David Carr’s Story: A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Life-Changing Moments at Rock River Bible Camp

For David Carr, Rock River Bible Camp is more than just a place—it’s a legacy that has shaped his faith, his family, and his community. David’s time at camp has been full of meaningful experiences that continue to influence his life today.

A Family Affair: A School Transformed by Camp

David’s most meaningful camp experience began with a simple invitation from his daughter, Casie, who was in fourth grade. Casie invited ten of her classmates from Orangeville School to attend camp, and they all agreed. Casie, having attended camp before, was excited but nervous that she’d be the only one she knew in her cabin. To her surprise, the girls all requested to be placed in her cabin, eager to experience camp together.

The impact was immediate. Not only did the girls have an unforgettable week at camp, but their experience transformed the school. "It changed the whole school atmosphere because they respected Christian values," David recalls.

David watched as these young campers, having had their lives touched by God’s love at Rock River, carried that love with them back into their schools. The seeds of faith planted at camp took root and helped shape their lives and relationships in powerful ways. It was a reminder to David of the far-reaching impact of the camp’s mission to foster Christian community and teach values that would carry campers through their entire lives.

The Power of Camp: Teens Leading Teens to Christ

For David, one of the most powerful moments at Rock River Bible Camp was seeing the next generation take ownership of their faith. While David always believed in the power of pastors and counselors to lead people to Christ, he found the most meaningful moments happened when the campers themselves led their peers to Christ.

“Seeing teen counselors lead children to Christ was one of the most impactful things I’ve witnessed,” David says. “I always believed it was good for pastors to lead people to Christ, better for counselors to lead people to Christ, but the best was when campers led campers to Christ.”

This experience profoundly impacted David’s own faith. Watching the older teens become leaders, guiding younger campers in their spiritual journeys, demonstrated the power of peer influence and the lasting impact of camp ministry. It was a testament to the importance of providing young people with the space and guidance to grow in their faith, encouraging them to pass it on to others.

But the impact didn’t stop there. David had the privilege of working alongside his family at camp, a beautiful opportunity that strengthened their bonds and deepened their shared faith. David’s son, Andrew, and daughters, Casie and Annette, followed in his footsteps, becoming deans of the Junior Camp. "I got to do camps with all of my family working together," David says. It was an experience that not only blessed their family but also allowed them to minister together, sharing their love for God and their passion for camp with the next generation of campers.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment: A Marriage Proposal

David’s time at Rock River Bible Camp has been filled with moments of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. One of the most special moments was when he had the opportunity to participate in the marriage proposal of two camp staff members, Chandler and Sam Allen.

David was preaching one night in chapel, sharing the story of Esther being chosen by King Xerxes to be his new queen. As part of the message, David had the children and the couple reenact the story. When he said, “Xerxes chose Esther,” Chandler got down on one knee and, to the delight of everyone present, proposed to Sam. The campers erupted in cheers and applause as Sam said yes, making for a truly unforgettable moment.

“I was able to participate in the marriage proposal of Chandler and Sam Allen,” David says, reflecting on the unique moment. “The campers went wild.” It was a moment of pure joy, laughter, and celebration, a reminder that Rock River Bible Camp isn’t just a place for spiritual growth—it’s also a place where lifelong memories are made.

A Lasting Legacy of Faith and Family

For David, his time at Rock River Bible Camp has been about much more than just the activities or the campgrounds. It’s about the people, the relationships, and the moments of spiritual transformation that happen every year. Whether it’s watching campers lead each other to Christ, working alongside family to make a difference in the lives of others, or witnessing a joyful proposal in chapel, David’s experience at camp has been deeply meaningful.

“Camp has not only impacted my own faith but has also allowed me to share that faith with my family and the community,” David reflects. “It has been a place where my faith has grown, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing others’ faith grow as well.”

From the first invitation Casie made to her friends to the countless lives impacted by the camp’s ministry, David has seen firsthand how Rock River Bible Camp creates lasting change. For him, it’s a place where faith is deepened, relationships are forged, and God’s love is evident in every interaction.

David’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of camp—how it not only transforms individuals but also families and entire communities. The experiences and memories that David has gathered over the years will continue to shape his faith and the lives of those he has impacted.

As Rock River Bible Camp continues to be a place where lives are changed, David’s legacy as a staff member, father, pastor, and community leader will live on in the stories and experiences of the campers and families who have had the privilege of attending.