How It All Began…
Chicago Alive Youth Camp was started in the summer of 1989 as a result of four inner city pastors (Eric Maxey, Tim Westegren, Joe MIller and Jim Larkin) and one layman (Bill Chapman), who wanted to develop an affordable summer camp (no one was to be turned down because of lack of money) for the special needs and interests of inner city children. The idea was to have a one week camp with a traditional outdoor camping program that would also allow each camper to hear evangelistic salvation messages. These evangelistic messages would allow the opportunity for campers to make a decision to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD.
Over the years Chicago Alive Camp has seen literally hundreds of youth saved. Also, during this time pastors have been called into ministry and missionaries have heard the call to foreign missions.
Amazingly, for twenty-two years, God has met the financial and staffing needs of this camp. It has been a faith ministry, supported by God’s people who believe in the need for the gospel to be presented to inner city youth.