Why Hocking Hills Retreat Center Should Matter to All of Us
The Hocking Hills Retreat Center (HHRC) is more than a place—it’s a sacred space with a God-given vision to transform lives and shape the future of ministry. Here’s why it should matter to us:
- Reaching Young Hearts for Christ: Camps and retreats are powerful tools for sharing the Gospel with children and teens. Statistics show most people accept Christ when young, and the older they get, the harder it is to reach them. HHRC will be a unique haven where kids experience the best week of their lives, hearing the life-changing news of a God who loves them and has incredible plans for their future.
- Where Callings Are Often Conceived: A July 2025 study revealed that 4% of 9,600 camp attendees felt called to ministry or missions. Many pastors in our district trace their own calling to a camp, retreat, or camp meeting, with estimates suggesting 10-20% of pastors may have heard God’s voice in such settings. HHRC will be a sacred space where God ignites hearts for ministry, raising up the next generation of pastors and missionaries.
- A Powerful Tool for Outreach: HHRC will serve as a dynamic ministry tool, welcoming thousands of public-school students through outdoor education, band camps, sports camps, and more. Every student will be invited back for summer camp, where they’ll encounter the Gospel in a transformative way.
- A Legacy for the Next Generation: God calls us to pass the Gospel to our children and their children. In a world dominated by screens, HHRC offers a sacred space for young people to unplug and encounter God’s life-changing presence, fostering faith that endures.
- The Time Is Now: God has opened a door for us to build something extraordinary at HHRC, impacting generations to come. A legacy isn’t what we do for ourselves—it’s what we do for others. Let’s seize this moment to create a place where lives are changed and God’s kingdom grows.
Exciting Updates on HHRC’s Progress
- Cabins 1-4 and Shower House #1: Completed and ready for use.
- Cabins 5-8 and Shower House #2: Under construction, targeting Spring 2026 completion.
- Lake: Construction begins the first week of September.
- Athletic Field: Excavation to follow the lake’s completion.
- Dining Hall: Blueprints start in November, with potential groundbreaking in Spring 2026. We’re prioritizing this key facility to generate income and advance our mission.
- Fundraising Efforts: The HHRC Fundraising Team is meeting with potential supporters to secure pledges. We’d love to meet with you!
Get Involved
Want to hear the latest updates or discuss making a financial pledge? Contact me at rpaugh@shepnaz.org or call 614-205-8023. We can also provide resources to share with your congregation. Visit the HHRC Landing Page by scanning the QR code to explore the master plan, track progress, and give financially.
Let’s build a legacy together—one that reverberates God’s love for generations to come at Hocking Hills Retreat Center!
Pastor Rob Paugh
HHRC Development
