LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The usual chatter and laughter of youngsters were no where to be heard during our recent visit to Galilee Bible Camp last week. Without camps this summer and no planned retreat season in the fall, just seeing someone working on something or the hum of a tractor or a weed eater buzzing is about all that’s happening.

See the photo gallery from WLAF’s Charlie Hutson HERE.

“We want Galilee Bible Camp to be a community camp,” said Jacob Cochran, chairman of the board of directors for GBC. Aside from leading the board of around 10 members, Cochran pastors East La Follette Baptist Church and teaches 4th grade at Jacksboro Elementary School.

The camp that rests along Norris Lake has been in transition in 2026 as it looks for a new director and prepares for the 2027 camp season. The camp is in need of a facility manager, too, according to Cochran, both fulltime positions.

“Our last director left in December, and the board decided that it would not rush and try to get camps open. Instead, we’re working toward finding a new executive director and a facility manager with sights set on a big 2027,” said Cochran. “We saw this time as an open door from God to see how we can improve the camp and serve the area better,” said Cochran.

Few camps can compare; especially being along beautiful Norris Lake and the ridges. “If you don’t see God here, you’re not looking. There’s wildlife, plant life “and” the lake”, the facilities are wonderful,” said Chris Thacker,  Scoutmaster for Troop 310.

Thacker, his son, Eagle Scout Stewart Thacker, and other of the most experienced scouts are helping with repairs, mowing and more. “We use the scout safety checklist, and that’s the ultimate guideline,” said Chris Thacker.

“It’s great to have those eyes (scouts’ eyes) on the camp, because they have high expectations for a camp,” said Cochran. Those helping during this time of transition are focusing on weak spots and where areas are not aligned properly all the while seeing what needs to stay, change heading into the future, according to Cochran.

Summer camp season runs during June and July into early August. September, October, November and part of December are times for retreat season.

Cochran and the board are also working on strengthening community relationships and continuing the same ministry. For more information or if you have questions, Cochran is available at 423.330.0806. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/24/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

Here is more about the camp’s transition:

We know many of you have questions and concerns. We are committed to transparency through this process and will share updates here as they become available.

Please keep Galilee Bible Camp in your prayers as we work toward a strong future.

​Joint Statement from Galilee Bible Camp  & InFaith – The American Missionary Fellowship…

​Galilee Bible Camp Board of Directors and InFaith – The American Missionary Fellowship are writing to share important news and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the future of Galilee Bible Camp and the communities we serve in East Tennessee.

​Late last year, Mark and Mellissa Lay tendered their resignation as Executive Directors of Galilee Bible Camp. Their relentless commitment over the past twelve years has brought numerous children to the glory of God. We wish them God’s blessings and success in their next endeavors.

​As we transition into this next chapter, the Galilee Bible Camp Board of Directors, in full partnership with InFaith – AMF, is undertaking a comprehensive renewal initiative. We are recommitting ourselves to making Galilee Bible Camp a premier Christian youth and children’s camp for Campbell County and the entire East Tennessee community.

​This renewal is founded on three core priorities that will guide our work moving forward:

​Renewing Our Facilities: We are initiating a significant campaign to address known facility issues and upgrade our campus. This renewal will ensure our grounds and buildings provide a safe, modern, and inspiring environment for every camper.

1. Prioritizing Our Children and Youth: Our primary focus will be exclusively on ministry and programming for children and youth. We are dedicated to intentionally creating a consistently welcoming, impactful, and faith-building environment where every camper can encounter God and experience Christian community.
2. Strengthening Leadership and Mission: In coordination with the Galilee Bible Camp Board of Directors and InFaith – AMF, we are actively seeking key staff passionate about furthering God’s mission for Galilee Bible Camp. This alignment will ensure we are strategically positioned to promote a powerful, Christ-centered camp experience.

​To fully focus our time, resources, and energy on this ambitious renewal initiative, particularly the facility upgrades and strategic planning, the Galilee Bible Camp Board of Directors has made the difficult but necessary decision to pause ALL CAMP PROGRAMMING AND RENTAL OPERATIONS UNTIL SUMMER 2027.

​This decision is not taken lightly, but it is a vital step to ensure that when we reopen, Galilee Bible Camp is in the strongest possible position to serve the community for decades to come.

​We ask for your prayers and support as we embark on this exciting journey of renewal. We look forward to sharing updates on our progress and welcoming campers back to a revitalized Galilee Bible Camp in 2027.