Directors

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It all started in 1977 with Roberta Carman. Don Hinkle had the idea and asked her to start a Women’s retreat at Guadalupe Christian Camp. He said she was the most qualified person for the job because she had actually attended some retreats in the past and would have a good idea how to get it going. Thankfully Roberta agreed to take on the task and set out to build a program. Her goal was to give women something special and to get them away from their everyday responsibilities. 

Roberta quickly got to planning. She recruited Charlotte Wheat and Regina Dickinson to lead the worship service. After two years of serving as solo dean she decided it was too much work to do alone and recruited a team to help. She stayed on as “Director” of the retreat but created a system where the responsibilities were shared within camp association churches. Their goal was to “Praise God in Mountain Country”. 

As the retreat grew, they were given the opportunity to give back to the camp and this has been the mission ever since. There have been countless improvements purchased from funds raised at these retreats. It has been such a joy for the ladies to be able to participate in raising funds through offerings, for the camp and seeing the changes every year. 

In 2001 we celebrated our 25th anniversary! At this retreat Roberta, Regina and Charlotte announced their retirement so Frieda Ross and Martha Weatherby stepped up to work together as co-directors for 2002. Following the retreat in 2008, Frieda retired, and Roberta was rested enough to come back again with Martha. In 2010 Roberta came down with illness so Freida once again stepped up to help Martha. Their love for the retreat made it a pleasure for everyone who was able to attend.

In 2016, Roberta graduated to heaven and Martha and Freida retired for good this time. They turned the reins over to Vicki Webb.  Vicki took on the task of trying to get us on social media platforms and created our website. With the help of the advisory board, which is made up of past deans, she worked to continue to make the retreat a success and bless the camp. In 2024 Vicki had to step down so Dorie Fannin and Robbie Kayser stepped up to be the current co-directors. Together with the advisory board we plan to continue to make this a success and keep making improvements. 

Since 1986 Bev Smith has played a great role in all of our retreats. It all started when Bev was with her good friend Nikki Walker talking about the theme for the retreat in 1986, Bev said she could write a song about it and immediately sang the first line of the song to Nikki. The song was completed that night, and the rest is history! She has continued to bless us with her talent and songs every year. She has touched our hearts every year since and we will continue to cherish her gift as long as she is able to write. 

Over the years the generous women who have attended the retreat have helped raise 175,000.00 in love offerings that have blessed Guadalupe Christian Camp immensely. Thank you to all who have attended and helped plan many retreats. It wouldn’t be possible without you all and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

We absolutely love this retreat and love Praisin' the Lord in Mountain Country and we are honored that  you are considering  joining us.