Camp History

The first Piedmont District Jr Camp took place in the late 1950's at Indian Cave Christian Camp in Sutherlin, Va. Pastor Roy Taylor led the activities that year and continued serving as Camp Director until 1969. Those first campers remember swimming in the lake and exploring the caves which gave the camp its unique name.

This kids' camp is hosted by the 10 churches of the Piedmont District which falls under the leadership of the Evangelical Friends Church - Eastern Region.

In about 1970, the Piedmont District received a donation of land from India Thornburg Price. The 50 acres was located between Bennett and High Falls, NC. This property became known as "Camp Hawthornburg" and was later officially named "Hawthornburg Family Ministries Center". Mrs. Price's maiden name was Thornburg, and there was a large quantity of hawthorn trees scattered about the property. Thus, the name "Hawthornburg" was given. Work crews from the Piedmont District churches spent countless hours building the camp facilities at HFMC. In July, 1984, the Piedmont District was able to hold Jr Camp for the first time in our own facilities.

HFMC was home to Jr Camp for many years until the property was sold in 2005. Jr Camp has since convened at Camp Stony Mill near Danville, Va; Springs of Life Camp near Patricks Springs, Va; Camp Caraway in the beautiful mountains of Sophia, NC; and as the Lord has opened the doors, we are now meeting once again at Indian Cave Youth Camp in Sutherlin, VA right outside of Danville, VA.