Our Mission…

The mission of South Mountain Baptist Camp is to assist the Church to reach people for Christ and to develop young disciples that will be effective in impacting our culture and carrying the gospel throughout the world.

The History…

For several years prior to 1955, camps were conducted for the students of Region 8, comprised of 10 NC Baptist Associations.  Fred Forrester conducted RA camps at Ridgecrest.  GA camps were held at Gardner-Webb. The camp was conceived in the visionary dream of Menry L. Smith. Leaders in Region 8 helped establish the camp; these leaders included: Reverend John Bean, Reverend TA Lineberger, and Joe Byrd Sr. The mission: To provide a place for high quality camping programs at a minimum cost for both boys and girls who may not be able to pay the expense of other camps.

In 1957, SMBC opened with an overnight camp-out in tents near the Little River.  By 1958, an assembly building was built with a bathroom and kitchen for the first official season.  Almost 300 boys attended  the four weeks of “Building a Life” camp.  In 1959, the camp program included four camps for boys, four camps for girls, a Pastors’ Retreat, a RA counselors' clinic, a GA counselors' clinic, weekend retreats, day camps, and church fellowship outings.  Several churches constructed cottages that could be used year- round and helped with volunteer projects.

From 1963 to 1970, Reverend TA Lineberger served the South Mountain Association as Director of Missions and as General Director of South Mountain Baptist Camp.  The camp program grew, and in 1970, he became the full-time Camp Director. His wife Faye, continued her work as the camp’s financial secretary.  Summer staff cleaned, prepared food, interacted with campers, performed special music, and traveled to churches where they shared about the camp.

A swimming pool was added in 1969 and a chapel in 1975, enhancing the quality of camping and worship in the midst of God's special place on the mountain. In 1986, Joe Byrd Sr. planned a retreat center - a year-round facility complete with kitchen, dining room, and conference rooms. In 1996, the building was officially named the Byrd Retreat Center.

After college and seminary training, Tom Lineberger and his wife Marsha joined the leadership of the camp.  In 1980, Tom began full-time work as General Manager and was named Camp Director in 1993.  When Tom felt the Lord’s calling to other ministries in 1996, God was faithful to provide new leadership.  Reverend Al Tinnin, summer staff 1972-1975, was named Camp Director and Max Skinner, Facilities Manager.  Under the leadership of Camp Committee Chairman Joe Hamrick, the Committee purchased and remodeled the Linebergers' home and purposed to keep the goals of the camp strong.

For more than 50 seasons, the camp has shown growth and commitment to the original purpose:  providing a Christian witness, wholesome fun, and spiritual growth through Bible Study, prayer, missions emphasis, and music.  Thousands have attended camps and retreats at SMBC with more than 6,000 professions of faith in Jesus Christ.  Only He knows how many other lives have been changed.   Past and present campers and staff are serving in many areas of Christian ministry and lay leadership all over the world.  Unknown numbers have given memorial gifts, and volunteers have given of their time and talents to maintain the facilities through the years.

The camp has grown, and basic standards of Christian conduct and Christ-centered programs will continue to be the focus with strong faith, frugal spending, and unwavering commitment to keep the dream alive.  In God's time...as He leads...the dream will go on!