Scouts Help Plant Trees At Glad Tidings Bible Camp

Glad Tidings Bible Camp’s director Eric “Gil” Kimmons has a big vision for the Bible Camp’s campus. Inspired by past directors and building on his own vision, Kimmons has already done some great things.

Last weekend, his goal was to plant several new trees, which he received from ReTree Nebraska.

“We have a ton of different types of trees around campus,” he said.

There are about 50 different species of trees and shrubs on site. Through ReTree Nebraska, Kimmons requested five new species to add to the diversity. He invitee Cub Scouts to help plant the trees.

This project not only helped Kimmons tremendously, but it also doubled in helping the scouts receive tree planting experience that could go toward a badge.

An hour into the tree planting, Kimmons said something that could take him all day to do alone was almost completely finished.

He said he hopes the children take some lessons from the tree planting experience.

“Our goal is to show God’s handiwork through the trees,” he said.

When Kimmons first took over as director of Glad Tidings Bible Camp, there were already many trees planted on campus, including many apple trees near the end of their lives.

He said he loved that there were so many diverse trees in one spot and was especially excited campers and other children get to see the sycamore tree, like the story Zacchaeus who climbed the tree in the Bible.

Cypress trees and pecan trees are also a few of the many diverse trees on the property. Kimmons is excited to share the enjoyment and knowledge that can come from projects like this.

“As a part of the grant, and and as a way to connect with the community, this project is something we are glad to do,” he said.

Kimmons continues to set goals for the campus. One thing he said hopes to achieve while at Glad Tidings Bible Camp is to create an arboretum on campus. An arboretum is a place that has all sorts of trees and plants and they are all labeled.

“I’d really like to do that down the road,” he said. “I’ve really been thinking about the Eagle Scouts because sometimes they do a project like that.”

Kimmons said thinks the Eagle Scouts could help identify the trees and place plaques with their names next to them and believes many kids could enjoy learning about tree and plant species from such a project.

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