Decades ago, God gave World Impact founder, Keith Phillips, a vision to build a first-class Christian campground, in the mountains right outside Los Angeles. The primary focus would be to minister to families from urban communities of poverty. Over the years The Oaks Camp and Conference Center has provided great outdoor experiences for children, teens, and families who seldom could afford to enjoy one.
Earlier this year, World Impact announced our new strategic plan. This plan is going all in on training pastors and church workers in communities of poverty. As a result, we began restructuring our ministry and by 2023 our aim is to spin off our campgrounds and schools. Our goal was that each of them would keep their original mission but under a different organization.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has changed our plans, goals, and timetable concerning The Oaks. The inability and uncertain future of hosting large gatherings has put us in a very tough position. At our last executive team meeting, we made the difficult decision that we must spin off The Oaks as soon as possible. Last fiscal year it operated at a deficit, and we cannot continue to absorb that type of financial loss.
As a result, World Impact will not be reopening The Oaks. We already performed a reduction in part-time employees on July 24th. We have set September 18th as the last day for all full-time employees. We will only keep a small crew to maintain the facilities until the property’s future is determined. We will also give the employees that are housed on The Oaks property until December 31st to transition into new housing.
We are thankful for the many years that The Oaks has served urban children and families. Although The Oaks will not reopen, its legacy will continue in the lives and hearts of those who benefited from camps and retreats. Numerous lives were transformed for Christ because of the sacrifices made by staff and donors, and it will not go unnoticed by our Lord. Please take a moment to pray for all the staff and families that are affected by this decision.