Camp’s History
Camp Thurman’s story began with a generous gift from Thurman and Iva Roxburgh, who donated their 14-acre backyard to Pantego Bible Church in 1969 for a Day Camp program. That first summer, only 25 kids attended during a 2-week session. By 1993, the camp had grown so much that Pantego Camp Thurman Inc. became its own independent ministry. As of summer 2025, Camp Thurman has served campers for 56 years, welcoming over 6,000 campers each summer. During the off-season, CT’s Challenge Adventure Program hosts customized one-day events and retreats for schools, corporations, churches, sports teams, and community groups.
Traditions That Last
While Camp Thurman has expanded in size and technology over the years, many beloved traditions remain at the heart of the experience.
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Camp Names: Every counselor receives a unique camp name that reflects their personality and stays with them as long as they serve at CT. Campers love the fun challenge of guessing their counselors’ names all week!
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Bible Verse Memorization: Each group memorizes a Bible verse chosen by their counselor, often learned through songs and hand motions. By Friday, campers are eager to share the verse with their group during a special performance at Zion, helping to instill a lasting love for Scripture.
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Challenge by Choice: While high-adventure activities are exciting for many, Camp Thurman follows a “Challenge by Choice” philosophy. Campers are never forced to participate in activities they feel uncomfortable with, but staff encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and take two more steps toward growth. Watching campers conquer their fears is one of the most rewarding parts of camp!
Embracing Innovation
Camp Thurman cherishes its traditions, but growth and innovation have transformed the camp’s physical landscape over the years.
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In 2012, a pool with jumping cliffs and ziplines was built near the site of Iva and Thurman’s original home.
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By 2015, a lazy river added another element of fun.
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Zion, the camp’s multipurpose pavilion, was completed in 2018 and now hosts year-round events, staff meetings, and summer skits.
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2019 brought a wave of thrilling additions, including the Tarzan Swing, Quantum Leap, Boom Chicka Bounce, and Launch Pad!
Camp Thurman’s leadership team is always looking for new ways to enhance the camper experience while maintaining the camp’s core mission.
Faith at the Core
While the adventures and updates keep camp exciting, the heart of Camp Thurman remains the same—Christ is at the center of it all. Each summer, new Bible studies are developed to creatively share the gospel with campers. But spiritual growth isn’t limited to Bible study. Through Spiritual Emphasis Moments, counselors connect camp activities to biblical stories and characters. For example, at Kidron Valley, campers learn about the real Kidron Valley that Jesus walked through. These meaningful connections create lasting impressions that tie faith to their daily experiences.
At Camp Thurman, fun and faith go hand in hand, creating unforgettable experiences that point campers toward Jesus.