September 20, 2024
SUWANEE, Ga. — The Georgia Baptist Mission Board and Friends of Kaleo, Inc., have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that could allow the continued operation of Camp Kaleo. Friends of Kaleo is a non-profit group of former staff, campers, churches, pastors, missionaries, and families created last year to generate financial support for Camp Kaleo and support its ministry.
"I am excited to announce that the GBMB and the Friends of Kaleo have both signed a Memorandum of Understanding,” said Tim Oliver, chairman of the GBMB Administration Committee. “This agreement will pave the way for Friends of Kaleo to assume operational control of Camp Kaleo.
At a meeting last Tuesday, Sept. 10, the GBMB Executive Committee affirmed a recommendation to proceed with closing the camp on or before Dec. 15. At the time, David Melber, Georgia Baptist Mission Board chief operating officer, said, “As you can imagine, this was a very difficult decision, but it was based on facts and challenges that are hard to ignore.”
Under the agreement, Friends of Kaleo could take over operation of the camp, which encompasses 318 acres in Forsyth County, as early as Jan. 1, 2025.
"We are excited to be continuing the ministry of Camp Kaleo," said Jim Strickland, president of Friends of Kaleo. "Many of the board of directors and members of Friends of Kaleo were either called in to full-time ministry or had significant encounters with God while at camp. We are excited to see how God will continue to use this ministry to call individuals into His kingdom and service."
Oliver expressed his hope “that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ will continue to change lives at Camp Kaleo. I thank God for the Friends of Kaleo, and cannot wait to see what the Lord accomplishes through this process.”
"The prospect of Friends of Kaleo owning the future of Camp Kaleo is exciting,” said Melber. “Although much has to happen for this to be completed, we are committed to due diligence with prayerful enthusiasm."
