The idea of a Christian camp in Montgomery County, Kentucky, had its inception

in, Kingman, Kansas, where Everett Donaldson, a Montgomery native, preached from

1955 to ‘62. Among his responsibilities was directing Silver Maple Camp, which was

operated by the members of the church there.

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Donaldson returned to his home area in 1962 to work with the Queen Street

church in Mt. Sterling. At a point in early seventies, when he was convinced that

members of the church could successfully operate a Christian camping program,

Donaldson presented to the congregation the advantages of such. Without reservation,

the congregation expressed sufficient interest and immediately chose to initiate a

camping program during the summer of 1974.

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The 4-H camp site near Carlisle, Kentucky, in Nicholas County, was rented to

serve as the site for the first week long camping season. Jim Brown was chosen to

serve as director in terms of logistical matters and Everett Donaldson, with the

assistance of John Starks, the local evangelist, was to serve as director of the

instructional program.

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Following the 1974 camping season, a decision was made to return to Carlisle

the following year (1975). By this time it was evident that the camping program was

worthwhile and that it should become a permanent part of the teaching program of the

Queen Street church.

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It became evident during the two years in Nicholas County that there was a need

for property to accommodate the camp which would be owned and controlled by the

church. Accordingly, a one hundred acre tract of wooded land, judged to be appropriate

for a camping program, was purchased in adjoining Menifee County. There were no

improvements on the site other than an old farm house and barn. Plans were made for

tents to be used for the campers. Terry Ginter served as director of the camp in Menifee

County.

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After two years (‘76 & ‘77) it became apparent that the Menifee County site was

too far from Mt. Sterling to accommodate volunteer assistance, which is a must for a

successful camping program. Likewise, the property was considered too primitive for

the preferences of the campers and workers. The rugged terrain and occasional

sightings of copperhead snakes contributed to reservations pertaining to the

appropriateness of the area for a permanent camp site.

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After two years in Menifee County, a decision was made to sell the site there and

conduct the 1978 camp just north of Mt. Sterling on property which had recently been

purchased by the church. The development began with an all-purpose building with

subsequent construction which included cabins and bathhouses. It was readily apparent

that Rolling Hills Camp, as it came to be known, had found a permanent home, which is the property that our

church and camp are currently located, 125 Rolling Hills Drive - Mt. Sterling, KY.