Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is owned and operated by the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. The main campus is within the city limits of Glen Rose, Texas. The 55-acre site is situated along the Paluxy River. Adjoining the original 55-acre site is another 20-acres of undeveloped property, used mainly for hiking, nature walks, and rustic camping.
The history of Glen Lake actually began in the 1930's. After renting other sites throughout central Texas for summer camping experiences; Lakeview Camp in Glen Rose was purchased by the Central Texas Conference for the sum of $6,000.00 in November of 1939. At the suggestion of trustee John H. Siceloff, the site was re-named Glen Lake Camp in February of 1940.
During the next few years; laity, ministers, and youth of the conference volunteered their labor and time to build cabins, a dining hall, and meeting buildings. Worl War II and the polio epidemic slowed progress, but in 1944 the camp debt was retired and Glen Lake was dedicated by Bishop A. Frank Smith. The camp song, "The Spirit of Glen Lake", was written and presented to the camp by composer Thomas B. Granger.
Throughout the next three decades, many new additions were added to Glen Lake. In 1985, a new master plan was adopted by the Annual Conference in anticipation of preparing Glen Lake for its role in ministry for the next 50 years. Since that time, not only have many new modern facilities been added; but the staff and programming have been extensively expanded. Glen Lake now serves well over 10,000 perosns each and every year.
As new programs and facilities are added, the history and purpose of Glen Lake continue to be the foundation of every decision. Glen Lake's Mission Statement spells out these guidelines.
"The primary purpose for which Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center is formed, and to which its assets are pledged, is to promote the threefold spiritual, mental, and physical development of young persons and adults as Christians."