evangelism. With expanded and improved retreat facilities, this quiet place will continue to provide a beautiful setting where constituents can escape the rigors of this world and commune with God.