About the Camp
In the 1960’s, Bob and Jewell Evans donated land which became Camp Francis Asbury. For many years, the camp was owned and maintained by the United Methodist Church. In 2017, the camp's name was changed to Evans Christian Outfitters (ECHO), and it is now owned, operated, and maintained by the Friends of Camp Asbury, Inc. (FOCA). FOCA operates the summer camps listed in this brochure and also rents the camp out for groups to enjoy year-round. FOCA is a group of Christian individuals who attend various churches in Southeast Ohio and seek to uphold the Evans family's vision for Christian camping in this region.
Trustees
Evans Christian Outfitters has dedicated Trustees who oversee the operation and the long-term vision of the camp.
Steve Evans
BS Agriculture, Owner Steve Evans Sausage. President: Youth Leader Association for Ohio and West Virginia.
Rev. Perry Alan Prosch
BS in Civil Engineering, Masters of Divinity. Pastor for twenty years in the United Methodist Church. Participation, coordination and administration in camping ministries for over forty years. Civil Engineer for 13 years for the State of Ohio. Extensive experience in governmental, non-profit and church administration.
Chris Burnette
BS in Education, Masters in Education Administration with certification of Elementary and Middle School Principal. Skilled and experience in general contracting and all building trades, operating heavy equipment and domestic mission work and disaster relief.
Robin Lynn Caudill
High School graduate with major in Office Education. 25+ years secretarial experience. Member and assistant to Treasurer for Rodney United Methodist Church for approximately 20 years. Current member and Board Secretary for Rodney Church of Light.
Dewey Franklin Smith, Jr.
Retired United States Postal Service, 30+ years, Vietnam era Army veteran, Active in the American Legion, Middleport, OH, Coaching golf at River Valley High School, Gallia County, OH
Active at River of Life UMC, Gallipolis, Ohio as Lay Leader, adult Sunday School teacher, Children's Church teacher, and on committees. Served as a counselor of children's camps at Camp Asbury, Rio Grande, OH. Participate in domestic mission work.
Becky Evans
BA Accounting, licensed in insurance, retail business owner for 35 years, CFO Steve Evans Sausage,
Modern Woodmen of America. Works with community service projects.
Kathryn Dyer
Wife, mother, and homeschool educator who is passionate about faith, family, and investing in the next generation. She and her family live on a farm where daily life is filled with hard work, caring for animals, and teaching children the value of responsibility and strong character. Kathryn volunteers in many areas that support youth, serving through her church, church camp, and programs like 4-H. She loves mentoring young people, encouraging them to grow in confidence, develop strong values, and deepen their relationship with Christ as they discover the purpose God has for their lives.
Charlene Hemphill
BS in Education, MBA, and pursuing certification in pastoral counseling. Served as church youth leader for 25 years and hold leadership roles in church. Retired with AEP electric as administration Superintendent, 28 years. Camp coordinator/director for 18 years.
Mary McQuay
Christian Education Director at Wheelersburg Methodist Church 20yrs. Director of Shining Light, an afterschool program for preschool through 6th grade 22yrs. Have served at least 73 camps, at Camp Asbury as a counselor or dean of 2-4th grade camps, 4-6th grade camps, 7-12th grade camps, since 1975. A Volunteer Reading Mentor Wheelersburg Elementary School 10yrs. Worked or directed 31 Bible Schools for Wheelersburg United Methodist since 1975. Enjoy helping children grow to their full potential. Great empathy for children suffering as a result of drug addicted families.
Ashli Halley
Wife, mother to two boys, and co-founder of WELX Community. Masters Degree in Special Education. Fifteen years experience teaching within a pK-12 setting. Served on District Leadership Teams, Title One Service Coordinator, Intervention Lead, Student Council Advisor, Multidisciplinary Team member, and RESA Mentor. Member of Northbend Church in Mason, WV.
Jeremy Queen
Associates in Natural Resource Law Enforcement and background in graphic design. Employed as Veterinarian Assistant. Active member in many aspects of church ministry including but not limited to Vacation Bible School, Tech booth, youth group activities, and community-based ministries. Served on various mission trips and demonstrates leadership qualities through community connection.
Tom Weaver
BS History and Political Science, High School teacher for 35 years, coach for 30 years, Extensive work in all aspects of home church, head church trustee, experience in camping.
Nicolyn Smith
BS, math and physics education; MS, mathematics. Taught computer science and mathematics at the University of Rio Grande, 31+ years. Math teacher Mason co., WV, Pt. Pleasant, WV. Active at River of Life UMC, Gallipolis, Ohio as lay member to annual conference, choir director, teacher in Sunday School and Children's Church, treasurer, and on committees
Served as a counselor of children's camps at Camp Asbury, Rio Grande, OH
Greg Hall
Bio coming soon!
Amanda Gilbert
Wife, mother to three boys, and co-founder of WELX Community. Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Over a decade of experience teaching within a K-12 setting. Served on District Leadership Teams, Chair of Career Readiness Committee, Technology Consultant, Drama Director, & Coach. Member of Northbend Church in Mason, WV.
Randal "Randy" Bratka
Ordained Deacon of Global Methodist Church, currently completing degree/study program. Former Director of Children’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries Camp; Church Pastor for 16 years total with American Baptist Churches, USA, plus current Methodist Pastor of 5 years, now serving at Wheelersburg Methodist Church. Other experience includes
various children & youth training events, camp counselor, Child Abuse Prevention Team, Greater Scioto Valley Emmaus Board, PRO-Kids Board of Directors Camp; East End Family Resource Center Board of Directors.