About Mt. Hope

54 Years in the Making-Impact for Eternity

Mt Hope Bible Camp has partnered in ministry with the church since 1952. Over the years the methods and facilities at camp have changed with the times and needs of each generation. One thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to offering safe, quality, Biblical, Christ-Centered camping. A key ingredient to successful and meaningful Christian camping is investment into the lives of everyone that comes onto the grounds; year round staff, volunteers, guest groups and campers. We invite you to consider how you might participate in the exciting and life changing ministry at Mt Hope. When you make yourself available, no matter what your abilities, God will use whatever gifts you have to His glory.

On the Mountain

Mt. Hope's facility occupies 88 acres of forested, gently sloped hillside. There is an open grassy field that is ideal for recreation or outdoor events. Walking trails wind through the camp, giving walkers or joggers a peaceful place to exercise. There are also volleyball and basketball courts for team sports. "Victory Circles" provide an intimate venue for small group evening sessions and testimony services. A fitting way to conclude a time of refreshment around God's Word.

Beginnings

The following is an article reprinted from the Jan/March 1953 issue of the American Sunday School Union’s magazine “The Sunday School Missionary” written by ASSU missionary Cecil Graves. The vision and faith of these pioneers stand as a testimony and inspiration of service.

Late in June your missionary told Mr. and Ms. Harry Mulock of the Challenge Union Sunday School of our hope to hold a young peoples bible conference on the Oroville Field, but our hopes were growing dim as the time grew near. We had in faith announced to our groups that the conference would be helded in July, but as yet we had no suitable camp location, and it seemed that none could be secured. Riding with our friends, they took me over a winding mountain road to the timberline, and then along the crest through the forest, to a beautiful meadow. In all directions were pines, spruces, madrones, cedars, dogwoods and many other trees and shrubs in breathtaking beauty. Here part of the headwaters of Costa Creek flow from springs along the edge of the meadow through the timber and then tumble off down the canyon. It was a beautiful place, just made to order for a conference, with the springs at a high enough elevation to provide flowing water at the campsite. With eighty acres, there was ample room for a five-acre playground.

I was quiet as I gazed at this lovely spot-so quiet that they asked me if I liked what I saw. I then told them that it seemed that the Lord had made it to order for a conference site. After looking it over carefully, they took me home without saying what was in their hearts and minds.

Two days later, Mr. Mulock telephoned for an appointment and we went to see the owners of this eighty acres, from whom these wonderful friends bought the whole place, and offered it for our conference grounds, praising God for the privilege. They said that the Lord had been good to them because He had sent your missionary to them. Having come to know and love the Lord as their Savior, they wanted to do something that would be a permanent service to him....

Soon we began registering delegates for the conference. When we called for a workers' gathering from nearby Union Sunday Schools, about thirty five folks responded, bringing a huge lumber truck, a big bull dozer, saws, hammers, shovels, and a willingness to work. The nearby lumber co. donated the truck and bulldozer and all the lumber we needed for platforms for the tents and a kitchen. One man brought a power-saw and felled trees for foundations for the platforms, while water was piped from one of the springs to the kitchen and to the boys and girls areas. Thus, the Mt. Hope Bible Conference grounds began to take shape. Many things were loaned or donated so that when conference began we had tents, cots, two butane stoves all hooked up, a sink, running water where needed, an ice box, cooler, tables and benches, serving table, and a pulpit. Logs were cut for seats to form a circle around the campfire and the "dozer" had leveled off a playground and scooped out a swimming hole. Mr. and Mrs. Mulock, who had conferred with us and constantly directed operations, worked harder than anybody.

Forty-one young people came to our first Young Peoples Conference. The meetings began on a high spiritual plane, for all came for one purpose. Two accepted Christ as their Savior the first day, then four the next day. They were so happy to know the Lord and had an immediate testimony. Missionary Jungkeit of the Santa Rosa Field and his good wife and son Dwight, were our regular instructors, while different young people prepared and led young peoples meetings each day with Mrs. Lee of our Magalia Sunday School. We had as many as sixty visitors in the evenings and at the "fagot service" on Friday night all of our group came out for the Lord in full consecration, while most of the visitors came forward, some with tears of joy, to take part in the service and to re-dedicate their lives. God was present and there was a sacred hush and quiet over all during the entire service. Truly, on this mountain called Hope, we had a new mountain top experience. Tears were shed on leaving the conference for this place of Christian Fellowship and prayer had become very precious to the hearts of all.

Thus the Mt. Hope Bible Conference center was born. Through the years to come many others will find salvation and power to live as servants of God in this sacred place.