M28 Camps inspires next generation of disciples

For over a decade, M28 Camps has been changing lives. Founded in 2012 by Eddie and Allyson Willis, the organization continues to grow while remaining rooted in its mission of discipleship.

Eddie Willis, originally from Oxford, served as the youth minister at First Methodist Church in Philadelphia from 1995 to 1997.

“My wife and I felt there was a great need in the Southeast for deeper, more concise programming in the Christian camping world,” Willis said. “I began praying about it and had an overwhelming sense of ‘Let’s start this.’”

M28 Camps’ mission is grounded in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples.” Its parent organization, M28 Ministries, was established into a Christian nonprofit in 2023, allowing the Willis’ to focus on the camp full-time following huge success.

Summer camps are held at the Lake Junaluska Retreat and Conference Center in the mountains near Waynesville, North Carolina. Today, it welcomes more than 1,700 campers each year.

In addition to summer programs, M28 hosts winter and children’s events, and expanded its reach internationally by serving 96 Honduran teenagers this past January with a camp in Honduras.

Each summer, 18 to 22 college-aged counselors guide groups of 13 to 15 students in discipleship groups, or “D-Groups,” where they focus on spiritual growth and practice discipleship techniques.

“It’s very high energy,” Willis said. “We plan towards a young person’s view of coming to faith, and we don’t expect them to be mature already. We grow with them—everything from the games to the songs and sermons.”

Each camp day begins with breakfast, followed by hundreds of students eagerly gathering at the doors, rushing in to find the best seats. Worship kicks off with Christian videos, beach balls tossed among the crowd, announcements, and stage games before bands lead camp-style worship music.

Counselors read scripture and introduce the speaker, who delivers a message based on the camp’s theme. This summer’s theme is “Surrender Everything.”

Workshops follow, covering discipleship training and real-life issues youth face in middle and high school. After lunch, students break into their D-Groups for mountain adventures like canoeing and kayaking on Lake Junaluska, rock climbing, zip lining, and whitewater rafting.

“I believe the students say, ‘Wait a minute, this life of faith is challenging and fun at the same time,’” Willis said.

According to Willis, the camp also profoundly impacts adult attendees, many of whom return year after year.

“We are providing spiritual nourishment in a world where people are starving,” Willis said.

Campers come from across the state, and it even features a strong representation from Neshoba and Leake counties, as well as the Madison, Jackson, and Delta areas.

Last year, four churches from different denominations in Belzoni came together to attend, traveling by charter bus.

Since its start in a small basement conference center with just 124 campers, M28 Camps has grown to offer five summer sessions.

This year’s lineup includes Mountain 1 through Mountain 5, with Mountains 2 and 3 already at capacity. Mountain 1 will run from June 25–28.

Willis credits the camp’s rising popularity to a combination of The Holy Spirit, word of mouth, and social media.

This summer, M28 is partnering with USA Youth Outreach, which will send one athlete to each camp to share their testimony and lead a workshop. Guest leaders include athletes ranging from the NFL, former Olympians, and WNBA players.

“We hope campers’ lives are transformed and are so transformed that they spend time, energy, and effort in encouraging others to be transformed in Christ,” Willis said.

The M28 Winter Camp will be held President’s Day weekend near Franklin, Tennessee. Though smaller, with several hundred attendees, Willis said its size allows for different spiritual goals. This year’s theme is yet to be announced.

Last year, M28 introduced a new Children’s Camp called “Basics of Faith” in Morton. According to Willis, it captured the same spirit as their original camp years ago. Jill Martin Byars of Philadelphia participated in that inaugural session.

Looking ahead, M28 aims to expand its team and eventually host retreats beyond the Southeast, growing both domestic and international missions.

Willis summed up the heart of the ministry: “Let Christ transform your life, and go and make disciples.”

Visit m28camps.com for more information.