A Little City Built to Bless Campers

CLIFTON, TEX. – Driving up to Lake Whitney Ranch (LWR) on a beautiful June day reminded me of my first visit. Even though I’ve been back many times since April 2017, something felt different. That first time, I saw open space and untapped potential. This time, I saw buildings in use, filled with summer camp staff and attendees.

“It’s like a little city now when people drive by,” said LWR director, Hector Perez, as we toured the property with his wife and LWR manager, Anabel, and their grandson, Orion.

At the new open-air pavilion, Olga Falakiseni, Texas Conference youth and young adult ministries associate director, shared that they can now hold sports activities throughout the day thanks to the shade the structure provides. Previously, the uncovered basketball court made outdoor activities too hot. Now, campers can enjoy volleyball, pickleball, basketball, arts and crafts, and more. Perez gestured toward the giant fans overhead. “They can turn on the big fans if they need to,” he said. A breeze made them unnecessary during our visit.

Asked about a typical camp day, staff explained that morning sessions take place at the amphitheater, with evening worship in the new Red Barn. Meals are served in the multipurpose building. Before the Red Barn was completed, staff had to tear down tables and set up chairs in that same building for worships between meals. Camp activities rotate between water activities, Go-Karts, horsemanship, sports and creative programs.

“We still need more lodging,” Perez said, repeating a common refrain he’s expressed since becoming director in 2019. “I’m still having to turn away groups because we don’t have enough lodging.”

In January 2025, a campaign was launched encouraging every Texas Conference church family to contribute $25 per month or $300 annually toward LWR development. “It will take everyone working together, but I know we can do this,” said Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes. When asked about his goal to be fully developed by 2030, DeMoraes added, “Lake Whitney Ranch has almost 1,000 acres, so we can continue to grow and upgrade for decades. The goal by 2030 is to have enough structures in place that Hector won’t have to turn away groups because of a lack of space.”

Lodging capacity continues to limit how many groups Lake Whitney Ranch can accommodate—especially during the summer. To make room for campers, the original lodges are converted each year, and this summer, even the Red Barn was temporarily repurposed during Teen Week. As part of the next development phase, plans include building six new cabins. “Each cabin would hold 32 people,” said Randy Terry, Texas Conference treasurer and LWR operating committee chair. The cabins would be available for year-round use and would reduce the need to repurpose existing buildings during camp season.

Perez and the camp staff remain creative in how they utilize space, but constant conversions can be tiring. This year, Falakiseni had to limit the number of weeks campers could attend to ensure more families had an opportunity to participate. With summer camp being such an influential time—especially as many develop their relationship with Jesus—it would be a blessing to welcome everyone who wants to attend.

To learn more about improvements and ways you can support the camp, visit LakeWhitneyRanch.org. Photos from summer camp can be found at Facebook.com/SummerCampLWR.