“Cleveland County’s Community Newspaper”
FREE Rabies Vaccine and Microchip Clinic Scheduled Saturday June 20th, Burns High School, Lawndale, NC. With 19 rabies cases reported in Cleveland County, local animal welfare organizations, C.A.R.E. and Cleveland County Animal Services, are joining forces to help protect pets and the community through a free vaccination and microchipping event. The event is from 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, June 20, at Burns High School, 307 East Stagecoach Trail, Lawndale, NC. No appointments are required. Pet owners are encouraged to simply arrive during event hours with their pets. Organizers ask that all animals be brought on a leash or secured in a carrier for everyone’s safety.
www.shelbyinfo.com Our 43RD Year • Issue No. 23 • June 11, 2026 704-484-1047
New summer camp near KM mixes fun with faith By Alan Hodge Fun. Friendship. Faith. Fresh air. Those are the ingredients that make the new Upper Crowders Springs summer camp near Kings Mountain a place where memories that will last a lifetime will be born. The camp is located at 413 Misty Lane just off Archie Whitesides Rd. near Crowders Mountain State Park. The camp is the newest addition to the summer camp group that includes nearby Lower Crowders Springs, Crowders Ridge, and South Mtns. Christian Camp near Bostic. Upper Crowders opened May 25 for its inaugural season. It is situated on 57 acres nestled next to the state park and even though it’s only a couple of miles from US74, the ambience is pastoral. The camps are overseen by founder and executive director Jay Oliver who is a former youth pastor. Oliver credits his own summer camp experience as a kid for
hatching the Crowders Camps idea. “I remember staying in a cabin and jumping in a lake,” he said. “I wanted to recreate some of that old time nostalgia. The vision is to also ignite sparks of hope in this generation and beyond.” The new camp’s layout features a large concrete pool and fountain fed by a deep well. There’s a huge metal building called The Hub where meetings and programs will be held. There is a nice snack bar building. Basketball, volleyball, and gagaball courts are set up and ready for action. Looming over the whole scene is a 65’ wooden observation tower that will feature a slide down to the pool. The tower offers stunning views of Crowders Mountain and the surrounding countryside. A wooden dock and lounging area span the pool. Another cool camp feature will be a 400’ zip line. “We will also have paint ball, archery, and laser tag,” Oliver said. “We keep the campers
One of the very nice 12’x44’ cabins that campers will be staying in.
2026
View of the camp from the observation tower. (Photos by Alan Hodge) busy.” The central recreational area is ringed by 18 brand new cabins. The cabins are 12’x44’ and even though they have a rustic look, feature A/C, heat, a nice bathroom with shower and enough bunk beds to sleep up to 16 campers. Campers will stay four nights and five days. Food will be provided. Even though this photo was made at Crowders “The meals This 65’ tower will feature a waterslide to Ridge camp, the kids and adults who spend time will be cooked the lagoon as well as panoramic views of at the other sites will be having the same great at Crowders the camp and countryside. time this summer. (Photo provided) Ridge camp at the gate.” and brought over,” Oliver said. come too. The new camp is primar“There will be plenty of food.” But beyond logistical particuOliver knows the importance ily for groups, but there are lars, the new camp is also destill some individual openings of camp security. signed to nourish the minds and “There are 28 security available. souls of those who stay thereAge ranges for campers cameras,” he said. “We have See CAMP, Page 2 trained lifeguards and security are 7-18 years old. Adults can
General Admission tickets available NOW at #ALWS26
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or by calling 704-466-3103