Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I come to this conference?
To be equipped with practical skills for making disciples and be encouraged with the fellowship of like-minded believers.
What all is provided by the conference?
We will provide lodging and all meals from Sunday's supper on Aug 4th through Wednesday's breakfast on August 7th. During the conference we will have childcare available. We also provide every attendee with a program and a welcome/ goodie bag.
I am not a ministry leader. Can I still come?
Yes! We believe everyone is called to make disciples, and therefore we want to equip people from all stages of development to do that well.
Sean Reece
Does the conference cost anything?
It costs the hosting ministry about $90-100 per person to put on the conference. We generally ask a minimum donation of $75 per person to help offset costs. If your finances are tight, talk to us.
How do we get from the airport to Thomas Road Outpost?
Please coordinate your travel plans with Shad or Lauri Bolen, and we will arrange to have everyone shuttled to the Outpost as they arrive.
Even if you don't need help with transportation, please still coordinate with us. Due to the private location of the camp, we will need to escort you in.
Shad (540) 312-4592
Lauri (540) 312-8141
Do I have to stay for the full conference?
No, you can come for any part of the conference. While you are welcome to stay in a cabin and attend the full conference, it is completely acceptable to only come for the day or even to drop in for just a few select sessions if you don't mind the drive.
Who Are This Year's Speakers?
Every year we try to utilize the unique connections and partnerships that the hosting ministry has in their area. Here are this year's speakers :
dr.mark Hamby
For over 30 years, Dr. Mark Hamby, as the founder of Lamplighter Publishing, has been using stories of Christ-like character to give Christ-centered hope across the world using literature from 17th to 19th century. He is also the executive producer of Lamplighter Theater, which turns Lamplighter books into dramatic audios heard by millions across 34 countries. In 2010, Dr. Hamby also started the summer Guild for Creative Disciplines which became a catalyst for building The Masters Guild for the Arts, Leadership, and Theology. As the TMG dean and a professor, Dr. Hamby encourages and empowers students to make Christ the center of all things in their lives. He and his wife Debbie have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren.
Anthony Mathenia
Anthony was raised in Jackson, Tennessee and attended seminary in Memphis before serving as a full-time missionary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He has served as elder at Christ Church in Christiansburg, VA for over 13 years. He and his wife Hannah have been married for 15 years and have 7 children, ages 20 to 3.
Luke Nash
Luke was raised in Harrisonburg, Virginia before moving to Blacksburg to attend Virginia Tech. Following graduation, he worked for 10 years with a missions organization as the director for Latin America before becoming one of the full-time pastors at Christ Church in Christiansburg, VA in 2022. He and his wife Meghan have been married since 2014 and have three children.
jonathon rigney
Jonathon Rigney serves as a Director for Hope Center Ministries, a Christ-centered recovery program for alcoholics and addicts. The Lord led Jon to repentance and faith during his last period of incarceration. He then spent time as a resident and an apprentice with Hope Center before accepting his current role. Equipped to serve Christ professionally, he disciples addicts and former criminals on a daily basis and directs his center’s general operations. Jon and his wife Crystal are members of Christ Church in Christiansburg, VA.
Sean reece
Sean was raised in the Midwest. He's a veteran of the Marine Corps, and has served in pastoral ministry for 20 years. He has also been extensively involved in mission work in Africa and the Middle East. He and his wife Joyce have been married for 35 years, and have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Sean enjoys deer hunting and fly-fishing for trout in the Blue Ridge mountains.
Greg & Kim Hedrick
Greg & Kim are natives of Southwest Virginia where Greg works as an engineer with a company in Roanoke. They homeschooled their 5 children, three of whom are now married with the other two recently graduated and continuing their education. Greg & Kim have been married for 38 years and love being Papa & Mimi to their three grandchildren. They enjoy serving in their local church and are members of Christ Church in Christiansburg.
Camp Facility Photo Gallery
Alex Latham
Alex grew up in Haymarket, VA on a working farm that her grandparents ran and operated. She went to Virginia Tech for a bachelor's degree in Communications and a minor in Religious Studies and has worked on staff at Christ Church for four years and in college ministry for a decade now.
"The Lord opened my eyes to the gospel while I was in college, and as I grew to understand God and His Word, I began to realize what joy came from knowing and sharing Christ with others. Praise God for the opportunities He gives!"
