The History of Camp Buckeye Retreat Center

In 1984, through the combined efforts of three men, LeRoy Mullet, Ken Stolzfus, and Nate Miller, Camp Buckeye was purchased for $130,000.  This included 91 rolling acres with a large lodge, a camp manager’s cottage, cabins, Adirondacks, a chapel, an amphitheater, and a jr. Olympic size pool, all in desperate need of repair.  The beginnings of the dream were realized. 

Those days consisted of lots of hard grunt work…cleaning cabins, remodeling the lodge, winterizing facilities, cleaning and repairing the long unused pool, scrubbing, and work, work, work.  The insurmountable things to be done did not deter the enthusiasm with which Nate, an elementary school teacher, began plans for summer camps for city kids.  He, along with his wife, Vi, a social worker, made numerous contacts with churches, social service agencies, and anyone who would lend them an ear.   

The first summer camp was help in 1984 – one week of camp with 45 campers, called Back to Basics.  Sheep were sheared, goats milked, wool carded and spun, candles dipped, chickens butchered, suppers cooked at campfires, lots of singing and sharing God’s love.  Family and friends were recruited for counselors, kitchen staff, craft and recreation directors.

Meanwhile, Ken and his wife, Elaine pastored the church, Living Word Fellowship, that utilized the Lodge on Sunday mornings.  They also pursued programming for adults through various Christian seminars and workshops.

At one point in the camp’s history, Kim Kellogg and Mike Pacula joined the ministry efforts by coordinating contemporary Christian concerts, under the name of GrassRoots Concerts.  Singers such as Silverwind, Michael Card, 2^nd Chapter of Act, Michael W. Smith, and Petra, along with Josh McDowell were hosted by GrassRoots. 

The camp continues to be used all year long for church and family retreats, children’s camps such as Bible Memory, Christian Worship Center, Band Camp, Church of God, and Boy Scout Troops. 

(info provided by Viola Miller – Blade Article October 2004)

10055 Camp Road N.W., Beach City, Ohio 44608     -     ph.  330-756-2380     -     email  info@campbuckeye.org