“I came here for a one-time summer job, and never left.” – Ron Springs. Like so many college kids looking for a meaningful way to spend their summer, Ron Springs was introduced to Ridgecrest Summer Camps while being recruited by the former Director, Rick Johnson. He must have made a strong first impression, because Ron was placed in the challenging and coveted Cabin 1 counselor role, responsible for the youngest boys in camp - only the best were given this opportunity. Ron was soon given a leadership role, leading other counselors, while then being recruited once again by Rick to stay on in a full-time role, helping ensure the future of the Camps.
Ron became a household name, spending most of the winter months traveling the southeast, visiting campers and introducing new families to a life changing experience that would provide childhood memories and shape their children into Godly men and women. From churches to living rooms, Ron would share the vision for a summer experience that would encourage growth, provide challenges and inspire a deeper trust in God. Young boys and girls would see pictures and hear stories of adventures while dreaming of 2 weeks away from home in the mountains of NC. There was something about Ron’s calming presence that allowed parents to trust their sons and daughters to this man and his team of college students. Perhaps one of the nicest men with a giant smile and jolly laugh, Ron has been winning the trust of others for 50 years.
Camp has both changed and evolved under Ron’s leadership while somehow remaining almost exactly the same. Generations of boys and men will tell similar versions of the same story, packed with adventures found in the rolling mountains of Ridgecrest, NC. For over 50 years moms and daughters alike would tell tales of life change and lifelong friendships. For many of these years Ron was the lone team member holding the ship together throughout the winter months as camp’s mission continued forward. Ron’s leadership grew his team of 1 full time Director and less than 400 campers between the boys and girls camps, to a full time team of about 20 with closer to 1000 campers each session. Under Ron’s guidance, the camps have developed Family Camping, with Mother Daughter and Father Son weekends. He has seen both properties completely remodeled and refreshed, while the quality of our summer staff team and focus on our mission has thrived.
50 Years is a very long time. It’s an almost unheard-of tenure at a single post. It requires commitment, dedication, loyalty and tenacity. Few leaders have the patience and humility to remain consistent through so much change and so much growth. 50 years… that’s over 3750 canteens (at least J), about 200 sockwars, over 320 Council Rings, close to 700 campfires, and over 100,000 campers. The impact is significant and far reaching. The ripple effect of these life changes are even more impressive.
It is simply hard to measure what 50 years of camping means. But regardless of how we measure it, would you join us as we celebrate and congratulate Ron Springs for the way that he has led the charge for discipleship and adventure, for the sake of kids meeting
Jesus. Perhaps the best part of this story is that Ron isn’t finished yet. Ron’s commitment remains strong and his daily impact on the mission of camp is steady. We are thankful that Ron’s story at camp is still being written for many years to come.
Very little is more important to Ron than seeing camper’s lives impacted here at Camp through discipleship and adventure. And we can’t think of a better way to honor Ron’s service and commitment than to ensure more lives continue to be impacted for years to come through the Ron Springs Scholarship Fund. Giving today will help us reach our goal of $1,000,000 to allow every empty bed to be filled by a camper who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend a 2-week session, Father Son, Mother Daughter, or Family Camp.
One empty bed is an opportunity for a life to be changed… Please consider making an impact that literally shapes the childhood of a young person. Thanks for trusting us and for letting us partner with you in some of the most important years of your child’s life.
