about us
OUR HISTORY
Rollie and Vicki Whalen launched Shiloh Family Ministries in October 2000 as an evangelical, non-denominational, non-profit ministry established to strengthen and rebuild our nation’s families on Biblical foundations. At that time, the Whalens had been team-teaching youth and adult Bible studies and leading parenting and marriage enrichment seminars in local churches for more than 20 years.
Getting Started
In January 1994, heart-broken over the growing divorce rate, the drug and alcohol problems, and deteriorating families within the Christian community, the Whalen family began an exciting adventure. Their mission was to establish a ministry focused on helping hurting families who had become disconnected due to the competing priorities of career, possessions, and pleasure. The vision was to provide a place where busy families could escape their daily routines and prioritize the important over the immediate.
In May 2001, the Whalens were formally commissioned by Community Bible Church in San Diego as domestic missionaries and moved to the east coast in search of a tranquil setting to begin their ministry. In June 2005 Shiloh Family Ministries purchased the Camp Kerr Lake facilities near Henderson, NC to begin ministering to and serving camping families and the local community.
Pastor Billy
Bill Callahan began serving as Camp Director in 2019 when the Whalens stepped back to focus on family. Having grown up attending CKL as a camper, Billy has remained deeply connected to the ministry since the Whalens reopened the camp in 2005.
He joined the Shiloh Family Ministries Board of Directors in 2014 and was ordained as a minister in October 2020. Today, Pastor Billy serves as Camp Pastor for Shiloh Family Church. He leads weekly worship services at CKL and also serves as Youth Camp Director during our summer programs, faithfully ministering to our camping families.
Today, the volunteer staff of Shiloh Family Ministries serve our campers and the local community by offering a peaceful camping environment in God’s creation, a Sunday morning worship service, mid-week Bible study, family-friendly events, musical guests, summer Youth Camps and partnerships with other local ministries and churches. Come camp, worship, minister and volunteer with us!
Paul Robinson and Ginnie Beth Robinson joined the Camp Kerr Lake Board of Directors in 2016. Following their retirement from careers in software development, they felt God calling them into full-time ministry and stepped forward in faith to serve wherever He led. Over the years, they have had the privilege of serving and leading mission teams both locally and internationally—experiences that helped prepare them for this new season of ministry. They look forward to welcoming campers to Camp Kerr Lake, sharing in the beauty and peace God provides there, and helping create a restful place where families can relax and enjoy His creation.
The Robinsons
Paul Robinson and Ginnie Beth Robinson began serving as Campground Managers at Camp Kerr Lake in 2025 after many years as dedicated members of the camp community. They have been camping at CKL since 2006 and are deeply grateful for the lasting memories made along the way.
Their son, Jacob, grew up attending camp at the lake, and through the years their family has experienced the joy, peace, and meaningful moments that Camp Kerr Lake provides. Paul and Ginnie Beth are thankful for the opportunity to now serve and invest in the same ministry that has meant so much to their family.
