Cedar Springs Camp celebrates the past; looks to the future

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Mark Jenkins will talk about the past Saturday afternoon — with a clear direction toward the future.

Jenkins, executive director of Cedar Springs Camp and Retreat, well help lead a celebration this weekend at the church camp located just north of Floyd.

It’s been 50 years since the purchase of 117 acres of timber turned into a life-changing ministry that Jenkins and his wife, Theresa, have been a part of for going on nine years this fall.

Jenkins said he expects as many as 150 people to come out to the campground and take part in the festivities to honor the 50th anniversary of Cedar Springs, which was born out of the destruction of the 1968 tornado that struck Charles City.

Jenkins will be a featured speaker at the celebration that includes a concert, guided tours and a barbecue meal — all at no cost.

“This presentation that I’m working on will look back at the past 50 years and mainly focus on some of the folks that had a dream for this place and those that were instrumental in making it happen,” said Jenkins.

Cedar Springs, known prior to the tornado as Wesleyan Methodist Camp, used to be located right between Chautauqua Guest Homes and the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

The campground received a direct hit from the F5 tornado that devastated Charles City in May of 1968.

In October of that year, the Rev. Donald Calhoun announced that the old property would be sold and a 72-acre tract of land owned by Dr. Ray Fox, a surgeon in Charles City, would be purchased.

The new property — known as “Belly Acres” — changed its name to Cedar Springs Camp in August of 1970 after the first family camp was held that saw 1,000 people attend. The camp has expanded over the years and to this day is still branching out in its quest to touch as many lives as possible.

“God is not done with Cedar Springs Camp and Retreat,” said Jenkins. “On the contrary, he is just beginning to open the doors to the new adventures and opportunities where more lives will be changed and more leaders will be called into his service.”

Cedar Springs rests on the Cedar River and sports a recently renovated worship center that seats up to 350 people. The all-purpose facility is the largest building on site and also houses the Snack Shack, where folks can also grab a bite to eat.

There are seven cabins at Cedar Springs and the camp features an upper cabin, built overlooking the Cedar River. It was built from limestone native to the area and was designed in the Frank Lloyd Wright style.

Three hotel rooms, an outdoor chapel and dining hall also comprise the beautiful retreat in addition to the vast campground area.

Cedar Springs, a non-profit organization, is owned and operated by the Iowa/Minnesota district of the Wesleyan Church. Jenkins said he has expanded the camp’s ministry and vision by partnering with such organizations as 4-H, Boy Scouts and local school groups.

“We’re excited about some of the new organizations that have been using our facilities and increasing our family reunion type stuff,” said Jenkins. “Our vision is to be a community partner, providing facilities where people can grow to become positive role models.”

The schedule of activities on Saturday should make for a great opportunity to take a peek into the past and enjoy all that the camp has to offer. Jenkins said hay rack wagon rides will allow a great view of the camp on tours that begin at 9 a.m. and run up until 11 a.m.

There will also be historical photos and displays located in a room at the worship center for anyone interested in the extensive history of the retreat.

A free barbecue meal is planned at noon and Jenkins will greet and speak to attendees of the 50-year celebration at 1 p.m.

“I’ll talk about some of successes over the years as we’ve built the ministry out here and just kind of give God a shout out to everything that he’s done,” Jenkins added.

The afternoon will conclude with Damascus Road, a Bluegrass gospel group from Cedar Rapids, that will sing and perform from 2-4 p.m.

Jenkins mentioned that anyone that shows up late is welcome to hang around after the concert is complete.

“We’re obviously a Christian-based ministry, but we want to be a community partner as well. We’re really trying to build a brand that, hey, we want you to come and check this out,” said Jenkins. “We want this to be a public event. Anybody that’s curious about us, come on out and just see what we have to offer.”

There is a chance of rain over the weekend, but Jenkins said that won’t change much, if any, of the schedule of events to take place.

“We are praying pretty heavy for sunshine,” said Jenkins.

All the fun is free to the public and Jenkins would appreciate anyone interested in attending to call for a reservation for the lunch and celebration. The number to call is 641-398-2488.