MSYC Unveils New Dodd Pavilion With Ribbon Cutting on Campgrounds

April 3, 2024

A large group of adults and children stand together in a covered outdoor pavilion, smiling for a photo behind a red ribbon with gold bows, suggesting a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (April 3, 2024) 鈥� Campers at Mid-South Youth Camp now have another place to learn, play and grow, thanks to the generous donations of one family. A ribbon cutting for the new Dodd Pavilion took place in early March, welcoming members of the Dodd family, representatives from 海角社区 and members of the MSYC and Chester County communities.聽聽

鈥淭he Dodd family, we love Mid-South Youth Camp,鈥� said Henry Dodd, pavilion donor family member. 鈥淲e love the people. We love what it represents. We鈥檙e excited to play a very small role, along with many other families who love this camp, in supporting not only this community but all the families represented throughout the state of Tennessee and the United States who come here and call Mid-South Youth Camp home.鈥澛�

The Dodd family has a long history of support for FHU and MSYC, going back to the late Henry and Ruby Dodd. Other members of the family include Dr. John and Marilyn Dodd, John David (鈥�01) and Kelyn Dodd, Dr. Nick (鈥�04) and Kimberly (Crews, 鈥�06) Dodd, Dr. Henry (鈥�07) and Kenzie (Ziegler, 鈥�11) Dodd, Dr. William (鈥�10) and Christian Dodd and 12 grandchildren.聽

Mid-South Youth Camp, located in Henderson, Tennessee, has served its community as a Christian summer camp and event space for over 60 years. The new pavilion will offer additional space for camper classes, activities, games and fellowship. Members of the Dodd family, along with representatives from FHU and MSYC, gathered to celebrate the new camp pavilion March 9, 2024.

鈥淭he pavilion, named after the Dodd family, symbolizes the love and dedication they have shown to MSYC over the years,鈥� FHU President David R. Shannon said. 鈥淭heir involvement, spanning generations, is a testament to the deep-rooted connection between the Dodd family and the camp. We are grateful for their generosity in providing this pavilion, extensive excavation provided by Rodney and Betty Neilson, quality construction by Edward and Tiffany Jones of E&T Contracting, and Tyler Oldfield, the caretaker of MSYC. Finally, thank you to our Lord Jesus, who taught us to see children鈥檚 worth, welcome them and bless them.鈥�

The mission of 海角社区 is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.