Never giving up Hope
Tracy O’Neil has a lot less weight on his shoulders these days.
“We never accepted that we could lose the camp,” he said. “If we had lost the camp, we would have lost a cornerstone of the history of our community.”
Sipping a cup of coffee at Panacea Coffeehouse in Waynesville one recent morning, O’Neil relaxes into his seat, only to lean forward enthusiastically each time he speaks of the past, present and future of Camp Hope — a longtime community gathering spot for Haywood County and beyond.
“Camp Hope is almost 90 years old. All of the children, all of the camps and programs that were held there through the years is amazing, with many of our county leaders being counselors there at one time,” said O’Neil, co-founder of the Friends of Camp Hope organization.
Situated off U.S. 276 in the hamlet of Cruso, the 101-acre property is owned by the Town of Canton. Originally owned and founded by the Champion International Paper company in 1925, the land was gifted to Canton in 1992. But a civil suit emerged a couple of years ago, one which claimed the camp should be taken away from Canton for failing to comply with the terms stated in the deed, which called for the property to be managed as a public recreation site — a stipulation that seemingly fell by the wayside through years of funding depletions and a lack of direction for the property.
The suit was brought by the camp’s neighbors, John and Deborah Prelaz, who were next in line to get Camp Hope if Canton didn’t live up to the conditions of the deed set up by Champion when the plot was gifted.
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Following a handful of court victories for Canton and subsequent appeals by the Prelaz family, the N.C. Court of Appeals in Raleigh ruled unanimously in July that the property did indeed belong to the town. Formed initially as a group to save Camp Hope through the court process, the Friends of Camp Hope recently partnered up with the town to form a nonprofit organization that will maintain, protect and promote the landscape.
“Though we would never give up, there were some tough times over the last two years,” O’Neil said. “The town and the Friends of Camp Hope just kept coming together, with the root of it all being a strong conviction to keep the camp going, and to keep it open for the community for future generations.”
Let the Music Play
With numerous weddings, family reunions and church groups using the property, O’Neil estimates around 30 events were hosted at Camp Hope this summer — the highest number of events for a season in recent memory. These events write another chapter in Camp Hope’s long and storied history of activities, which has included over the years camps for bands, churches, Pisgah High School football and children.
And at the center of these events is the Shining Rock Riverfest, a music and culture festival celebrating Western North Carolina and its people. Last year, the inaugural festival attracted over 500 folks, with this year’s Sept. 13 celebration hoping to triple attendance.
“Shining Rock was such a great experience to be part of. We get to see old friends and make news ones, with a certain kinship coming with a more intimate, local festival,” said banjoist Joey Fortner, whose band Soldier’s Heart will make its second appearance at the festival this year. “Camp Hope has a long history in Haywood County, and many of my relatives went to camp there in their younger years. I want to see both the camp and the festival grow and become a mainstay. It’s such a beautiful location — right in our backyard.”
Amid the excitement for festival, town leaders are also in the midst of creating the Camp Hope Commission, a nine-person advisory panel that will mold the future of the property. Five members will be from within the town limits, with four from outside. Residents interested in applying for a seat on the panel can visit www.cantonnc.com.
“Camp Hope has and will remain a vital part of both our history and future. It has provided many great memories, and it is our plan for it to continue to do so,” said Canton Alderman Zeb Smathers. “The Shining Rock Riverfest is the perfect example of our continued commitment to attract events that increases the visibility and use of one of the town’s crown jewels.”
O’Neil said plans are in the works to create hiking trails and other recreational components on the land. He also noted the camp is open to the public, where any and all can come and enjoy the beauty of the property, whether it be fishing the streams (with proper licenses), playing ball on the field, or simply swinging in for a picnic.
“Camp Hope is located off a scenic byway, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness Area,” O’Neil said. “Folks driving by or coming off the parkway just don’t know we’re here, we’re open and ready for day-use. We want folks to discover the camp, visit it, come back again, and have their kids grow up there and enjoy it.”
In the meantime, O’Neil is all smiles — the court case in the rearview mirror, an open door of possibility for Camp Hope in front of him.
“In the face of adversity, we kept going,” he said. “We dug in and kept going, and to be on the side of that is very gratifying, but, at the same time, we can’t take our foot off the gas pedal.”
Want to go?
The 2nd annual Shining Rock Riverfest will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Camp Hope in Cruso.
Live music will be provided by Soldier’s Heart, Owner of the Sun, Bobby G., Shiloh Hill, The Wilhelm Brothers, Grits & Soul, WestWend, Indigo, and Andy Buckner. There will also be children’s activities, craft vendors, barbecue and refreshments.
Proceeds go to the maintenance of Camp Hope. The event is produced by the Town of Canton and the Camp Hope Commission.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be bought at the camp gate.
