Camp Accovac's Josie Denius Retires After Nearly 50 Years of Service By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Millboro, VA (June 11, 2025)— For nearly 50 years, Josie Denius has been the heart and soul of Camp Accovac, dedicating herself to creating unforgettable experiences and nurturing a vibrant community of young believers. Her unwavering commitment and passion have touched countless lives, making her a beloved figure among campers, staff, and families alike. On Tuesday afternoon, the Journal sat down with Josie in what is perhaps the centerpiece of Camp Accovac: Mount Moriah Chapel. During our talk with Josie, We learned that her father helped to build the timeless structure, though he passed before its completion. Dennius also spoke on the camp's history, touching on how it has impacted her life as well as her family's. This is not surprising, given the camp's 77-year history and the fact that Denius has been a part of Camp Accovac since it first opened its doors in 1948. Then, an 11-year-old Josie walked in as a camper. "It [Camp Accovac] was actually down on Cowpasture River near the Elks Boys camp," Dennius said of the camp's opening in 1948. "...We were there from 1948 to 1954 [and then] we moved up to Central at the big rock church, and we just had four acres of land... We were there until we got this property here in 1969." 'This property', meaning Camp Accovac's current location at 33021 Mountain Valley Road in Millboro. Then, in 1976, Josie Dennius took on the role of camp coordinator and has faithfully held the position ever since. For the first 40 years, the dedicated and devout Christian served as a volunteer, often using her own money for the camp's needs. Denius also led the charge to expanding the property, playing a part in getting the necessary funds to build a swimming pool, add extra cabins for campers, build a lodge for staff, plant a prayer garden, and create an outdoor space where sermons could be heard, complete with three crosses on the hilltop. These massive changes are merely a tip of the iceberg to what has been done to expand the camp since it has been under Josie's watchful eye. Having given so much of her life to the camp, it was no surprise to learn that her family has also been heavily involved throughout the years. Not only did her young children come along with her in the early years, but her daughter, Lori Ledford, was married there. Upon our arrival at the camp yesterday, we noticed Ledford with a rag in her hand, headed over to clean the cabins before camp is set to begin on Sunday. Though not blood related, David and Tanya Jones may as well be family for as long as they have served alongside Dennius at Camp Accovac. At 15, David was a CIT (Counselor in Training) at Camp Accovac who now works with his wife, Tanya, as caretakers. "She's not going too far," Tanya Jones assured us of the outgoing camp coordinator. "She'll be back." Josie Dennius confirmed, noting that although she was officially retiring as camp coordinator, she would still be around to help out with whatever was needed, even if it was to let her replacement know who to call if something breaks. We also suspect she may return simply to help plant flowers, a pastime she assured us she was quite fond of. "I bought $75 worth of posies," Dennius laughed, "but the deer came along and said, 'Look! Josie left us a yummy salad!'" She also planted a number of ferns — citing them as a plant the deer seem to leave untouched — at the crosses, and has plans to add more flowers to the prayer garden. We playfully suggested more ferns. At this time, Camp Accovac is still on the lookout for someone to take over Josie's position as camp coordinator. Anyone who feels led to assume the responsibility is urged to reach out to the Camp Accovac board; more specifically, to the chairman, Greg Dodd. This year marks Josie's final year as camp coordinator, so we imagine it will be a bittersweet one for her and her campers. Registration is ongoing, and anyone can sign up on the day their chosen camp week begins. This year's registration fee is $275 per camp week with the weeks being as follows: * Junior Session 1 (ages 7-12) runs from June 15-21 * Junior Session 2 (ages 7-12) runs from June 22-28 * Teen, Sports, Music & Drama (ages 12-18) runs from June 29-July 5 * Teen Work & Wilderness (ages 12-18) runs from July 6-12 * Adventure Week (ages 16-21) runs from July 13-17 Additional information can be found here: https://www.campaccovac.com/ For Josie, she begins her final year at camp today, waiting for counselors to arrive who will spend the weekend undergoing training for the upcoming weeks of camp; training which includes a CPR certification. As for Josie Dnnius, she has been the heart and soul of Camp Accovac, dedicating so much of her time, energy, and passion to creating lasting and unforgettable experiences for many generations of campers. As she noted yesterday, "I got to teach some people, and now I'm getting to teach their children and grandchildren... The main thing is preaching Jesus." Josie, we wish you a long and happy retirement.

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