Time Out-Memories of a place called Camp McClanahan...

Posted Thursday, July 10, 2008, at 2:35 PM

Who here doesn't have some kind of memory of Camp McClanahan?

If I were a betting girl I would say very few.

In more ways than one, Camp McClanahan has touched the lives of many people in our community over the years. The camp has even served as a temporary safe haven to those individuals displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In late September, volunteers plan to recognize the camp's 60th Anniversary through a community celebration sponsored by the Black River Baptist Association.

As I write this blog, those involved with coordinating the project are actively seeking people who could share photos from the different decades of the camp. So, if you are someone who has photos that would apply... get busy digging through the closet to locate that dusty old shoe box and give the association a call at (573) 888-4420. They will appreciate your efforts!

If you don't have photographs to share but do have memories etched in your mind from days spent at Camp McClanahan, please share those memories as well, here on my blog.

I love to hear stories of the past, especially when it involves something that nearly everyone can relate to.

What do you think of when you hear "Camp McClanahan"?

Comments
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Many summer nights filled with friendship, bonding, funny skits, and let's not forget the cantina. Then came the swimming pool and our cabin went from behind the cafeteria to over by the pool and we got air conditioning in it. Myself and my children have enjoyed this camp for years and hopefully my grandchildren will for many years to come.

-- Posted by tycatdog on Thu, Jul 10, 2008, at 3:38 PM

In the 70s and 80s, when I attended Shady Grove Baptist Church, our pastor at the time Brother McClanahan, use to take all of us out there for camping, cookouts and swimming. I remember once almost drowning out there when I slid down the slide and could not regain my balance. But all was still fun.

If today was as carefree as they were back then, it would be a much wonderful place.

I have not thought of that camp in many years, thank you for the memories you have brought back of my childhood.

-- Posted by minicoopergal on Thu, Jul 10, 2008, at 11:03 PM

I remember the (POOL) it was called the 19 ditch. Had a lot of fun there. We slep in tents, there were no cabins.

-- Posted by Duane on Tue, Jul 15, 2008, at 3:40 PM

Myself and several other kids from the "Rives Missionary Baptist Church" made the trip to camp McClanahan each summer for several years during the late 1960's and early 1970's. I fondly recall traveling the old dusty country road leading to the camp and seeing in the distance, crowds of young people having all kinds of outdoor fun, I remember the excitement of arriving and setting up in our block house cabins, participating in softball games, horseshoes, swimming in the creek with what seemed like a few hundred kids, sitting under the many giant shade trees in the hot afternoon, and eating some great food in the cafeteria. I remember laying in our bunks late at night after lights out and talking about the day and what tomorrow would bring. But, what I remember most was the awesome worship services and programs that the volunteers put together to expose our young souls to Christ. Thank God for places like Camp McClanahan! 40 years later I still have those great memories and I still know Jesus.

-- Posted by Rives Wildcat on Thu, Jul 17, 2008, at 3:26 PM

No air conditioning way back when -

the cabins had big shutters which were propped up by long 2 x 4's. We would sneak out at night and knock out the props on other cabin shutters so the shutters would slam shut and scare everybody. Oh, the good times..

-- Posted by Jan McElwrath on Thu, Jul 24, 2008, at 8:05 PM

When I think of camp, I think of the good ole' Third Street Cabin smell, being shocked while in the shower, gathering with friends, and Vernel telling us (we were from Kennett, Holcomb, and a couple of good 'ole Gideon girls), saying, "good night girls"! Playing dress up, and the most important, your family and friends being there when you make the most important decsion of your life. We had loads of fun, but, we also had serious time. I think God everyday for my blessings and that camp is one of them. Oh. we can't forget Bro. Michaels and the store. I started going out there with my mom and her youth in the 70's as a tag a long, a jr. counselor, and a counselor myself. When I got married we left Missouri and now,I live in Jackson, MO and people still know who I am. (lol) We need to have a reunion!!!

Good times....

-- Posted by mitzybelle on Sun, Jul 27, 2008, at 1:10 PM

Thanks for reminding me about the ditch (pool)believe it or not I had forgotten about that (maybe I tried). I remember Bro. Ricky Hargrave was there one of the years I was. The good ole years.

-- Posted by tycatdog on Wed, Jul 30, 2008, at 3:05 PM

I went to Camp McClanahan many years ago myself as a teen growing up now back then there was no pool to swim in just a ditch all of us there sure had fun swimming in that ditch it didn't have to be a pool to have fun & I so remember the bunk beds seems like someone in my family fell off the top bunk but not sure who it was to this day may have been my middle sister not sure just guessing al well those days were the good ole days we all got along was no fussing or ugly words just good ole good pure fun we met alot of people and made friends my memories I have will never disappear because they were good memories way back then I'm 52 now don't feel it but am well I always say your as young as you feel I have 4 children now all those years later my two girls got to go to camp there with our church they had a good time but now theres a pool there know they all still had fun in the pool my has years and time went by so very fast but remember no one no where can take your memories from you

God Bless who ever reads this

DLW & family

-- Posted by tigtag4 on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 9:25 PM

Time Out

Deanna Coronado

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Life is hectic and that's especially so for a young woman trying to raise a family and balance a career. Daily Dunklin Democrat editor and blogger, Deanna Coronado will share some stories most of us can relate to one way or another. Join her discussion here.

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