The South Carolina Christian Church children were sent to camps in Hilltonia Georgia and later in Cameron South Carolina for several years before Camp Edisto was available in 1971.

C. Preston "Uncle Press" Metts donated the original 10.34 acres of land in early 1967. When he was in his late 70's, he alone cut down the trees and dug the stumps where the dining hall is located. Having a Christian service camp located on this property had been a dream, which he lived to see. Uncle Press died on December 5, 1981 at the age of 96. He was the father-in-law of Bob Wells. His wife, Sadie was aunt of D. B. Williams, Jr. His sister, Anna was the grandmother of Amanda M. Drawdy (wife of Ray Drawdy, the treasurer of Camp Edisto).

Camp Edisto Bought 9.06 acres in 1986, 4.74 acres in 1995, and .09 acres in 2006. The total acreage now is 25.03.

In April 1967 representatives from churches in Branchville, Walterboro, Barnwell, Columbia, Hampton, and Charleston met, elected directors (one man and the minister from each church), and donations from each church were received D. B. Williams, Jr. from Branchville was elected to serve as Chairman. Ray Drawdy of Branchville was appointed as Secretary-Treasurer. Since he was the third man from Branchville, he would not have voting rights.

On May 15, 1969 Camp Edisto received its charter as an eleemosynary corporation from South Carolina Secretary of State.

In 1970, $40,000.00 in bonds were sold in order to build the Dining Hall and Two Cabin complexes. W.C. Black, contractor from Barnwell, began construction on the dining hall and the boys cabins in 1970. Raymond Wimberly, contractor from Branchville, completed this construction and built the girls cabins in 1971.

In 1971, Camp was held for two weeks at a cost of $15/20 per camper. In 1975, the number of weeks of camp went to 4. The number of weeks changed to 3 in 1976. The number of weeks changed back to 4 in 1979.

The Dixon Memorial Chapel (open air) was built in 1977. Later it was enclosed and in 2000 it was insulated and air-conditioned by Bobby Dukes, contractor from Branchville. Bobby insulated and air-conditioned the kitchen in 2001 and the dining hall in 2002.

From 1971 through 1977, the campers were taken to Ruffin and/or Harleyville, SC to swim. In 1978, Camp Edisto had a 75,000 gallon pool built by Gerald Anderson from Cummings, SC. The pool and the deck can accommodate 130 people according to SCDHEC.

Fee increases: 1971 = $15/20, 1977 = $18/20, 1980 = $20/25, 1985 = $35/40, 1987 = $40/50, 1994 = $55, 1996 = $65/75, 1999 = $75, 2002 = $75/85, 2005 = $90/100.

In 2006, there were 23 churches that contsributed to Camp Edisto.

In 1979, West Ashley Church of Christ sold their property and donated $19,000 to Camp Edisto. This money was used to buy back all of the outstanding Bonds and interest due. In 2004, Larry Marchyshyn became the Caretaker.

Madison B. Drawdy, minister at Branchville, served as Camp Manager from 1971 through 1982. Wayne Manning, minister at Branchville, has served as Camp Manager since 1983.

Madison B. Drawdy built the bunk beds, the dining hall tables, and the carpet ball tables in 1971.

 

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