In 1945 three pastors went to their knees in prayer. They asked God to raise up a Baptist Church camp to bring children to Christ and challenge them to surrender for full-time Christian service. Camp Assurance began in 1946 at a rented Boy Scout facility near Portland Arch, Indiana. In 1948 thirty acres were purchased east of Georgetown, Illinois, and camps began there in 1949.
Eight churches originally formed the corporation: The First Baptist Churches of Clinton, IL; Danville, IL; Hoopeston, IL; Indianola, IL; and Tipton, IN; Calvary Baptist Church, Danville, IL; East Park Baptist Church, Decatur, IL; and Grape Creek Baptist Church, Danville, IL.
The camp’s history is built on the sacrifice of pastors and laymen donating their time, talents, and treasures to carve a camp out of the woods. By 1954, the current Dining Hall, kitchen and three ladies’ cabins were completed. Between 1965 and 1973 the pool, bathhouse, craft shop, Chapel, and dormitories were built and a caretaker’s trailer purchased. All this work was accomplished with donated labor.
Each week of summer camp different pastors organized and ran the program and Bible classes. These pastors would encourage (and at times coerce) church members to volunteer a week of vacation to serve as counselors, cooks, and helpers. Horseback riding became the big draw throughout the 60’s. The grounds were used 4-7 weeks each summer depending on the number of additional rental groups that could be found.
The camp had a number of Caretakers over the years. Most worked part-time and received their housing in a trailer on the campground. On November 1, 1984, the Camp Assurance Pastors' Committee for Program hired a part-time Promotions and Athletic Director. In 1989 that young man became the full-time Camp Director. Scott Randolph has served in that position to the present day. On October 20, 1990, the former Debbie Hayward married Scott and they now serve together on the camp staff.
Much of the modern history of camp involves projects turning a summer-use-only facility into one that can serve churches all year round. In 1991 the Dining Hall and Dormitory wings were winterized. [The next year the building was named "Stuermer Hall" in appreciation for Dr. Harris and Ann Stuermer’s years of service to Camp Assurance and Danville's First Baptist Church.] A 20x20 Nurse’s Station and private room were added onto the dorm wing in 1993.
The Camp Office and Snack Shop moved in 1997 to the Capps Building and a Recreation Porch was added. In 2000 a major hail storm destroyed all the roofs throughout the camp and the old Guest Trailer. 2001 brought a much nicer, newer Guest Trailer to camp and volunteers roofed all the buildings.
Campers enjoy the additions of a group initiatives' course, and a larger sand volleyball court. The basketball court was expanded. In recent years bridges have been built across the creek and across both ravines to the cabin areas. Campers can now “get Zippy” on a zipline ride across the camp creek. They can also enjoy a larger and air-conditioned Craft Shop and a 9-hole miniature golf course.
The summer of 1994 saw the hiring of another young man, Keith Augustus, to serve as Maintenance Manager. Keith married Stephanie Moore on August 8, 1998.
