Camp Anderson

Camp Anderson Anchored

Nestled in the small community of Old Town, Camp Anderson Anchored is a lively campus that is teeming with natural beauty and history.

Joe Anderson The campus boasts Camp Founder of immaculately kept

grounds and scenic views of the Suwannee River, but it’s the purpose behind the property that really makes an impact on those who visit.

The camp was founded by Joe H. Anderson, Jr., in the mid-2000s when he purchased the property: a 52-acre KOA campground on the banks of the Suwannee River in Old Town. Prior to purchasing the property, Joe H. Anderson, Jr., a ectionately known as Mr. Joe, made a career for himself in construction. Born and raised in Old Town, Mr. Joe began working at the young age of 18. His passion, drive and commitment to excellence in business led him to start a company and grow it to a nationally recognized construction conglomerate with over 1,500 employees. In 2012, Mr. Joe was recognized by his peers and inducted to the Florida Transportation Builders (FTBA) Hall of Fame for his tireless e orts for the transportation industry; working with friends, business associates and governmental o cials to ensure quality infrastructure and highways. Aside from his many career accolades, Mr. Joe was also known for his heart for helping others and his love for spreading the gospel. He and his family were charitable givers, always searching for a way to help those who found themselves in tough situations. Mr. Joe was passionate about sharing the love of Jesus, so much so that he purchased a large tent with a stage, chairs and a sound system and began to host tent revivals all over Florida, Georgia and Alabama. He also placed a high importance on the Ten Commandments, and made it his mission to place Ten Commandments monuments throughout Florida. These monuments can still be seen today in areas like Cross City where the rst of these monuments were placed.

When the opportunity arose to purchase the land that is now Camp Anderson Anchored, Mr. Joe and the rest of the Anderson family immediately dreamed up a great vision for the site. It was going to be a gathering place that uplifted people in faith and provided hope for the hurting. The campground was transformed into a site that could support church and other group gatherings, but, soon after, Mr. Joe knew that there was something much bigger on the horizon. He dreamed of a space that would be perfect for a youth summer camp, and envisioned a campus bustling with life! His vision included a facility with a camp-like setting, complete with sleeping accommodations, a commercial kitchen, an open pavilion, swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts, and so much more.

With funding from the Anderson Family Foundation, Mr. Joe’s dream for the campus came to life. The Old Town campus was soon hosting youth summer camps with over 400 campers in attendance each week. During the o season, adults and church groups rented out the facilities for special events and retreats. Additionally, the campus has been used in times of disasters, providing shelter for hurricane victims and sleeping quarters for power company personnel as they worked to restore power in surrounding areas.

Mr. Joe passed away in November of 2016, but his legacy lives on and continues to impact youths and adults today. The Anderson family, as well as many friends and supporters of the camp, thank him for his faithfulness to Christ, as they are committed to carrying out his vision at Camp Anderson.

In 2021, the camp underwent new management, appointing Skipper and Crystal Hair as Camp Directors. Skipper and Crystal Hair have been dedicated to ministry for decades, playing a large role in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in the North Florida region. Skipper was the area director of FCA Outdoors North Florida,

By Jeweliana Curtis

Crystal Hair Camp Director

A Legacy of Faith and Family

a ministry that focused on sharing the gospel through various outdoor trips throughout North Florida. These FCA outdoors camps always included bringing various groups out into a scenic spot where they could canoe, kayak, sh or just enjoy the great outdoors while Jesus better. These weekends were known for transforming lives, and Skipper attributed much of the growth he saw to the vulnerability that the kids shared when around the camp re. The Hair family is very passionate about sharing the gospel and reaching out to young people. They served as mentors for many athletes and students over the years, with Skipper having a coaching role at Columbia High School and Crystal always teaching dance to a variety of groups. When the opportunity came along to join the team at Camp Anderson Anchored, the Hairs felt the pull from God to jump in. Skipper and Crystal began to dream together, planning to cut in football elds on the campus and bring in great speakers to encourage the campers. The vision that Skipper laid out for the camp was one that would breathe new life into the Old Town area and bring glory to God through it all. In the fall of 2021, Skipper Hair passed away due to COVID-19, but his beloved wife and family, along with their incredible team, are committed to keeping his dream for Camp Anderson Anchored alive. Skipper was a man of vision, and all who knew him knew just how passionate he was about sharing the gospel with the next generation. His warm, friendly demeanor inspired so many, and he was rarely seen without his signature hat that spelled out “JESUS” in big, block letters. Skipper lived his life completely sold out to his calling, and that is something that his family, friends and teams will treasure forever. Skipper’s big dreams for Camp Anderson Anchored, along with the encouragement from the camp’s board of directors, inspired his wife, Crystal, to take on the role of Camp Director in the fall of 2021. Skipper’s family, Crystal, Linzie, Aaron, Gracie and Fisher, along with the entire Camp Anderson Anchored team, have taken his plans, goals and dreams and turned them into a reality. Not only is it an incredible way to honor Skipper, but it also blesses so many families and children along the way. “Skipper had a great, big vision for camp. His vision was to incorporate sports and year-round projects with

