*1956 Keith Glover and laymen from Maxton spread the word that 393 acres of land may be available for a camp near Fayetteville.
*1956-58 Land was purchased for $20.00 per acre as a project of the Fayetteville.
*United Methodist District with Terry Sanford handling the legal work.
*1961-64 Charles Stott developed a master plan for the area with support and help of
*Millard Dunn, Barney Davidson, and layman Hubert Willis. A financial crusade was launched and spearheaded by Bob Allen and Wilbur Smith.
*1965 Six cabins and the Robinson Lodge were built. At the Service for the Breaking of Ground, Rev. C.P. Morris said: “We break ground today that a church camp may rise here where multitudes may come and be refreshed in spirit, renewed in mind and strengthened in purpose, to be sent back into the world as faithful witnesses and profitable servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Words which today still ring loudly and clearly as the purpose of this ministry! The camp opened for use with a Service of Opening on July 31, 1965.
*1966-73 Camp grows as ministry takes place through summer resident camps, church retreats, planning meetings, picnics, day camps and special programs.
*1974 Chestnut Street UMC in Lumberton, NC, donated funds for the construction of a Day Camp/Picnic Pavilion.
*1975-78 Day camping increased under the leadership of several part-time managers Significant programs were begun with Fayetteville Urban Ministry, the Fayetteville YMCA, and local United Methodist Churches. Resident small group camping is discontinued.
*1979 First full-time director/manager, Bob Pryor, is hired at the urging of local committee member R.B. Goforth and Sarah Jordan.
*1980 Significant new ministries begun: summer resident camping renewed for 3rd-9th graders; Boy Scout Retreat Weekend initiated and the Group Challenge Course is built.
*1981 8 weeks of summer resident camp offered, staff consists of 9 persons.
*Fayetteville District UM men take a renewed and active interest in the ministry at Camp Rockfish, they donate wood and install wood stove of Robinson Lodge.
*1982 Rockfish hosts numerous local church family retreats. Resident summer camp continues to grow. Local school systems actively use camp for outdoor and environmental education. Dream of swimming pool surfaces and is supported by the UM Men of the Fayetteville District.
*1983 Treehouse built by the Methodist Men of Parker UMC. Work groups make other significant contributions to camp facilities. First Day Camp Leader's Training is held and led by Dana McKim (now a UM pastor in WNC UM Conference). First Assistant Director is hired to help lead summer day camps. First full-time maintenance person is hired (Brian Wingo who is now a pastor in the NC UM Conference). First Caravan Camp is offered and plans to build a passive solar home for Director/Manager emerges.
*1984 First out-of-camp canoe trips are offered to Junior highs. Trainee program begins for youth completing 11-12 grades in high school. Rockfish Local Committee organizes with Ralph Plummer as Chairperson. Rockfish grows dramatically with summer programming grows to 3 groups each week.
*1985 January workday attracts 80 Fayetteville District UM Men. During the workday, a pole barn for the maintenance shed is erected and several other projects are accomplished. Rockfish operates in the black for the first time. First 2-week camp is offered and camp is accredited by American Camping Association (site visit was on July 22, 1985). First time a group spends an entire week in the treehouse. This group was all boys and they created the Treehouse Express Trail.
*1986 Parker UM Men finish 2nd treehouse and Haymount UMC builds a 3rd treehouse on the southern edge of swamp on Rockfish's back property. Ground breaking for the swimming pool is on May 8. First co-ed Treehouse camps are offered. Pool was first used on September 9 by Cumberland UMYF and Boy Scout Troop 598. Vesper Dell is created as an Eagle Scout project by Scott Gibson.
*1987 Sandy Grove UM Men plant bushes and seed grass around pool. First Open House draws 325 people and Fun Day draws 343. John Bergland and Merlin Stewart build board walk on path to pool. John Bergland (2nd person) elected chair of Local Committee. Hubert Willis Log Cabin is completed.
*1988 Bob Pryor resigns to accept position at Camp Hanover in Virginia. Reed Swanson is hired as Interim Director.
*1989 Dennis Tawney is the second full-time director hired to manage Camp Rockfish.
*1991 Multipurpose Dinning Hall Facility is built. This facility used by summer campers, retreat guests and day groups. Staff Housing with bathrooms and heated is completed.
*1999 Bergland Adult Retreat Center is completed in September. Camp Rockfish changes name to Rockfish Outdoor Center.
*2002 On-site Horse Program begins. Stable with corral and trails completed.
*2003 New Modern Bathhouse is built to replace restrooms and showers in Robinson Lodge in May. Group Challenge Course is moved to Ferny Trail and 13 new elements are added to the course.
*2004 Gene Joiner is the third full time director, is hired.
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