Our Rich History
Camp Peniel began as a vision and prayer concern in the hearts of founders, Gordon & Alice Whitelock, in the 1940's. During the 40's Gordon worked on the full-time staff of Young Life, pastored a church in Almeda, and began taking kids camping in the Piney Woods near Houston, Texas.
In 1945 they leased land for the camp at Double Lake in East Texas. The camp was so successful that they formed a charter by the State of Texas as a non-profit organization on December 11, 1946. By 1959 they began camping full-time, and by 1960 purchased the Silver Hills Ranch near Marble Falls, Texas.
Over the years the camp has influenced thousands of people for God's glory and many have come "face to face" (Genesis 32:30) with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a result of the ministry of Camp Peniel.
On February 18, 2005, our beloved Poppa Chief was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, and on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011, God called home our beloved Mommy Al. They have left behind a legacy that has touched many lives.
Since, July 4, 2009, Brian Anderson has served as our Executive Director. He has been active in Christian camping for over 18 years.