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We Believe...

The essence of our calling is summed up in a single word: LOVE.

About Us

We love and care for one another.

About Us

We pursue God’s justice and peace.

We gather to praise God and listen to Him.

About Us

We nurture each other in faith.

About Us

Mission Statement: Responding to God’s love, our mission is to invite people to a place and time apart where relationships with God, others, and creation are nurtured and where Christ’s call to discipleship is discovered.

Monroe Camp and Retreat Center (MCRC), located in Laurel Hill, North Carolina is a Christian camp and retreat center founded in 1954.  With approximately 300 acres of land, MCRC offers day and overnight use of our facilities for religious and community groups as well as special occasions.  We are also home to an annual summer camp for children and teens in the months of June and July.  We invite you to explore our web site to learn more about MCRC, and if you wish, schedule a tour of our facilities to see our great camp!

Monroe Camp and Retreat Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Monroe Camp and Retreat Center, since it’s beginnings in 1954 have been partnered in ministry through a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina.  We are also a member of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association.

Meet our Staff

Gene is originally from North Carolina and we are excited to bring him home. For the last 19 years he has been the Executive Director of Christian camps along the east coast. He and his family moved to Camp Monroe in February and will live at camp. Gene served at Camp Crestfield of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, Camp Krislund, a Presbyterian camp near State College, serving three presbyteries, Maranatha, and Rockfish camps. He is excited to be working with the Board at Camp Monroe and Coastal Carolina Presbytery. Gene has demonstrated considerable skills in program development, expanding camper numbers, staff development, and connections with worshiping communities. Many of his camps have grown from hundreds of campers to thousands in a matter of years. References for Gene state he is a dynamic leader who is both spiritual, faithful, and has a heart for Jesus. The Camp Monroe search team was very impressed with his well-rounded approach to camping ministry that brings Jesus and faith formation to campers year-round. His skills and experience include marketing, promotions and grant writing, summer camp leadership and growth, adult programming and retreat management. His passion for youth and adult discipleship, organizational skills, and love of God’s Church will be a blessing to all of us. Gene served as an Airborne Ranger in the US Army and was deployed to Korea for a year. He holds a B.S. in History from Appalachian State University. Prior to working in full time camping ministry he was the head coach for the women’s basketball team at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Gene has been married to Anissa for 23 years and they have four children: Hannah, Madeline, Kaleb and just adopted Sasha from the Ukraine. Anissa is a graduate of Campbell University. Gene believes that, “camping ministry…provides an experience for families to encounter God in a place set apart with radical Christian hospitality, and a place for children and youth to grow and learn who they are in God’s eyes.”

Gene Joiner, Camp Director

Gene is originally from North Carolina and we are excited to bring him home. For the last 19 years he has been the Executive Director of Christian camps along the east coast. He and his family moved to Camp Monroe in February and will live at camp. Gene served at Camp Crestfield of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, Camp Krislund, a Presbyterian camp near State College, serving three presbyteries, Maranatha, and Rockfish camps. He is excited to be working with the Board at Camp Monroe and Coastal Carolina Presbytery. Gene has demonstrated considerable skills in program development, expanding camper numbers, staff development, and connections with worshiping communities. Many of his camps have grown from hundreds of campers to thousands in a matter of years. References for Gene state he is a dynamic leader who is both spiritual, faithful, and has a heart for Jesus. The Camp Monroe search team was very impressed with his well-rounded approach to camping ministry that brings Jesus and faith formation to campers year-round. His skills and experience include marketing, promotions and grant writing, summer camp leadership and growth, adult programming and retreat management. His passion for youth and adult discipleship, organizational skills, and love of God’s Church will be a blessing to all of us. Gene served as an Airborne Ranger in the US Army and was deployed to Korea for a year. He holds a B.S. in History from Appalachian State University. Prior to working in full time camping ministry he was the head coach for the women’s basketball team at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Gene has been married to Anissa for 23 years and they have four children: Hannah, Madeline, Kaleb and just adopted Sasha from the Ukraine. Anissa is a graduate of Campbell University. Gene believes that, “camping ministry…provides an experience for families to encounter God in a place set apart with radical Christian hospitality, and a place for children and youth to grow and learn who they are in God’s eyes.”
If you need a question answered about Camp Monroe, Jennifer is the person you need to talk to. She handles the weddings, retreats, maintenance schedule, summer camp reservations, tours, and menus here at Camp Monroe. Jennifer has been with us for over 5 years and we don’t know what we would do without her! Overqualified for our part time position, Jennifer uses her MBA from St. Andrews University to manage our marketing, human resources, keep our Director stay on target, and plan our calendar of events. She is excited for the tremendous growth that 2022 is offering and learns something new each day! When she’s not at camp, she supports her church as Treasurer and can usually be found curled up on the couch with a chai tea and a cat or two catching up on TV shows.

Jennifer Lankford, Office Manager

If you need a question answered about Camp Monroe, Jennifer is the person you need to talk to. She handles the weddings, retreats, maintenance schedule, summer camp reservations, tours, and menus here at Camp Monroe. Jennifer has been with us for over 5 years and we don’t know what we would do without her! Overqualified for our part time position, Jennifer uses her MBA from St. Andrews University to manage our marketing, human resources, keep our Director stay on target, and plan our calendar of events. She is excited for the tremendous growth that 2022 is offering and learns something new each day! When she’s not at camp, she supports her church as Treasurer and can usually be found curled up on the couch with a chai tea and a cat or two catching up on TV shows.
I’m a licensed Esthetician, whitewater kayaker and a world traveler. I’ve worked at camp for 6 years. I have served as Water Front Director and Day Camp Director to now Angle Tree Camp Coordinator. Summer camp is a giant part of my life it’s where I became a Christian and I have grow in my relationship with the Lord. I’ve also served on the mission field. I was a missionary for a semester in Cambodia and Thailand and now that I’m back I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for this summer!

Hannah Joiner Angel Tree Camp Coordinator

I’m a licensed Esthetician, whitewater kayaker and a world traveler. I’ve worked at camp for 6 years. I have served as Water Front Director and Day Camp Director to now Angle Tree Camp Coordinator. Summer camp is a giant part of my life it’s where I became a Christian and I have grow in my relationship with the Lord. I’ve also served on the mission field. I was a missionary for a semester in Cambodia and Thailand and now that I’m back I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for this summer!

Contact Us:

(910) 276-1654
office@monroecamp.org

The Camp Office is located to the right of the driveway before reaching the main gate. Tours begin at the Camp Office and last between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on the individuals request.

Call Office Manager Jennifer Lankford @ (910) 276-1654
office@monroecamp.org

 

Camp Monroe is open for tours by appointment during office hours

Office Hours (August – May)

Tuesday – Saturday
8:30am – 12:30pm

Sunday – Monday
Closed

Summer Office Hours (June – July)

Please note: During the summer, camp runs 24/7 for youth ages 6-16. Stated office hours are when the Office Manager is available for Events, Registration, and Inquiries. Please allow up to 48 hours for phone calls to be returned. Visiting the property for events and tours requires prior notification.

Thursday – Saturday & Monday
8:30am – 12:30pm

Sunday
1:00pm – 5:00pm

Tuesday – Wednesday
Closed