Baptist Camp - Halls Gap

History Of The Camp 1950 to 2004.

Hopetoun and Rev Don Lewis of Portland organized a Youth Camp at Halls Gap. Two houses were rented to bed everyone down in, meals and meetings were in a marquee hired from the Malvern Baptist's. These particular camps continued for 1942 and '43, with about 30-40 youth attending. Leslie Emonson along with her sister Pat and brother Stan were amongst those at the first camp in 1941. Leslie went on to become the cook at camps for over 20 years during the 50's and 60's, also encouraging many youth from Turiff and Hopetoun to attend. The Wimmera Baptist Association continued with the camps through the 1940's using the Church of Christ Camp next door.

site was in 1950 Leaders were:- Rev J V Paice, Pastor P Steer, Rev F Potter and Mrs Potter, Pastor D Rose Pastor J Eddy, Arthur & Muriel Sleep, Miss R Blake. The camp was held in tents and a marquee bought for 52 pounds. From the treasurers report of that year A.L Sleep is recorded as advancing 360 pounds interest and rate free so that the Wimmera Baptist Association could purchase the two blocks of land that the camp now stands on from him. From that same report:- "We have many plans in mind for the development of our own permanent camp buildings, equipment ect. At the present moment we are awaiting a permit to erect our main hall and games spot, at the end of which will be the kitchen. It is to be made of cement bricks which will be both fireproof and antproof. Further buildings of this type will take no cost to maintain by painting ect. "

a hall, kitchen, girls dormitory, boys dormitory and toilet block were erected. Erection of the hall and kitchen was started in 1951 and finished 1953. Cement bricks were made by Gordon Carters on his property at Turriff ably assisted by Stan Carter, Fred Down, and Mac Emonson. The bricks were transported to Halls Gap and laid by George Broadbear assisted by volunteers from the association churches. An old farm house from the Clugston's property at Kenmare was transported to the site and turned into sleeping accommodation for 20 girls. Workman's quarters from the Rocklands Reservoir were transported to the site by Ray Sprigg and Ewan Christian where they were re-erected and fitted out as sleeping accommodation for the boys. A fibro and wood toilet and shower block was erected on a concrete slab, with the help of working bees.

many junior and senior camps were held with the youth coming from Western Victoria and Melbourne. During this period Arthur and Muriel Sleep were the caretakers of the camp site, spending many hours building, repairing, and maintaining the site. Arthur and Muriel also lead studies and assisted with many camp activities.


Getting ready for the wonderland trip in Ray Sprigg's truck 1951 1953 Seniors Camp. North western side of hall.

              of 1950's Camps.

                                                      Ray Sprigg




                                           Thelma Emonson &
                                          Mona Christian 1952.




                                               Outdoor washup

            of 1950's Camps.
                            The old Daldee school,
             used as the dining room and kitchen
                            for the 1952 camp.

                                           As it is today,
                                          Jim and Enid Sleeps
                                          holiday home





                                          1952 Campers.

Mac Emonson and Les Down transported three ex Snowy Mountain huts from the Anglesea Baptist Camp to the site. They were re-erected on the western side as leaders huts.

They now stand at the rear of the camp repainted and reclad.

the camp needed upgrading Help was sought from the Western Baptist Association but to no avail. In 1974 the camp was closed to camping and in 1976 action was taken to sell it off to the Church of Christ Camp next door. At this same time Mildura Baptist church joined the Association and it became know as the North Western Baptist Association. A new committee of management was formed and under the capable leadership of Neil Ratcliffe redevelopment of the site was begun. In 1977 a new front fence was erected, the kitchen refurbished with a new concrete floor, electric stoves and laminex bench tops. The boys dormitory and ablutions area renovated. Painting of all buildings and general clean up of grounds. In November 1978 the first Association rally was held and the camp reopened.

help of a grant of $7500 from the government the building of a new amenities block was commenced using sand bricks made originally by Bill Shuttleworth of Deep Lead in 1972 .

The new amenities block was opened in 1981. In 1985 the camp was connected to new sewage scheme helped by a grant of $2000 from the BUV .

.....on the new girls dormitory



The Baptist Union helped with a grant of $7500.





This new dormitory was opened and dedicated to the memory of Arthur and Muriel Sleep in 1983.

" 1990 Hall is refurbished with new carpet, insulation, aluminum windows and doors. " 1992 New boys dormitory built with the help of a $30,000 grant from the BUV. " 1994 New 2 BR flat added to the front of boys dormitory. " 1995 New kitchen built from the original concrete bricks from Turriff, includes commercial refrigerators, gas stove ect " 1998 New conference hall built helped by a loan of $20,000 from the Rainbow Church and $15,000 from the BUV. The camp owes so much to many people over the last 54 years; The original group of 1950's who along with Arthur and Muriel Sleep had a grand vision to pass on their faith to their younger generation here where God's creation is so evident. The loyal group of folk who kept the camp going through difficult times in the 1960's. Neil Ratcliffe who's vision and drive since 1976 has made the camp what it is today. The men with their machines who helped on the working bee's and their wives who kept them feed.