Mt. Gilead’s History
Since 1963, God’s faithfulness has been found in the Northern California redwoods – and the story is still being written.
Born Out of a Calling – and 108 Acres of Redwoods
In 1963, Mt. Gilead was born out of a genuine need: a permanent home for the American Sunday School Union’s growing youth camping programs in Northern California. For years the ASSU had been serving 20 rural communities across a 10-county region — renting facilities, improvising, making do. By 1963, those facilities could no longer keep pace with the vision God had placed in the hearts of a team of faithful missionaries and volunteers.
God miraculously directed ASSU Missionary, Dwight Jungkeit, to 108 acres of undeveloped Northern California redwood grove in Sebastopol, a property owned by Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Giovannini on Green Valley Road. The land was purchased, and on September 28, 1963, 300 people gathered in what they called “God’s redwood cathedral” to dedicate it to the Lord.
At that dedication service, a name was chosen from entries of a contest held among all the ASSU mission communities. The name “Mount Gilead,” drawn from Psalm 60:7 and Judges 7, means “a hill of witness.” It has been that ever since.
Ground Breaking, April 4, 1964
Mt. Gilead means primarily ‘a hill of witness”
“God grant that this hill of witness will ever be a monument to His truth and have far-reaching effects in the hearts and lives of all who share in its ministry.”
For the first 12 building projects, the board made a covenant: trust God for one-third donated labor, one-third donated materials, one-third donated cash. Not one shovel turned without the provision in hand. That is still how Mt. Gilead builds today.
— The Founding Principle, 1963
1960s — “Our God Is Able”: Building from the Ground Up
With the land dedicated and a summer camp season fast approaching, Dwight Jungkeit and the nine-man board made a covenant that would define Mt. Gilead for decades: they would build as God supplied — one-third donated labor, one-third donated materials, one-third donated cash. Not one shovel would turn without the provision in hand.
Volunteers poured in from all 20 ASSU mission communities — adults and children working side by side, around the clock. Dwight himself cleared brush and hauled logs alongside everyone else. Board member Richard Wells showed up with his family, his truck, and his tools — building and donating every round dining table in the new dining hall by hand. It is the kind of gift that is never flashy and never forgotten.
Working around the clock, the team completed the entrance road, kitchen, dining hall, and restrooms in time for the first High School Camp to open on July 4, 1964. The theme that year said everything: “Our God Is Able.” By the decade’s end the first swimming pool had opened, the Easter Sunrise Service tradition had begun, permanent dormitories replaced the longhouses, and Victory Circle was complete, all built the same way: faith first with provision following.
1970s — Growing in Every Direction: Land, Buildings & Ministry
The 1970s were a decade of growth — in acreage, infrastructure, and people reached. By 1970 the camp was hosting over 1,600 campers across 10 different youth camps each summer, served by 80 to 90 volunteer staff who together served over 290,000 meals in a single season. That same year construction added a bookstore, candy store, and a 40×80 warehouse to the growing property.
In 1970, Mt. Gilead also purchased an additional 19.16 acres on the south side of the entrance road — where the Director’s Residence would be completed by 1971–72. By mid-decade the chapel, conference room, and fireside room had been constructed (1974–76), and in 1974 the American Sunday School Union became American Missionary Fellowship. That same year a beloved camp album was recorded — Two Sent, featuring Becky Stewart and Midge Robertson.
In 1975, Norman and Kitty Jones began what would become a 27-year tenure as the camp’s second Executive Director — a season of remarkable continuity and faithfulness. The following year Mt. Gilead purchased an additional 96 acres, the land that would eventually become Recreation Canyon and the RV Park. The decade closed with two milestones worth celebrating: the dedication of Fir Lodge dormitory in 1978, and the burning of the mortgage on the original property — a moment of genuine thanksgiving for God’s provision since 1963.
By 1970 — just seven years after 300 people gathered in a redwood grove with a dream — Mt. Gilead was serving over 1,600 campers, 10 youth camps, and 290,000 meals in a single summer. God had been faithful to the covenant.
