W.W. Mann Center & Camp “I Am” News
Eighteen years! That’s how many summers (2002-19) I have spent time out at the W.W. Mann Center watching lives (those of children and volunteers) change as the Holy Spirit used our efforts through Camp “I Am.” I remember sitting in our original planning meetings at the ORBA office on Northside Drive, praying for God to give us a name for the camp, a name that would inspire and excite people of all ages to get involved and seek a word from the Creator, seek His presence in their lives! After all these years, I’d say the Lord answered that prayer and has changed many lives through the, now, well-known camp!
For the first time since 2001, I did not spend that coveted time looking out over the pond at the cross; visiting the meadow; siting on the swing at the beach praying for workers and campers; traipsing the path between the cafeteria, chapel and cabins; setting up registration, sessions, Bible study, worship and everything else; seeking out Coach or Duane for yet another of so many needs. We (children and workers) missed out on worshipping, studying, playing, laughing, joking and even crying TOGETHER.
Actually, a few of us still gathered during the week that we should have been out at the Mann Center for Camp “I Am” Senior. We met in Bryan County rather than Bulloch, and it was for a different kind of celebration. It was for the celebration of life, one very special, precious life in particular—Mallory Traywick, an irreplaceable member of the Camp “I Am” team whom our Heavenly Father called home to be with Him. We miss her, but will be forever grateful for all she has done for our children’s ministry!
We are not the only ones who have missed out on the activities of camp life. ALL camps scheduled to be held at the Mann Center during the summer of 2020 were cancelled. True Coach and Duane have seen a few people on the grounds for a Boy Scout campout and one or two small retreats or gatherings. Unfortunately, they did not receive the blessings of watching all the smiling, laughing faces of campers enjoying time out in the invigorating fresh air as God touched those young souls in new and very real ways, and I happen to know for a fact that it left a void in them both, feeling like the summer was incomplete.
Sometimes it takes losing something to realize just how important it is. Though I already knew how important Camp “I Am” is before I was unable to enjoy participating in it for a summer, I now have a deeper understanding of how important it is for us to reach out to the children of our community and provide opportunities for them to learn about their Creator and grow in His love and mercy. I also realize, first hand, the tragedy it would be to lose the blessed gift of the W.W. Mann Center. So many lives are reached each year on these grounds, in these buildings. In deed, so many more could be reached if we would utilize what God has given us. We are called to be “stewards” of His gifts; let’s be good stewards and take care of ALL we’ve been given: our families, friends, homes, places of worship and other vital places of worship/service/ministry.
As we continue to move ahead, let’s remember that though we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we do know WHO holds tomorrow! Let’s “seek” Him, “call upon Him,” “return to” Him; His thoughts and ways are so much “higher” than are own! (Isaiah 55:6-10)
In Christ Jesus,
Debbie Marotte, Camp “I Am” director
(Romans 12:1-2)
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Nestled in the woods on the outskirts of Brooklet, Georgia on approximately 75 acres, you will find the W. W. Mann Retreat and Conference Center. As a ministry of the Ogeechee River Baptist Association, the Mann Center provides a serene, isolated and worshipful atmosphere for all that come. Whether you just want to get away for a day picnic, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, the Mann Center is the place for you.
The Mann Center has overnight cabins that sleep up to 25 people, a small dining hall/meeting room that will accommodate approximately 60 guests, a larger dining hall/meeting room that will seat approximately 170 people, a chapel that can hold approximately 100 worshipers, a lodge with private rooms, a gazebo, and an amphitheater.
The Mann Center also has 2 fishing ponds (no fishing license required), a creek for fishing, and a swimming pond. Other recreational options include: a full size basketball court, regulation volleyball court, horse shoe pits, an athletic field, and a large playground.
We like to think that the Mann Center is a “little piece of heaven” where folks can get away from the “hustle and bustle” of everyday life and relax, meditate, pray, or just “recoup” from the stress and strain of our fast-paced society.
The Mann Center rents our facilities to church groups, school groups, private citizens, and others as long as they adhere to our policy of letting your actions glorify God.
We hope all who seek a place for their activities would consider choosing the W. W. Mann Retreat and Conference Center. Contact us at: 912-842-2460, 912-531-2946 or bradwellalum69@yahoo.com .
To preview a copy of our Reservation Request Form and Policies and Regulations click below:
We have PLENTY of firewood available here, so if any of you need any just call me (912-531-2946).
We thank God from whom all blessings flow, and HE has truly blessed us here at the Mann Center.
We still cherish your prayers and support.
Mike Sparks