N.C. Baptists recently marked the 50th anniversary of the Happiness Retreat at Caraway Conference Center and Camp in Sophia, N.C.
This three-day retreat for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, which wrapped up this year on July 27, has taken place every year since 1947. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina partners with Caraway Conference Center for this unique camp experience filled with worship, fun classes, activities, recreation times and a talent show.
In its early years, the Happiness Retreat alternated between Fort Caswell and Camp Caraway but eventually stayed at Caraway because of its central location, allowing more campers from across the state to attend. The Happiness Retreat continued to grow from one camp to three, eventually adding a fourth Western Happiness Retreat in 1982, which is held annually at Truett Conference Center and Camp in Hayesville, N.C. Attendance more than tripled in its first 10 years and has increased exponentially since then, with nearly 800 attending in 2008.
Legacy of leadership
Reflecting on its 50-year history, it is striking to note the longevity in leadership from camp directors and pastors to musicians. Retired North Carolina Pastor Bill Voorhes (and his puppet, Joey) debuted as worship leaders as early as 1975, and Voorhes returned as camp pastor and later as both camp pastor and director for almost 20 years.
“We want to minister to the whole person and not just a part,” Voorhes said in a local news article during his tenure as pastor. “We want to let them know God loves them as individuals.”
The quote aptly characterizes the motivations of those selected to lead the Happiness Retreat, who have drawn people to return to the event again and again.
In 1998, Judy Autry attended the Happiness Retreat as a chaperone with the special needs ministries group she serves at First Baptist Church of Sanford. While there, she overheard then Camp Director Betty Hill saying she was stepping down. When asked for her recommendation for a successor, Hill named Autry and her husband, Craig. It was a natural fit for Judy and Craig, who had been leading special needs ministries at First Baptist Sanford for years.
Autry, who is also a retired employee from the Baptist state convention, described the retreat as a big family reunion of campers, caregivers and leaders who continue their relationships and foster a sense of community throughout the year between retreats, offering support and comfort to families going through trials and losses.
She went on to say it has brought a “different kind of joy” to her and Craig as they have been there for individuals and families, in both good times and bad.
“These people have a right to know the Lord — we all have some type of disability,” Judy Autry said. “We need to open the doors to them.”
After 26 years as camp director, Autry has announced that she and Craig are stepping into retirement. They plan to go out and bring awareness to this important but often overlooked group by sharing with local churches how they can get involved with special needs ministries in their communities.
Judy Autry reflected on the long-term commitment of camp leaders such as Brian Caldwell, who began helping with the music 37 years ago and eventually became the camp’s worship leader, as well as husband and wife John and Dale Murchison, who have also served faithfully for between 20 and 30 years and have been named Happiness Retreat directors for 2025.
“They always found a way to outdo whatever they did the previous year,” Judy Autry said. “[They are] one of the most talented groups of people across the state who know how to reach people for the Lord.”
Caregiver’s perspective
Lai Salmonson comes to the Happiness Retreat for a different reason than Judy. Also a longtime employee of the Baptist state convention, Salmonson is a husband and father of two daughters, the youngest of whom has a developmental disability. Salmonson’s daughter showed signs of developmental and speech delays at an early age and was later diagnosed with a rare disorder.
“[The retreat gives] a little respite time, reminds you that you are not alone, and you don’t have to go through it alone, which is such a blessing and brings joy to the heart,” Salmonson said.
When describing the impact of Happiness Retreat on families, Salmonson shared some of the difficulties that go on in the life of these families.
Salmonson said many individuals with disabilities experience social isolation since they do not get to experience many of the typical social activities with other teenagers. One of the highlights of the retreat, then, is a prom-like experience on the second night.
Salmonson also said that some children with disabilities experience physical pain, which is especially tough on parents who can see but cannot alleviate it completely. Additionally, siblings are required to take on more family responsibilities, which can add additional stress on the family.
“This is one way N.C. Baptists are on mission together,” Salmonson said. “Helping families who are struggling with special needs by bringing awareness to these needs and helping families connect with churches in their area that provide resources for them.”
Passing the baton
Back in 1998, God showed Judy Autry that “more people need not only to be loving these people but also to be loved by these people.” That became her missional heartbeat as she took the helm of the Happiness Retreat.
N.C. Baptists have made this retreat a priority for five decades, knowing all people are uniquely created in the image of God. N.C. Baptists are committed to being on mission together with churches to reach all people, wherever they are in life, with the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.
In addition, the staff at Caraway Conference Center and Camp has partnered with N.C. Baptists to accommodate campers, families, caregivers and leaders of the Happiness Retreat by loving and serving those who attend in a way that honors Christ. The Murchisons will bring their years of experience as directors and look forward to continuing the legacy of the Happiness Retreat in 2025.