— Mt. Gilead, 1970
Twenty-five years in, the board counted 22 completed building projects, 169,750 people served on the grounds, and 2,420 recorded decisions for Christ. Every one of them built the same way — as God provided.
— Celebrating Mt. Gilead’s 25th Anniversary, 1988
1980s — Building What Would Last: Recreation, Infrastructure & 25 Years of Faithfulness
The 1980s opened with a significant gift: in 1981, Darrel and Marge Hurst donated 15.12 acres to the ministry — land that would eventually become home to Hurst Castle. That same period saw the play field leveled and outpost camping sites developed, expanding the camp’s recreational footprint considerably. In 1984 the first 49er Camp program launched, and by 1986 a new swimming pool had been dedicated and a 12-site RV Park was cleared — completed the following year with electricity and water to all sites.
The decade closed with two important infrastructure investments: in 1988, two new wells were drilled to support the growing property’s water needs, and the process of replacing the original tent-cabins with larger, more permanent structures began. That same year the board paused to mark a milestone — 25 years of ministry, 22 building projects completed, 169,750 people served on the grounds, and 2,420 recorded decisions for Christ. All of it built the same way it started: as God provided.
1990s — Faithful Continuity: A Ministry in Full Stride
The 1990s were years of steady ministry and faithful stewardship under Norman and Kitty Jones, who had led the camp since 1975. Between 10,000 and 12,000 campers passed through Mt. Gilead annually during this era — a testament to the camp’s reputation among Northern California churches for solid Bible teaching in a beautiful setting. Kitty served alongside Norm as Administrative Assistant and Director of Women’s Ministries, while long-serving staff including bookkeeper Carolyn Wagner and Maintenance Manager Rick Jones have provided the kind of quiet, consistent excellence that keeps a ministry running well year after year. The stained-glass windows were installed in the Chapel during this period, adding a permanent and beautiful touch to one of the most sacred spaces on the property.
Year after year, 10,000 to 12,000 people were led to Mt. Gilead. Not because of marketing or momentum — but because faithful people kept showing up, doing the work, and trusting God with the results.
— Mt. Gilead Staff, 1990s
In 63 years, Mt. Gilead has had only three Executive Directors. That kind of continuity doesn’t happen by accident — it is the fruit of people who treat this ministry as a calling, not a career.
— Mt. Gilead Board Of Directors
2000’s — Transition, Fire & God’s Continued Provision
The 2000’s brought significant transition. In 2002, after 27 years of beloved leadership, Norm and Kitty Jones stepped back — and Dave Gould, who had served as Operations Manager since 1986, became Executive Director, only the third person in the camp’s history to hold that position. Dave’s wife, Dawn Gould, joined the leadership team as Director of Women’s Ministries, a role she continues in today. Many women’s ministry programs were birthed during these years with the overarching goal of equipping and encouraging women that serve in leadership. The programs included Competent to Minister Luncheon, The Praise and Dream Night and eventually the RELAX Retreat, designed especially for pastor’s wives that served in smaller churches. And in 2004, Steve and Shannon Todd joined as Program Manager & Health Supervisor, bringing fresh energy and dedication to the summer programs. Many of our incredible staff served the Lord whole-heartedly for many years – Natalie Chenoweth served at Mt. Gilead for 20 years, Kimberly Lingle in accounting for 12-15 years and many others served close to five years each. We’re so grateful for every team member the Lord directs to our Mt. Gilead work family.
The decade was also marked by challenge: in 2002 a fire destroyed the original central restroom building. A modular office unit was installed as a temporary measure, and by 2004 a new permanent restroom building had been constructed — another demonstration of the same faith-and-provision principle that built the camp from the start.
Adding asphalt in 2006 was a game changer for Mt. Gilead. The first phase was adding it from the entrance to camp to the main office area. It took many volunteers to grade the road and also raise it 3 ft at the entrance to camp to prevent flooding. Phase two took place later (in 2014), but brought the addition of asphalt walkways around the central portion of camp. The guest groups and campers all LOVE the cleanliness of the asphalt…no more dusty shoes! The decade closed with the remodel of the Redwood and Pepperwood dormitories in 2008, refreshing two of the camp’s most-used lodging facilities.
