An architectural rendering shows what Gilmont’s new lodge and welcome center will look like. A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility will take place March 23. (Contributed photo)

From Staff Reports

Gilmont Camp and Conference Center will host a public groundbreaking ceremony March 23 for its new lodge and welcome center.

Just north of Gilmer, Gilmont’s 400-acre property hosts Christian summer camps and year-round outdoor activities for children and adults. The property is at 6075 State Hwy 155.

The camp is celebrating its 85th anniversary.

The new lodge and welcome center will house 20 overnight rooms while allowing the camp to expand programming, host multiple groups and provide a dedicated spot to drop off and pick up day campers.

The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. March 23, and gates will open at 2 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to speak with the architects and interior designers who drafted the site plans. Then, guests are invited to grab hard hats and golden shovels for a celebratory photo shoot.

The new lodge and welcome center “will breathe new life into the ministry and provide an even greater asset to our community,” said the Rev. Kenny Rigoulot, Gilmont’s executive director. “We are so excited to share this growth and eager to see the ways God will use our facility to build new partnerships and camp experiences.”

Additional onsite staff housing as well as renovations improving accessibility and sustainability at the campgrounds were announced as part of the expansion.

Funding for the projects was provided by a mix of donors, churches and foundations. Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin donated $1.5 million to the campaign, which was matched by Grace Presbytery, the regional body of the Presbyterian Church serving North and East Texas.

Gilmont’s fundraising goal for the campaign is $8 million. So far, $5.1 million in donations have been collected.