Robins Twins Help Revive “Camp Adrian”
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Vidalia Natives Jordan and Taylor Robins have combined their efforts with two fellow former Camp Adrian counselors to revive the camp as Key Memorial Camp this summer, from July 26-30.
Camp Adrian was a staple of many children and youth’s summers for several years. Held at the Nazarene campground in Adrian, the camp brought students – from third grade to graduated seniors – to one place to learn, to grow their faith, and to participate in traditional summer camp games and competitions.
“We don’t even really know how word got around about camp. All of the surrounding United Methodist Churches were in the same district, and everyone just came together for camp,” Taylor
remarked. Yet, after the United Methodist Church system underwent redistricting in 2020, camp numbers seemed to dwindle. “No one really knew what district they were in. It was really confusing,” Jordan added. “Then, when everyone started disaffiliating, all camp communication stopped.”
The twins were sad to see the camp where they first began attending as young campers and later continued from page
became seasoned counselors disappear. So, while meeting with two fellow former counselors – Doug Williams and Cody Cabe — last summer, the idea of bringing the camp back first emerged.
“We were all sitting around Taylor’s table and decided that we really wanted to bring camp back,” Jordan shared. “We prayed about it and just decided that we would give it a shot.”
Jordan, Taylor, Doug, and Cody each initially donated $50 to help begin fundraising for camp. Their first fundraiser was a pancake supper held at a church in Dublin, and from there, the plan took off.
“There have been so many God-winks throughout this entire process,” Taylor emphasized. “For example, when we went to get to get the stuff for the pancake supper, it was $197 – what we had saved covered it almost perfectly. There have been so many more moments like this as we have moved through the planning phases.”
The twins shared that even the duties that were hardest – such as finding counselors – had been easy throughout preparation, leading them to believe that they were meant to revive the camp. “God has truly ordained this journey of the revival of camp, and we cannot wait to provide today’s youth the same experience we received at camp all those years ago. This simply would not be possible without the support and prayers of so many, and for that, we are forever grateful,” Jordan said.
When asked what inspired them to bring the camp back in addition to their own fond memories of the event, the group shared that they wanted a place that students who attended smaller churches could go. “A lot of times, big churches are able to go to camps out of state and in other areas because they have enough chaperones for the task,” Jordan said. “We wanted a camp that kids and youth could come to who went to smaller churches. These churches don’t have to worry about chaperones because we provide the counselors, and they’re really able to come together with other churches and make friends and fellowship.”
The camp will be held from Saturday, July 26, through Wednesday, July 30, at the campground in Adrian. It will feature games, recreation activities, Bible studies, nightly services, and more.
So far, a total of 75 campers have registered, and over 30 counselors will be attending the camp. Registration is $250 and is currently being held until Monday, June 30. To register campers and find more information, follow their Facebook page “Key Memorial Camp” or contact Jordan at 912-293-5187.
