WeTheWomen

We The Women, Telling His Story, the 125th history of South Carolina Woman's Missionary Union is now available for purchase. The history, which is written by Mary B. Foster speaks to women today in a call to faithfulness to God. It also stands as a repository of hope for future generations yet to be born. Read More

Rawls gate
Camp Rawls

 

 

             

Gate into Camp Rawls





Camp Rawls see cabins
in background
Camp Rawls
Wagener, S. C.
1942-1982

South Carolina Woman’s Missionary Union (SC WMU) began missions education camping in 1925. Camp was held on
various college campuses. Leaders recognized that a permanent camp site dedicated to missions education
camping was needed. In 1941, W. C. Rawls loaned SC WMU a 50 acre site located eight miles from Wagener in Aiken County as long as the land was used for a camp. The land fronted Cedar Lake. WMU named the camp in honor of the donor. Because of the war, procuring materials and supplies was difficult.

Construction began in February 1942 with the first camp held in June 1942. That summer camp was very rustic with no hot water in the bathhouses. It was crowded and buildings were used for several functions. Even with the hardships it was “their camp” and they were so proud.
 
Many WMU conferences, Sunbeam, GA, and RA camps were held at Camp Rawls. It served WMU well from 1942-1982. In 1982, WMU closed Camp Rawls selling all the buildings to help build their new camp, Camp La Vida in White Oak, S. C.
The land reverted back to the Rawls family per the agreement.





Camp Rawls
Postcard

     
                   

  Good times at Camp Rawls               Flag Ceremony


           

  Having fun at Cedar Lake              Boatwright Chapel
                                                                  Postcard

Camp Rawls
 
Soft breezes blowing
From the peaceful lake below,
While on the hillside
Pines toss to and fro;
Bursting forth in splendor
Sunlight lends a touch of gold,
God hath made you, Camp Rawls,
Lovely to behold.
    
Camp Rawls, Oh how lovely!
Surely God designed each part;
Camp Rawls, Spot of Beauty,
You have won our hearts.

                       A. T. Greene, Jr
                  Copyright 1945


Are you in this picture?
Can you tell us what year this is?


Email us if -
you worked at Camp Rawls.
you have a memory to share.
you have pictures.

dalecarruth@scbaptist.org



Sandra Tapp, Associate Executive Director
of South Carolina WMU, was on staff at both
Camp Rawls and Camp La Vida.

 
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