Construction underway on new Garaywa bathhouse

By Megan Young
Editor

When campers arrive at Garaywa Camp and Conference Center in Clinton this summer, there will be a welcome new addition to the grounds — a bathhouse next to the pool.

Construction began Feb. 5 on the bathhouse that will provide a much-needed update to the camp established in 1947. Currently, there are no restroom facilities near the pool, creating challenges during the busy summer season that saw more than 900 campers and staff last year.

“The addition of this bathhouse will solve many logistical issues,” said Hannah Counts, Garaywa Camp and Conference Center Program Director. “Campers and staff will now be able to make the most of the pool and recreation field activities.”  

“The bathhouse has been under consideration for over a decade,” according to Garaywa Camp and Conference Center Manger, Roddy Reed. The project was given the green light after the Executive Committee and the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board met Dec. 2, 2025.  During their meetings, approval was granted to fund renovation projects at Garaywa and Central Hills Baptist Retreat.  

“We are most grateful for the investment Mississippi Baptists have made in their facilities at Garaywa and we are looking forward to another God-honoring camping season this summer,” said Reed. “We are excited to see this first phase underway and look forward to future renovations.”  

Construction on the bathhouse is projected to take 90 days and is scheduled to be competed by May, in time for use during the first summer camp in June. Beyond Measure Design and Construction developed the project, with B.W. Builders providing the contracting.

In addition to the new bathhouse, Garaywa recently replaced all of its old picnic tables, and plans are in progress to update the ropes course tower and construct a new pavilion.

Camp reservations are now being accepted at www.garaywa.org.