Christian Youth Camps (CYC) Waihola was formed with the purpose of running adventure-based Christian camps for the children of Otago and Southland, an aim that remains with the camp today.
The first CYC camp was held at Pounawea in 1963, then in 1964 camps were held at Pukerau.
The group bought the Waihola site in 1966 but continued to hold camps at Pukerau until the 1980s.
There were no buildings on the Waihola site, other than a homestead that was built as a Presbyterian manse in the 1860s.
Graham Lyman, who became involved with the project in its early stages, said the site was ''absolutely impenetrable'' with gorse, bracken, and broom, and the manse was infested with rats.
''There wasn't a fence on the property either,'' founding member Don Agnew said.
While many involved with the camp had a Presbyterian background, it is non-denominational and involved members from a range of churches.
''The idea was to reach children but to cover a cross-section of activities with the emphasis on Christian life ... We were looking at the Otago-Southland area because we came from this area. We looked for a property that was central to the area,'' Mr Agnew said.
Mr Lyman said owning its own site meant the group developed it the way it wished.
''It simply means getting kids out of town and giving them a taste of the country.''
Camping co-ordinator Tim Wiel first became involved in 2009, and loves the variety the job offers.
Up to 17 camps a year were run at Waihola and now included special interest camps from horses to ''techno stuff'', he said.
The camp paid two employees but the rest of about 200 camp staff each year were volunteers.
About 150 people attended the three-day event at its Waihola site.
Today the camp will hold a free family open day from 10.30am to 3.30pm, when people will be able to use most of the camp's facilities without charge.
''We are encouraging families to bring a picnic lunch and have a go at what the camp has to offer,'' Mr Wiel said.
In the event of bad weather, the group will announce its cancellation on its Facebook page and website www.cycwaihola.org.nz.