“Skipper had a great, big vision the summer camps. His vision was to for camp. His vision was to put in all-purpose elds for football, incorporate sports and year-round lacrosse, soccer for example, as well as a projects with the summer camps. His vision was to put in all-purpose elds for football, lacrosse, soccer for example, as well as a baseball baseball and softball eld, to have kids here year-round,” Crystal shared. “When Skipper would take the canoers on trips, and softball eld, to have kids here he always said that the time they spent year-round.” reside was when walls came down and —Crystal Hair kids would open up. That was just the most special part of his ministry, and we really want to incorporate that into this one. Every night of camp there will be a di erent activity around the re. I just want to honor Skipper’s vision, and really just make him and Jesus proud.”

Today, Camp Anderson Anchored is a thriving campus that continues to spread the gospel. Crystal Hair, Camp Director, shared that her biggest goal is that every single person who steps foot on the campus in Old Town feels loved. Whether that feeling of acceptance comes from a message on stage, an encounter at the altar, or even just a friendly word of encouragement from a camp counselor, that is the team’s main goal.

With this new vision in mind, Camp Anderson Anchored began hosting community events in 2021. Camp Anderson Anchored proudly partnered with the Old Town Trunk or Treat group to host an inaugural fall festival on campus, complete with food trucks, local vendors, trick-or-treating at the cabins, and a costume contest. Additional community events included a Christmas movie night showing of The Polar Express, and a new year kick-o event held on New Year’s Eve. This “All Things New” women’s event focused all around emotional and physical wellness, both of which are important pillars of the camp.

Notable upcoming events include a comedy show fundraiser featuring Christian comedian Juanita Lolita; a fundraising shing tournament; and the “Spoken Word” motorcycle rally. The sta also has plans of hosting a men’s conference, a women’s conference and a marriage retreat this fall. More information about each of these events, as well as the upcoming summer camp, can be found on their website. Community involvement is a main pillar of the camp’s mission, and there are many ways for the community to experience the fun at Camp Anderson Anchored all year long. As preparations continue for youth summer camp in 2022, the Camp Anderson Anchored crew is excited to welcome aboard campers for the 10 weeks of summer camp. Each week of camp will feature fun outdoor activities, encouraging speakers, creative hobby exploration, fellowship time and so much more. Campers will stay onsite for the week in one of the cabins, all of which have been decorated by community businesses and friends of Camp Anderson Anchored. The summer camp will feature its very own Bible study program, complete with individual writing prompts, group work and scriptures to memorize.

“Discipleship was really important to Skipper, and it’s really important to me as well. We really want to disciple these kids and give them the tools to continue to grow after they leave camp. We don’t want it to just be a great camp experience and then leave campus and that’s it. We really want it to impact them on a spiritual level,” Crystal explained. “Another super important thing I’d like to express during camp is how loved and important that each child is. Every single one of their lives matter and God made them perfect just the way they are.”

Summer 2022 is scheduled to set sail at Camp Anderson Anchored towards the end of May, but there are still opportunities to get involved. There are open sta positions, including camp counselor positions for those 18 and older, and there are many ways to volunteer as well.

“There are a lot of great ways for people to get involved here, from volunteering on campus to giving monthly. We also have a scholarship fund set up so that we can o er scholarships for kids to come to camp, so donations to that fund are always appreciated,” Crystal expressed. “Most importantly, we just appreciate all of the prayers and outpouring of support we have received. If you want to get involved in some way, reach out to us. We appreciate you staying anchored with us here in Old Town!”

Camp Anderson Anchored

536 NE 168th Ave Old Town, FL 32680 (833) 324-6446 www.Anchored.camp

Stay Anchored in Old Town! Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @campandersonanchored Subscribe on YouTube: Camp Anderson Anchored

Are you looking for a way to support Camp Anderson Anchored? Become a monthly partner and join their Anchormate program today! Whether you choose to give a monetary donation monthly or give a one-time gift to help provide a scholarship for a child, your support means so much! More information can be found at www.anchored. camp/give. On behalf of the entire team at Camp Anderson Anchored, thank you for your support! Your prayers, donations and support are making a big difference in the lives of the next generation.

From summer camp to community events, there is always something exciting to discover at Camp Anderson Anchored! Stay up to date and be the rst to know about events happening on campus by visiting their website at www.anchored.camp, and by following

along on Facebook and Instagram. ■

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ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE

WillowBrook’s trained, compassionate and dedicated sta create a safe, healthy, and loving home environment for each of our residents. Life is enjoyed with the con dence of knowing we are here for them, 24/7, in whatever way they need.

Features:

• Screened porch • Activities room • Library • 3 Separate dining rooms • Front porch, patios, gazebo area and pond • 24/7 supervision with a full-time nurse and assistance by healthcare sta • Elegant, comfortable living room with a replace and piano • Beauty Salon / Barber Shop • Assistance with activities of daily living • On-site parking • Transportation by facility bus