An expansive 117 acres encompass the property that was established in 1962 under the name Camp Loy White. Since its inception, this space has hosted thousands of people in various walks of life and has provided an environment for respite and retreat for its occupants.

Loy White was a resident of Shelby, North Carolina. He attended Shelby High School, enjoyed playing football, and was a dedicated Boy Scout. In June of 1961, Loy White tragically died in an automobile accident at the age of sixteen years old. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. James W. White, donated land to the Distric Conference to encapsulate the memory of Loy by offering a setting where individuals could explore nature and develop a deeper relationship with Christ.

Some of the strongest supporters of the mission during the years as Camp Loy White were Emmanuel Emmaus groups, Camp SonShine, Carolina Cross Connection Mission Camps, and summer campers. The legacy of Camp Loy White profoundly impacted this community over the past 60 years, and Tekoa Foothills aims to remain dedicated to ensuring the legacy continues for future generations.

The board of Camp Loy White bestowed Camp Tekoa, Inc. with a gift of the property in 2015, thus Tekoa Foothills was established. Camp Tekoa, Inc. maintains a multiple site operation overseeing Camp Tekoa located in Hendersonville, North Carolina and Tekoa Foothills located in Casar, North Carolina.

Tekoa Foothills is a United Methodist Summer Camp and Retreat Center. Our mission is Touching Hearts, Changing Lives, and Sharing the Light of Christ. Tekoa Foothills aspires to honor the life of Loy White and the historical impact of Camp Loy White as we merge together forging a new path that may inspire a closer relationship to God and to one another.

https://www.wnccumc.org/newsdetail/9255366

http://www.shelbyinfo.com/camp-loy-white-celebrates-50-years-cms-3465