The Storm's Impact: What We Lost
Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented rainfall and wind to Henderson County, transforming familiar landscapes and testing the foundations of our beloved camp. As the waters receded and the winds calmed, the full scope of damage came into focus.
The first day we were able to safely assess the property revealed the extent of Helene's impact. We lost dozens of trees, including a majestic oak that had stood at the center of camp for over a century. Miraculously, this century-old sentinel fell without damaging any buildings—almost as if it was protecting camp one final time.
Beyond the fallen trees, Helene's fury left its mark across the property:
- Flooding in the dining hall, kitchen, and pavilion
- Damage to the lake zipline system requiring complete replacement
- Destruction of trail systems and multiple campsites
- Loss of perishable food supplies
- Extended outages of power, water, cell service, and internet connectivity
For weeks, the camp that had always been a place of joyful activity fell quiet. Retreat groups had to cancel their reservations, and our afterschool program was temporarily suspended for safety concerns. The financial impact was significant, but it paled in comparison to what many of our neighbors throughout Western North Carolina were experiencing.
Community First: Shifting from Recovery to Response
While facing our own rebuilding challenges, the leadership team at Camp Tekoa quickly recognized an opportunity to fulfill our mission in a new way. Instead of focusing solely on our own recovery, we pivoted to supporting the broader community's needs.
Within days, Camp Tekoa staff were volunteering through local churches, helping with cleanup efforts, and offering whatever resources we could spare. When volunteer groups reached out asking if they could still come despite cancellations, we redirected their energy toward community service throughout Henderson County.
Camp Tekoa has always been guided by the principle that our mission extends beyond our physical grounds. The hurricane gave us a chance to live these values in a tangible way, even when our traditional programs were temporarily paused. Our staff repeatedly expressed how meaningful it was to serve the broader community during this critical time of need.
Camp Tekoa became a distribution hub for essential supplies, with our staff coordinating deliveries to families in hard-hit areas. We hosted relief workers who needed accommodations while they helped restore power and clear roads throughout the region. The camp kitchen, once it was operational again, prepared meals for volunteer crews working throughout the county.
Rebuilding Camp Tekoa: The Power of Many Hands
As October arrived, attention turned to restoring Camp Tekoa itself. A volunteer work weekend was organized, bringing together current and former staff members, campers and their families, board members, and supporters from across the Southeast.
More than 50 volunteers descended on camp, armed with chainsaws, shovels, cleaning supplies, and an unwavering spirit of determination. Together, they accomplished in three days what would have taken months for our small staff team:
- Cleared fallen trees and debris from common areas
- Repaired damaged trails and rebuilt washed-out campsites
- Restored the pavilion area after removing mud and sand
- Repainted buildings affected by water damage
- Rebuilt portions of the lake dock system
Many volunteers shared stories of their deep connections to Camp Tekoa, with some traveling significant distances to help. Alumni spanning five decades worked alongside current summer staff and first-time camper parents, all united by their love for this special place. The volunteer weekend demonstrated how deeply Camp Tekoa has impacted the lives of those who have experienced it over the years.
Beyond Recovery: Creating Hope for Others
As basic operations were restored, Camp Tekoa's leadership team began to look beyond our immediate needs toward how we could support long-term recovery throughout Western North Carolina. The devastation from Hurricane Helene had left many families facing difficult financial circumstances, with summer camp likely to be among the first expenses cut from tight budgets.
In response, we launched the Helene Scholarships initiative, partnering with generous donors to make possible 20 full-tuition scholarships for campers severely impacted by the hurricane. These scholarships would ensure that children who had experienced trauma and loss could still enjoy the healing power of camp in summer 2025.
The initiative reflects our belief that children need the stability and joy of camp experiences more than ever after a disaster. Nature has tremendous healing power, and providing these children with positive outdoor experiences in a supportive community can help counterbalance the stress and uncertainty they've been living with since the hurricane.
Beyond the scholarship program, Camp Tekoa continued to host volunteer work groups throughout the winter and spring, providing them with accommodations while they assisted with rebuilding efforts throughout Henderson County. Our facility became a training ground for disaster response teams and a meeting place for community recovery planning.
