Crossroads Camps Return to Gardner-Webb for Sold-Out Week in July

Alumnus Clayton King Happy to be Back Home in Boiling Springs    

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University alumnus Clayton King is bringing a week of Crossroads Camps back to the GWU campus this summer—and it’s already sold out. King founded the non-profit Christian ministry in 1995 when he was a senior at Gardner-Webb.

“We are still confirming who will be speaking and leading worship for this week, but I will be speaking the first night of camp, just like I’ve done since we started 26 years ago, preaching the gospel and inviting students to respond,” noted King, who has authored 17 books and is a renowned international speaker.

“We’re so proud of Clayton King and of all he has accomplished since graduating from Gardner-Webb,” shared GWU President Dr. William M. Downs. “Restoring a strong relationship with Clayton, with his ministry, and with Crossroads Camps has been an important institutional priority. I can think of no better venue than our campus to host these young students as they walk their faith journey, and we are eager to welcome them in July.”

The camp, scheduled for July 26-30, marks the first time Crossroads has been held at Gardner-Webb since 2014, when King moved the ministry to Anderson (S.C.) University. “We are truly thankful for the invitation to come back to Gardner-Webb and host a week of Crossroads Camps,” King affirmed. “This is where it all started, so it feels right to be coming back. We have served over 100,000 students and leaders and seen over 15,000 teenagers make decisions for Christ, either for salvation or a call to ministry or a recommitment of faith. Gardner-Webb has a part to play in that legacy as Jesus builds His Kingdom. We love serving the local church, and are happy to do it this summer ‘back home’ in Boiling Springs.”

Tracy Jessup, Gardner-Webb vice president for Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University, is happy to have his longtime friend return to campus. “I met Clayton in 1995 during his senior year at Gardner-Webb University,” Jessup reflected. “He heard me preach at a local church and invited me to speak at a meeting of Gardner-Webb’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From that moment on, God has blessed us with a deep and lasting friendship. Clayton is committed to the message of the gospel, which not only saves us, but forms us holistically and teaches us to be disciples of Christ.” 

King expects the GWU camp to have at least 600 participants, which includes campers, leaders and staff. However, the number in attendance could grow to over 700. Crossroads staff will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, consulting with health experts and local officials to ensure the safety of campers. King hopes that through social distancing, wearing masks, and the vaccine, camp staff will have freedom to conduct activities without strict COVID regulations.

The overall theme for Crossroads Camps 2021 is REBORN. It comes from the conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus in John 3, when Jesus spoke those famous words, “Unless one is reborn (born again) they cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

In addition to times of worship and Bible study, Crossroads Camps offers a variety of recreational activities, such as team sports, adventure games, music and arts, cornhole, quiz bowl and a pool party. 

“Our activities are a strong selling point for our Crossroads Camps and always one of the favorite elements of the camp experience when we survey leaders and campers,” King asserted.

About Clayton King Ministries: The ministry exists to share the grace and love of Jesus Christ, make disciples of all people, and nurture those who have a personal relationship with Him. The non-profit works alongside the local church to offer Crossroads Camps and Winter Conferences, events, international and domestic outreach opportunities, mentor programs, speakers, and online resources. For more information about Crossroads Camps, visit the ministry’s website.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.