History, Mission, Vision and Values
As a place of ministry, Gilmont’s roots run deep to the 1940’s when a few members of the Presbyterian church purchased and set aside the 400-acre treasure in East Texas that we still take pleasure in today. We thank God for their faith, investment, and commitment. The camp originally served members of Paris Presbytery as a site for summer camp, church picnics, and other community gatherings.
In the early 90s, Gilmont took on a new identity as an independent 501 c3 organization, and as good stewards with open hearts, the leadership began to welcome new conversations and opportunities to grow. Circle of Friends Camps, serving families with special needs, Outdoor School, connecting students to the natural world, and specialty camps such as The Great Gluten Escape, serving campers with celiac disease, are just a few examples of ways Gilmont’s branches have broadened over time.
Gilmont’s ministry has always been rooted in reformed faith, where the love and grace of a nurturing God is made evident in the beauty of creation and in relationship with Jesus Christ. Ties with Grace Presbytery were strengthened in 2021 with the addition of a validated ministry position for the Executive Director of Development and Spiritual Formation, Rev. Kenny Rigoulot and Co-Director of Operations, Jennifer Rigoulot.
Today, in the midst of a growing, sprawling, and often chaotic world, Gilmont invites us to the timeless and uncomplicated beauty of the forest - to hike a trail or to fish in a pond, to stargaze or watch the sky for birds, to just pause and be invited into the healing and nurturing power of creation. Reflecting over our eighty-year history, we acknowledge that God has in the past and continues to call people to come alongside this special place as partners in ministry to plant seeds which will bring about fruit for years to come.
In the early 90s, Gilmont took on a new identity as an independent 501 c3 organization, and as good stewards with open hearts, the leadership began to welcome new conversations and opportunities to grow. Circle of Friends Camps, serving families with special needs, Outdoor School, connecting students to the natural world, and specialty camps such as The Great Gluten Escape, serving campers with celiac disease, are just a few examples of ways Gilmont’s branches have broadened over time.
Gilmont’s ministry has always been rooted in reformed faith, where the love and grace of a nurturing God is made evident in the beauty of creation and in relationship with Jesus Christ. Ties with Grace Presbytery were strengthened in 2021 with the addition of a validated ministry position for the Executive Director of Development and Spiritual Formation, Rev. Kenny Rigoulot and Co-Director of Operations, Jennifer Rigoulot.
Today, in the midst of a growing, sprawling, and often chaotic world, Gilmont invites us to the timeless and uncomplicated beauty of the forest - to hike a trail or to fish in a pond, to stargaze or watch the sky for birds, to just pause and be invited into the healing and nurturing power of creation. Reflecting over our eighty-year history, we acknowledge that God has in the past and continues to call people to come alongside this special place as partners in ministry to plant seeds which will bring about fruit for years to come.
Mission
Cultivate a safe, sacred space where all are invited to grow closer to God, creation, others, and themselves.
Vision
Gilmont’s guests will be grounded in creation, filled with wonder, and inspired to glorify God and serve others.
Values
Welcoming Culture
where we, people from all walks of life, are invited to enter into community as our most authentic selves
Immersed in Creation
in a nature-deficient world, intentional immersion in creation promotes growth and connection with God
Wonder-Filled Play
an inter-generational medley of engaging activities, curious conversations, rewarding experiences, moving music, creative worship, genuine fellowship, and joy-filled service
Inspiring Stewardship
as co-creators, we celebrate and nurture the abundance of God’s blessings while cultivating people’s passions, gifts, and talents for the benefit of others and the glory of God
Transforming Whole Lives
we extend space for individuals and groups to grow in mind, body, and spirit at camp and beyond the gates
Cultivate a safe, sacred space where all are invited to grow closer to God, creation, others, and themselves.
Vision
Gilmont’s guests will be grounded in creation, filled with wonder, and inspired to glorify God and serve others.
Values
Welcoming Culture
where we, people from all walks of life, are invited to enter into community as our most authentic selves
Immersed in Creation
in a nature-deficient world, intentional immersion in creation promotes growth and connection with God
Wonder-Filled Play
an inter-generational medley of engaging activities, curious conversations, rewarding experiences, moving music, creative worship, genuine fellowship, and joy-filled service
Inspiring Stewardship
as co-creators, we celebrate and nurture the abundance of God’s blessings while cultivating people’s passions, gifts, and talents for the benefit of others and the glory of God
Transforming Whole Lives
we extend space for individuals and groups to grow in mind, body, and spirit at camp and beyond the gates
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