The Backstory: Why We Started Camp Infinity

As far as we know, Camp Infinity (Ci) is an utterly unique camp. No one else combines STEM training with biblical apologetics in a camp setting. So how did Camp Infinity get started?

Well, God has been preparing me for years for this exciting and challenging task. Through my work as a computer science professor, board member at Answers in Genesis and The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center, and as cofounder of The Worthwhile Company, the necessary ideas and skills for Camp Infinity have all come together. Here’s the “short version” of our backstory.

A Computer Science Professor

I love computer science and new technologies. I invested 30 years of my life as a professor of computer science at a Christian university. I’ve always believed creating software is one of the most creative things man has ever done. It’s just another demonstration that we are image bearers of the Creator!

But, despite my love for technology, I never thought much about a theology of technology. Then, several years ago, I came across the testimony of a young man who started his life on a clear path of Christianity and who loved digital technologies. But he was hit with some severe physical trials and ended up exchanging his faith in God for faith in the Internet. It seemed God had failed him, but the people he’d connected with through the Internet had not. His testimony moved me to tears and God used it to motivate me to study Scripture and develop a “theology of technology.” This impacted my teaching and gave me a desire to teach my students both why God has allowed man to develop technology and how we are to use it.

This planted the seeds for Ci—a desire to instill into the hearts and minds of young people an understanding of the role of technology in a fallen world. Showing them how they can use technology to fulfill the creation mandate as defined in Genesis.

A Board Member at Answers in Genesis

I’ve always loved getting to know my student’s parents. In 1995 I met the father of one of my freshman students. He looked like Abraham Lincoln but spoke like an Aussie. He was Ken Ham, the founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis (AiG). We instantly connected around a common purpose—how do we engage the culture with biblical truth using leading edge digital technology?

Since then I’ve been involved with AiG. I’ve heard Ken and other AiG speakers present hundreds of times, read many of AiG’s excellent apologetic resources, brought over 100 groups through the Creation Museum, and served on AiG’s board of directors. I know of no other Christian ministry which more effectively confronts our culture on the issue of biblical authority and reliability.

My involvement with AiG has shown me that young people need a clear understanding of the relevant issues today, especially related to science and technology. Young people need to know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to formulate and articulate answers to defend what they believe.

A Board Member of “The Wilds” Christian Camp

As a young person, I attended a Bible camp a few times. It was a good, but not life-changing, experience. Then God led me to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center. I learned that a camp, done right, could have a life-changing impact on a person’s direction in life for the Lord. I saw firsthand the impact it had on my three kids when they attended camp and my wife and I when we attended couples’ retreats.

Serving on their board gave me insight into the philosophy, processes, and people God used to make The Wilds a great example of serving others in the love of Christ. This experience gave me the insight and skills to challenge young people to contemplate their life before a holy, loving Creator in a camp setting.

A Cofounder of The Worthwhile Company

I learned to combine great business and technology with great people and processes to accomplish a mission as a cofounder of The Worthwhile Company, a custom software company out of Greenville, SC. I praise the Lord for the countless practical business lessons I’ve learned which have equipped me to start a non-profit organization. It takes well-defined business principles to create a high-quality camp that can carry out its mission to impact the lives of the young people God brings to us!

So why Kentucky and why STEM?

Why Kentucky?

Well, the short answer is—the Creation Museum. I’ve taken hundreds of folks through this high-tech and engaging museum. And, through these tours, I’ve developed a burden and passion to use this great teaching tool to help young people understand who God is, what He’s done for them, what He desires of them, and how they can use science and technology to serve Him. What better place to host an apologetics STEM camp than at a high-tech creation science and apologetics museum?

Why STEM?

STEM is much more than the separate disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math. It is a philosophy of problem solving that emphasizes teamwork. STEM, done right, allows a team of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians to solve problems far more complex than any one of them could solve alone. That’s why the ability to work as a team player is such an in demand skill in today’s job market.

Personally I love STEM as it allows for creativity and analytical thinking to come together and solve really cool problems. As a Christian, I believe it plays a strong role in helping mankind carry out the creation mandate. Camp Infinity engages campers with teamwork centered and hands-on STEM activities while teaching a biblical worldview and creation apologetics.

Camp Infinity—A STEM Camp with a Biblical Worldview

That’s why I started Camp Infinity. I wanted academically-driven young people to be able to learn about STEM in an environment of trust in God’s Word. Not only will their love of science, technology, engineering, and math be fostered, but they will be encouraged to trust God’s Word from the very beginning while they are equipped with answers to today’s challenging questions. Our desire, and the reason we started Ci, is to change hearts and lives for now and eternity. There is no greater mission than that!

Camp Infinity

Where Science & Technology Meet Truth