Lessons in Resilience: How Disaster Strengthened Our Mission
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene taught the Camp Tekoa community valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the true meaning of our mission. What initially seemed like a devastating setback ultimately reinforced what makes camp so special—not the physical structures or even the beautiful natural setting, but the community of people who care deeply about sharing Christ's light.
Several key insights emerged from our experience:
- Community is our greatest asset. The outpouring of support demonstrated that Camp Tekoa's true strength lies in its community. People give to what they value, and the immediate response showed how deeply camp matters to so many.
- Adaptability is essential. By quickly shifting our focus from what we couldn't do to what we could, we found new ways to fulfill our mission even when traditional programming wasn't possible.
- Disaster creates opportunity for witness. Through our response, many people saw our faith in action rather than just hearing about it. The way we navigated hardship became a powerful testimony.
- Resilience is taught through example. As children watched adults respond to the crisis with hope and determination, they learned invaluable lessons about overcoming challenges—reinforcing the very skills camp has always sought to develop.
Looking Forward: A Stronger Camp Tekoa
Camp Tekoa now stands not just rebuilt but renewed. The experience of weathering Hurricane Helene and contributing to the broader community's recovery has infused our programming with deeper meaning and purpose.
Physical changes to the property are evident—new trees have been planted, including a ring of saplings around where the beloved old oak once stood. The replacement lake zipline system features improved safety features and accessibility. Trails have been redesigned to better manage water flow and prevent future erosion.
But the most significant transformations aren't visible on the landscape. They're found in strengthened relationships, enhanced emergency preparedness systems, and a deeper appreciation for the privilege of serving our community through both good times and challenging ones.
Staff members consistently note that the hurricane experience has reinforced our mission and purpose. We've done more than simply recover—we've grown. The storm tested our foundations and proved that what makes Camp Tekoa special can't be washed away or blown down. We're more committed than ever to touching hearts, changing lives, and sharing the light of Christ, especially during dark times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Tekoa's Hurricane Recovery
How did Hurricane Helene affect Camp Tekoa's property?
Camp Tekoa experienced significant tree damage, flooding in the dining hall, kitchen, and pavilion areas, destruction of our lake zipline, damage to trails and campsites, and extended loss of utilities. While substantial, our damage was less severe than many areas in Western North Carolina.
Did the hurricane affect summer camp registration for 2025?
Registration for summer 2025 actually increased, with many families expressing that they wanted to support Camp Tekoa's recovery and ensure their children have this stabilizing experience. Some activities and locations have been modified, but the core camp experience remains intact.
How can I help support Camp Tekoa's ongoing recovery efforts?
The most impactful way to support Camp Tekoa is through financial contributions to our scholarship fund, which helps provide camp experiences to children affected by the hurricane. We also hold seasonal volunteer workdays for hands-on assistance with continuing projects.
Are there still signs of hurricane damage at camp?
Yes, observant visitors will notice some changes to our landscape, particularly in wooded areas where mature trees were lost. We've integrated these changes into our educational programming, using them as teaching opportunities about resilience, adaptation, and environmental stewardship.
How did Camp Tekoa help the broader community after Hurricane Helene?
Camp Tekoa served as a distribution point for supplies, hosted relief workers and volunteer groups, coordinated with local churches on outreach efforts, and established a scholarship program specifically for children from families severely impacted by the hurricane.
Join Us in Moving from Helene to Hope
The story of Camp Tekoa's journey through Hurricane Helene and its aftermath continues to unfold. We invite you to be part of the next chapter by supporting our ongoing recovery initiatives, volunteering at upcoming work days, or simply sharing this story of resilience with others who might be encouraged by it.
Together, we've transformed a natural disaster into an opportunity to demonstrate what Camp Tekoa has always taught: that with faith, community, and perseverance, we can weather any storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
To learn more about our scholarships programs or to contribute, check out our page at camptekoa.org/giving or contact our office at (828) 692-6516.