Thousands of volunteers from across the area will come together for a month of service to rebuild Harrison’s Camp Joy after the 2012 season was jeopardized by tornados destroying the campgrounds.

The “Extreme Camp Makeover” is spearheaded by the Covenant Values Foundation with the help of Vision Homes’ Craig Smith, who supervised the 2011 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build for Rossville’s Sharrock family.

Camp Joy, “where boys and girls begin to live,” is located on 100-plus acres on Hunter Road in Harrison.

It was founded in 1946 by Dr. Lee Roberson, former Highland Park Baptist Church pastor and Tennessee Temple University founder. Dr. Roberson established the children’s camp on the principle that the greatest need of boys and girls is Jesus Christ as their savior. Because Dr. Roberson had grown up with little means, he made sure as many children as possible attended the camp for free. In the 66 years since Camp Joy was founded, 128,000 children have attended, the majority of whom received full scholarships.

Tim Walterbach, camp director, says, “Being given the ability to serve the children of Camp Joy and teach Christ’s message as its director has been the highlight of my career, and when tornados threatened the 2012 season, I knew we would come together and save the camp and mission with God’s help.

 “I am humbled by the overwhelming support that has been shown by the Covenant Values Foundation and Vision Homes, community volunteers and philanthropists, coming together to rebuild our camp.”

The goal of “Extreme Camp Makeover” will be to rebuild and renovate existing areas of the camp grounds in need, while adding new features for future campers to enjoy. The original 5,200-square-foot dorm, damaged by the tornado, will be demolished with a new 12,000-square-foot dorm built in its place. The site of the open-air tabernacle leveled during the storms will now feature a tabernacle/log pavilion, swimming pool and splash park, human foosball court, art studio, fire pit and rock wall, as well as a new office building for administration.

“Thousands of volunteers are donating their time, energy and materials to ensure that a new Camp Joy will thrive for another 60 years serving as a place for children to develop a relationship with God,” said Mr. Smith, owner of Vision Homes.

He said, “During Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I witnessed the power and impact service can have on a family. I look forward to contributing the same level of service to 'Extreme Camp Makeover,' and experiencing the love and support of a community coming together for a great cause.”

Steve Steele, executive director of the Covenant Values Foundation, said, “I want to commend the work of Highland Park Baptist Church and Camp Joy for providing a fun, exciting atmosphere for children to enjoy activities focusing on Christ’s teachings.

“The mission of Camp Joy is one close to my heart, and I thank Tim Walterbach, camp director, for continuing this amazing program.”

Sponsors for Camp Joy’s “Extreme Camp Makeover” include Area 203, Billingsley Architect, D & B Heating and Cooling, DeMaria Home Improvement, GenTech Construction, Grant Interior Design LAB, Hazko, March Adams Engineering, McKinnley Excavating, Nortrax, Signature Landscapes, Tennessee Valley Surveying, Trinity Designs and Vision Homes.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday, June 1, with the reveal on Wednesday, July 4.

Once the “Extreme Camp Makeover” is complete, Camp Joy will transition from an eight-week summer program to operating year-round, offering availability for more organizations to utilize the grounds.