First Events Held in New Lake Whitney Pavilion
CLIFTON, TEX. – “It was exciting to be the first group to use the open-air pavilion for the Adventurer Family Camp and the Pathfinder Camporee,” said Christian Ponciano, Texas Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. “We appreciate the Texas Conference administration’s vision to create something lasting for our events.”
“Lake Whitney Ranch Director Hector Perez and his staff worked hard to have the pavilion ready for the camporees,” Randy Terry, Texas Conference treasurer and Lake Whitney Ranch operating committee chair, added. “It is exciting to see the progress at the ranch. We appreciate all the donors and volunteers who are helping to make the improvements possible.”
The “$25 in ‘25” campaign was created to give all 20,000 households within the Texas Conference the opportunity to support the Lake Whitney Ranch vision with $25 per month or $300 for the year. As of April 2025, donors have given $174,827.52. This amount is the equivalent of 583 toward our goal of 20,000 participating households.
“It has been nice to see everyone enjoying the new amenities at Lake Whitney Ranch this year,” Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes said. “We appreciate everyone who has given or pledged to give toward this campaign. Let’s see if by the end of July we can reach a midterm goal of $3 million, the amount we’d raise if 10,000 households gave $300.”
Many Texas Conference pastors and Texas Conference board members were at Lake Whitney Ranch this past spring to see firsthand the improvements and try some of the activities. Many were amazed at the progress.
“Lake Whitney Ranch still feels like a hidden gem,” said Lynette Ecord, Texas Conference Planned Giving & Trust Services and Stewardship director. “Having been part of the Texas Conference for more than 50 years, I have experienced all the different Texas Conference camps and feel that Lake Whitney Ranch has the space and planned amenities to be an incredible retreat and conference center one day. We will need to work together to make it happen.”
The Texas Conference’s vision is to have Lake Whitney Ranch fully developed by 2030. “While a lofty goal, it would provide the space and amenities to have more retreats and training events for all ages,” Terry added. Part of the vision for Lake Whitney Ranch includes hosting church-sponsored events on the property. As the official campground of the Texas Conference, Lake Whitney Ranch is intended to serve and bless members of all ages across the state.
“Together as one,” as our conference motto states, let’s financially support Lake Whitney Ranch development. There are multiple ways to give, including in a tithe envelope marked for Lake Whitney Ranch development; through AdventistGiving.org for Lake Whitney Ranch development; texting LWR25in25 to 41444 for an online giving page; or by check, payable to Lake Whitney Ranch and mailed to Texas Conference, P.O. Box 800, Alvarado, TX, 76009.
Join us in building a strong legacy at Lake Whitney Ranch, a legacy that continues to be “a light in the heart of Texas.” Thank you for keeping Lake Whitney Ranch and this campaign in your prayers.
By Tamara Michalenko Terry
Director for Events and
Editorial Services
