Camp Accovac Representatives Attend Annual AC Conference as Camp's 78th Anniversary Approaches By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Millboro, VA (Mar. 11, 2025)— On Saturday, March 14, the Annual Virginia AC (Advent Christian) Conference will be held at the Community Advent Christian Church, located at 4512 Old Mountain Road in Roanoke. Each year, the Virginia AC Conference Meeting is held, with various local participants taking turns hosting. Next year, it will be Camp Accovac's turn. Heading down to the annual meeting are Camp Accovac's own Josie Denius and Brandon Clemons. As the Journal informed readers in June of last year, Denius retired as Camp Director/Program Coordinator after nearly five decades holding the position. It was Clemons who took on the role after Denius hung up her hat, though Denius has remained, as she promised, an integral part of Camp Accovac. Camp Accovac is nestled in the beautiful mountains of Millboro, and has a rich history that dates back nearly 80 years. To be exact, the camp will soon be celebrating its 78th year. Initiating as Camp Virginia in 1948, with Rev. A.O. Turnbow from Highland County and Rev. and Mrs. Clarence Kirby from the Advent Christian headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. at the helm, these leaders sought to establish a Christian camp for the youth associated with the Virginia Conference. Back then, an 11-year-old Josie Denius attended that first year as a camper. "It was actually down on Cowpasture River near the Elks Boys Camp. We were there from 1948 to 1954 [and then] we moved up to Central at the bi rock church, and we just had four acres of land," Denius told the Journal. "We were there until we got this property here in 1969." "This property" refers to Camp Accovac's current location at 33021 Mountain Valley Road in Millboro. Gradually, cabins were built, alongside the dining hall, a prayer garden, the three crosses on the hilltop, swimming pool, and chapel. Josie's father was also heavily involved in the build, contributing his work to constructing Mount Moriah Chapel, though he passed before he saw its completion. Bethel Lodge was completed in 1991, giving the camp 10 rooms where staff and guests could stay. Today, Camp Accovac continues to thrive as a beloved destination for Christian campers and those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its tranquil setting and numerous outdoor activities have made it an ideal location for summer camps, leadership retreats, family gatherings, and even wedding ceremonies. Josie Denius, Brandon Clemons, and the entirety of the Camp Accovac community have strived for decades to maintain the camp's natural surroundings and provide meaningful experiences for guests, hence the reason it has remained a treasured part of the Millboro community.

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