When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina in September 2024, leaving communities without power, water and access to basic services, Camp Grier in Old Fort, North Carolina stood out — not just for its resilience, but for its rapid, community-centered response. Within days, the camp transformed into a disaster relief hub, offering hot meals, showers, laundry services and shelter to hundreds of residents.
This extraordinary pivot wasn’t a matter of luck — it was the result of a decade-long transformation in Camp Grier’s governance and mission.
Camp Grier’s ability to respond so nimbly to Hurricane Helene traces back to a pivotal decision in 2013 predicated on the financial necessity of its governing bodies. Originally owned and operated by three presbyteries — Charlotte, Salem and Western North Carolina — the camp was spun off into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This move, led by a tri-presbytery task force co-chaired by the Rev. Paul Sink, gave Camp Grier the autonomy to act quickly without waiting for multiple mid council approvals.
According to Sink, a Camp Grier board member and outgoing stated clerk of Salem Presbytery, the presbyteries faced shrinking budgets and found it increasingly difficult to maintain responsibility for multiple camp properties. Jason McDougald, who became executive director of Camp Grier in 2013, noted that while the support of three presbyteries had benefits, there were governance challenges — bylaws required all three to vote on capital expenditures over $50,000 or on changes to vision or strategy.
The camp’s location makes it most accessible to churches in the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 hours for Salem Presbytery churches and two hours for the Presbytery of Charlotte. As a Presbyterian-founded camp, Grier maintains ties with churches in all three presbyteries that host retreats, send campers and offer scholarships. While Salem and Charlotte presbyteries withdrew budget support within two years of incorporation, the Presbytery of Western North Carolina has continued funding through a designated fund for cabin renovation and scholarships.
Sink said the shift to independent governance proved invaluable during the hurricane. “We would not have been able to make a $50,000 capital purchase in three days if we were still owned by three presbyteries,” he said, referring to the generator that restored water and power to the site.
Independence meant that Camp Grier needed to diversify revenue streams well beyond summer camp and retreats. McDougald envisioned positioning Old Fort as a hub for outdoor recreation by making the camp, which borders Pisgah National Forest, a year-round destination.
Under his leadership, the camp forged key partnerships. The G5 Trail Collective, launched with the U.S. Forest Service, began work on a 42-mile trail expansion in 2021, with support from Dogwood Health Trust. Partnering with People on the Move for Old Fort, a Black-led advocacy group, the project also sought to reconnect the local Black community to the forest through job creation.
To foster equitable economic growth, Grier joined with Eagle Market Street Development Corp., whose first project was a 2,500-square-foot business incubation hub in downtown Old Fort.
The G5 Trail Collective has since attracted millions in grants, especially after Hurricane Helene, as the Forest Service, which lost 10% of its workforce in 2025, now depends heavily on contractors for trail restoration and maintenance in areas damaged by flooding and erosion.
Camp Grier also acquired Tanawha Adventures and Pisgah Productions, race and event production companies that host trail running and mountain biking events that draw hundreds of participants and generate significant income.
A new partnership with McDowell Tech Community College will create student housing and offer training in culinary arts and outdoor maintenance.
McDougald has announced the upcoming Grier Village project — a $15 million development with a new dining hall, student housing and high-end rental cabins. Profits will be reinvested into scholarships, trail upkeep and community programs. The camp also acquired a 250-acre property in Fairview, North Carolina, for youth career exploration programs and day camps.
These ventures will not only sustain the camp financially but also allow it to keep summer camp fees affordable. In 2022, Camp Grier awarded 100 scholarships.
Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist
Let us join in prayer for:
Tim Stepp, Associate Director, Internal Audit, Administrative Services Group
Andrea Stevens, Gift Planning Specialist, Development Office, The Presbyterian Foundation
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, you showed us that in God’s manna world there is enough bread for all. With gratitude, we are mindful of God’s abundant gifts. So, wherever there is scarcity, let us serve with strong limbs and joyful hearts. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment