For so many of us, camp is synonymous with summer. Sunshine, campfires, hiking, swimming, and fishing come to mind. But at Camp Mihaska, tucked away in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in rural central Missouri, when summer fades to fall and winter is on the horizon, another camp season begins. Since 2018, Terry and Joanie Mahurin, who direct and care for the Midland Division’s camp, have created a storybook Christmas on the grounds of Mihaska.
Starting in November, thousands of Christmas lights are hung, reflecting beautifully off the natural spring and stream waters near the highway and along the main road into camp. The rustic log and stone dining hall is decked out in festive decorations, and preparations are made for two nights of community building and ministry just before Christmas.
“One of the reasons we started it was because so many people in our area don’t know about The Salvation Army or camp, even though we’ve been here for 75 years,” said Terry. “It’s a good way to get the community in and to build that relationship with them.” It has become a tradition for locals to drive by with family and friends to take in the lights which brighten the two-lane highway in front of camp. Then, the weekend before Christmas, camp is opened on Friday and Saturday evenings for a time of fellowship and holiday activities for people of all ages.
Driving through the iron gates and past the light display to the parking area, visitors enter the dining hall to the sounds, smells, and sights of the season. Live music creates a peaceful backdrop while the delicious scent of cookies, coffee, and cocoa wafts through the air. All is bright and cheery. Children decorate cookies in “Grandma’s Kitchen” and write letters to Santa. Round tables welcome visitors to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, along with a hot drink and refreshments, perhaps over a friendly game of checkers.
A feature that was introduced last year and instantly became a favorite is the Bethlehem Room. Located off the dining hall, it takes visitors back to the days of the Bible with displays which prompt them to contemplate the birth of Christ.
“People love it,” said Terry. “Even those who aren’t Christians appreciate the Bethlehem Room.” Averaging 250 people each evening last season, A Mihaska Christmas has become a popular event.
In addition to local community members, St. Louis area corps bring groups to enjoy the festivities. During the evening testimonies are shared, Santa reads the Christmas story from the Bible, and children are presented with small gifts. Each family leaves with information about The Salvation Army and Camp Mihaska. “The community is getting to know and experience camp,” concluded Joanie. “It grows every year.”
