Kickline, 1927
A Spiritual Place
Established in 1918, Camp Winnataska is located east of Birmingham, in St. Clair County, between Leeds and Pell City. The beauty of the site, accentuated by Kelly Creek and a spectacular waterfall, attracted the founders with its peace and spiritual nature. For more than 100 years, Winnataska has offered a wide variety of quality programs in a Christian environment for young people, both girls, and boys.
Camp Winnataska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit traditional overnight summer camp, run by a private board of directors and supported by Friends of Winnataska Inc., also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, with the goal of raising funds for the camp. The ecumenical facility is open to people of all faiths. The camp and its leadership have always included people of the Catholic and Protestant faiths, as well as Jews and people of other world religions, and of no religion.
Historic Marker
In 1997, the Alabama Historical Association awarded a marker to the camp. Placed at the entrance of the camp, the plaque reads:
Elwyn Ballard
“Dr. Elwyn Ballard, commissioner of Boy Scouts in Birmingham, and his wife, Florence Aye Ballard, discovered this site in 1914 and became vital forces in the founding and growth of the camp. Boy Scouts and Boys Club members from the area first camped here in tents in 1916. Through Dr. Ballard, the Interdenominational Birmingham Sunday School Association acquired the camp in 1918 and offered sessions not only for boys but for girls as well—the first organization-sponsored camping for girls in Alabama and among the first in the South.
Daniel Ray Price, Executive Secretary of the Association, directed the camp 1922-1957. Rosa V. Strickland, educator and church leader, served as the girls camp director 1919-1954. Winnataska early received national recognition for excellence of staff, facilities and programs. Since its founding, Winnataska has continuously provided outdoor experiences and educational programs for thousands of Alabama children and adults.”
Joint Venture with the Scouts
In 1986, Camp Winnataska and the Boy Scouts, Birmingham Area Council, formed a joint venture to operate the Camp Winnataska Outdoor Education Center. In 2006, Winnataska dissolved the joint venture with the Boy Scouts. In January 2007, Winnataska began a new era when the camp established its own board and nonprofit status. The camp has a strong network of multi-generational families who continue to passionately support this historic camp.
