Florence Profiles
The Bishop Gravatt Center, Inc.
Spiritual and professional growth. Adventure and discovery. Fellowship and fun. Rest and relaxation. Where personal touches abound in a homespun atmosphere. Where life slows to an easier pace. Where mental focus and clarity become daily attributes.
This is the legacy of the Bishop Gravatt Center – a camp and conference center in Aiken County, SC. Established in 1949 as an Episcopal summer camp for boys and girls, what is now known as the Bishop Gravatt Center has for nearly six decades changed thousands of lives through its summer ministry, as well as through hosting corporate and private retreats and functions.
The Bishop Gravatt Center sits on 260 beautiful pine-covered acres and boasts two lakes, numerous ponds and a soon-tobe completed 2,500 square foot year-round indoor chapel. Though obviously the summer camp aspect of its operation has been integral to its success through the years, Gravatt has expanded its operations to include an Adventure and Discovery Center and a Conference Center in addition to the popular summer camp.
The Conference Center includes overnight accommodations as well as four meeting areas for groups, from 10 to 100, and is known for delicious Southern cooking served family style.
"As a hosting facility for meetings or retreats, Gravatt is a great place to get away from the rush and craziness of the office," executive director Lauri Yeargin says. "We're a quiet place set apart. No distractions, no televisions or telephones in the rooms. We do offer wireless internet, but the idea is for
groups to be able to truly focus on why they are here, whatever that may be."
Yeargin knows what an impact Gravatt can have on a person. "I remember saying at age 13 I would grow up to be the director of Camp Gravatt," Yeargin says, "I grew up here as a camper, served on summer camp staff as a teenager, got married here in the outdoor chapel and now my own family is here with me.
"There's something about this place; at Gravatt you feel able to be yourself, to explore and grow. The staff who work here are genuinely kind people who will do anything to make our guests feel at home. My family and I have lived other places, and the other day, my daughter said, 'Mom, I finally feel like there is a place I belong.' It was just amazing to hear her say that."
In addition to the camp and conference center, the Adventure and Discovery Center is used for team-building events that focus on enhancing leadership skills, self-esteem and teamwork. More recently the Adventure and Discovery Center has added an environmental education component, which serves school groups and meets state science standards.
"Whether it's work or church retreats, business groups or summer camp, there's something about Gravatt that keeps people coming back year after year after year. It's just a special, special place."