2010’s — Celebration, Renovation & New Life
The 2010’s brought a wave of energy, renovation, celebration, and new programming. In 2013 we celebrated Mt. Gilead’s 50th Anniversary with a large reunion of our Mt. Gilead “family” including our founders, Dwight & Lola Jungkeit, former and current staff, campers and supporters. It was an incredible celebration looking back on God’s faithfulness throughout the decades. And truly a special gift to spend time with those that were critical to Mt. Gilead’s development and growth like Rich & Ginger Wells and family, the Hurst family, the Beckwiths, Vickie Gronseth, Jim Hambelton, the Jones extended family and many more!
So many updates to our grounds…Fir Lodge was renovated in 2011 and in 2013 the Chalkball Wall was installed. In 2015 the Fox Den was built in the original Gilead Bookstore space — a new gathering spot that quickly became a camper favorite. In 2018 the Goliath Swing was built — a 60-foot plunge through the redwoods that became one of the most beloved additions in camp history.
The decade closed with a flurry of improvements in 2019: a new entrance sign, a refresh of staff rooms, a new water filtration system, and a remodel of Hurst Castle. Each project a reflection of the same commitment to stewarding this land well — for the campers of today and the generations still to come.
In 2013, we celebrated 50 years of God’s goodness at Mt. Gilead. In 2011 Fir Lodge was renovated, in 2015 the Fox Den was built, and in 2018 the Goliath Swing opened — a 60-foot plunge in the Redwoods. One by one, year by year, God was once again faithful through this decade.
— Mt. Gilead’s New Projects
Founder and first Camp Director, Dwight Jungkeit graduated into Heaven in February 2023 — but his vision to share the Gospel with many at Mt. Gilead remains. The redwoods are taller. The pool has been resurfaced. The solar panels are running. And the campers keep coming. God’s faithfulness continues day after day.
— In Memory Of Dwight Jungkeit, 1936–2023
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Founder and first Camp Director, Dwight Jungkeit and wife Lola visiting campers during COVID
2020’s — Resilience, Renewal, Remembrance & Looking Ahead
The early 2020’s tested camps across the country with Covid-19 shutting many operations, but Mt. Gilead pressed forward. Overnight camping returned in 2021, and that same year renovations to Victory Circle were completed, all cabin roofs were replaced with new metal roofs. Mt. Gilead has provided housing for many Fire Departments across the state that have come to the rescue of Sonoma County during the Tubbs Fire (2017), Kincade Fires (2019) and Wallbridge Fire (2020). In response to the growing threat of wild fires, in 2021, we purchased a bus from Hessel Church for fire evacuation readiness.
In February 2023, the camp’s beloved founder Dwight Jungkeit passed away — a faithful life, well and fully lived. His legacy endures in every structure, every trail, and every soul changed. That same year the swimming pool was resurfaced and all lodges received new metal bunk beds. In 2024 we received a grant from the Gold Ridge Water Conservation District that helped secure a grant to provide camp with a rainwater catchment system, which included the Gilead Pavilion, an entirely new landscaped ball field with a sophisticated computerized sprinkler system, in addition to providing two 220,000 gallon water tanks to provide water for the ball field (and potentially provide water for fire protection if needed). By 2025 solar panels and a battery pack had been installed at Mt. Gilead to power the central part of camp — another step forward in stewarding this land with excellence. And in 2026, a Founder’s Rock was placed to honor Dwight Jungkeit’s vision and God’s faithfulness to His people and our camp.
Since 1964, hundreds of volunteers, staff and board members have been faithfully providing a Christian camping experience for 10,000 to 12,000 campers each year. To God be the glory for the thousands who have had a life changing experience as they were impacted with God’s Holy Word in the creative setting of these majestic redwoods. As we look to the future, may God continue to provide the leadership and resources so that we might have the privilege of sharing God’s redeeming love with thousands of children, young people and adults who yet will experience the opportunity to camp at Mount Gilead.
