Wyoming Bible Camp: A History of Faith in the Wind River Mountains (1949–2026)

A Ministry in the Wilderness

Wyoming Bible Camp (WBC) has served as a critical place of spiritual cohesion for the Churches of Christ in the Rocky Mountain West for over seven decades. Operating in the high-altitude environment of the Shoshone National Forest, WBC has evolved from a grassroots volunteer effort into a (still volunteer driven) non-profit corporation. Despite the vast distances and rugged terrain of Wyoming, the camp remains a stabilizing institution for the dispersed religious communities of Wyoming.

The Origins (Pre-1960s)

While federal land orders formally withdrew the land for recreational use in 1963 and 1965, physical evidence and oral histories confirm that the Church of Christ community was active on the site much earlier.

The Tent Era: Verbal accounts describe an early era of the camp operating before permanent cabins existed. During this period, the camp functioned as a "tent city" anchored by a single permanent kitchen building, emphasizing the rugged, pioneer spirit of the initial gatherings.

1949 Cabins: Physical evidence on the site pushes the timeline back further than previously documented. Cabins dating as far back as 1949 exist on the property, suggesting a post-war development phase that predates the formal 1960s expansion.

The 1961 Cabin: Cabin #5 bears a permanent sign reading "5 WYOMING BIBLE CAMP 1961." This indicates that WBC was not merely a tenant that arrived after completion, but a founding builder, likely participating in the ongoing construction alongside 4-H clubs.

The Venue: Fremont County Youth Camp (FCYC)

WBC operates as a lessee at the Fremont County Youth Camp in the Shoshone National forest, near Lander.

Community Roots: The facility was championed by Duncan Lucas, a prominent agricultural extension agent. The main assembly hall, Duncan Hall, is named in his honor.

Infrastructure: Designed with a rustic, utilitarian aesthetic, the site includes sleeping cabins, a mess hall, a chapel, a bath house, and a nurse's cabin.

Stewardship: Though a tenant, WBC has heavily invested in the site's upkeep, from insulating cabins to replacing bench boards to upgrading the water heaters and bath house, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the county.

The Pillars of Leadership (1970s–1990s)

The camp’s survival during the pre-digital era is attributed to "super-volunteers" who dedicated decades to its operation.

Jack MacRae (1932–2016): A Korean War veteran and sports journalist from Casper, Jack worked each summer at the camp for years, bringing organizational rigor to the early administration.

Ruby K. MacRae (1935–2015): Serving as Camp Nurse for 20 years, Ruby established the medical safety net that allowed parents to trust the camp with their children in a remote environment.

Mel Ashby: Instrumental in the legal incorporation of WBC as a domestic nonprofit, allowing the organization to hold insurance and formalized contracts.

Dorothy Segraves: A key logistics coordinator in the 1980s, famous for managing the complex "bus trips" required to transport youth from Casper to Lander before widespread SUV ownership.

Theological Curriculum

WBC distinguishes itself through a structured 20-year pedagogical strategy. The curriculum follows a Six-Year Rotation Cycle, ensuring long-term campers receive a balanced theological education:

God: Foundational theology.

Jesus: Christ-centric evangelism.

Personalities: Biographical studies.

Principles: Ethics and morality.

Evidences: Apologetics and the case for faith.