About Us

Our Purpose

Blue Grass Christian Camp and Retreat Center exists to glorify God by providing a beautiful surrounding where all ages can come to discover, develop, and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.


Our History

Blue Grass Christian Camp was simply a dream in the minds of church leaders in the Central Kentucky area who saw a need and acted upon it. Young people needed a haven from daily distractions where the quietness and beauty of nature could provide a setting to encourage Christian growth and the opportunity to piece together all the puzzles of life. A week of camp was organized in June of 1936, at the State YMCA Camp, Valley View on the Kentucky River to give young people this opportunity. It was a great start, but the dream needed a permanent home. Nine men from area churches purchased ten acres of land formerly known as "Gentry's Old Mill" in 1949. Their purpose for Blue Grass Christian Camp was to develop Christian character through worship, Bible study, and fun activities.

The old mill, originally built in the 1790's out of local limestone was powered by the water of Boone's Creek. The mill continued to be used through the years to grind meal and flour until 1917. Charles and Henry Gentry bought the mill in 1939, thus receiving the name Gentry's Mill. The mill was turned into a dance hall in the late 1940's, but never turned a profit.

The old mill building still stands today and is used for registration and other functions for camp. The dining hall area was once the dance hall and still contains the hardwood floor. Isn't it amazing what God can do in changing the use of a facility, from a dance hall to a sanctuary that rings with sounds of Christian joy and praise?

From 1949 to 1973 the camp functioned only in the summer without a full time caretaker. In 1973 the Ralph Byers' family came to live on the grounds and act as full time camp minister. Ralph provided great leadership and insight to what camp could be and was able to make numerous improvements to the grounds and add new buildings.

From 1991 to 2003 Richard Hargrove was Camp Minister. The camp continued to prosper under his leadership and guidance. Numerous improvements (siding on the dorms, heat and air conditioning in dorms) and new programs (Out Camp) started, the biggest project being the construction of the Summit Retreat Center and Lodge.

Kelly Brandenburg became Associate Camp Minister in 1997 with a primary role of public relations. Kelly oversaw the construction of the High Ropes course and improvements to the confidence course. In 2003 Kelly took over as the Camp Minister/Director.

Bobby Cairell started with Blue Grass in 2003 as the Associate Minister. Bobby over sees the programming of the camp and the technology aspect of camp.

In 2007 Adam Tipton joined the staff as Maintenance/Facilities director.

Blue Grass Christian Camp still holds to the original purpose for which the camp was started. Camp provides meaningful programs in a beautiful outdoor setting where youth, adults, and families can come to strengthen and deepen their relationship with Christ. Blue Grass is a place to prepare for service, to enjoy fellowship, and to encourage one another in our daily pursuit of holiness, faithfulness, and righteousness.

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