History

Log Cabin Camp and Homestead

Log Cabin Camp (formerly known as Log Cabin Lodge and Log Cabin Christian Camp) was established in the mid-1970s by a group of visionary Christian businessmen. Their goal was to create a children’s camp, and they successfully ran it as a not-for-profit (NFP) for many years. However, by the early 2000s, the camp began to struggle due to a lack of the volunteer labour it had once relied upon.

In 2003, another NFP, Elijah's Mantle, took over the operations. The camp continued under their stewardship until 2010, when Grant and Christine Laidlaw purchased the site. Under their private ownership, substantial capital investments were made, marking a new era for the camp. Renamed Log Cabin Camp, it shifted focus to cater to a broader client base.

In 2021, the camp expanded by purchasing the neighbouring Homestead property, which underwent renovations and was opened for use in 2022. Its launch was highly successful, providing an ideal option for smaller schools and groups to experience all the benefits of a camp setting.

Adekate Camp

Adekate Camp, originally known as Adekate Fellowship Centre and later Adekate Lodge, has a rich and inspiring history. Its origins trace back to the 1960s and the dedication of Miss Florence Emily Grylls, also known as Sister Florence Grylls.

Sister Grylls purchased 140 acres (57 hectares) of bushland, including the scenic Adekate Creek, with the dream of creating a camp where children from northern parts of the state could experience a completely different environment. The property was rich in native flora and fauna, offering a perfect setting for such a retreat.

Despite her efforts, local organizations were unable to support her vision for developing accommodation. Undeterred, she placed a small two-room cottage on the land and enjoyed holidaying there herself. In 1960, she sought assistance from a Melbourne solicitor, who helped present her proposal to Methodist leaders in Ballarat. After much deliberation, ministers and laypeople from Ballarat and Creswick churches agreed to develop the site into a church-run camping centre. Ultimately, Sister Grylls gifted the land to the church, leaving a legacy that would benefit generations.

Sister Grylls passed away in April 1962. Interestingly, she was distantly related to the adventurer Bear Grylls—they were 23rd cousins!

In October 2023, the team at Log Cabin Camp acquired Adekate Camp, which had been run by the Uniting Church but had fallen into disrepair and closed for several years. Following extensive renovations, the camp reopened in April 2024, welcoming its first groups and continuing its tradition of offering unique camping experiences.