𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿? 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀?
Going Big with Purpose: Big John Estes of Woodlands Camp Shares a Mission That Transforms Lives
On this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli welcomes a giant both in stature and spirit — Big Jon Estes, the founder and executive director of Woodlands Camp in Cleveland, Georgia.
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Yonah, Woodlands Camp is more than just zip lines and campfires — it’s a place where young hearts are shaped, distractions are silenced, and purpose is discovered.
Big Jon’s journey to founding one of the most impactful Christian camps in the Southeast started with a simple summer opportunity in college. What began as a counselor role at a Christian camp in Hawaii ultimately led Jon away from a corporate banking path and straight into youth ministry.
In 1997, with no funding, few connections, and little experience, he took a leap of faith and launched Woodlands Camp — starting from scratch and building as he went.
What sets Woodlands Camp apart?
Three non-negotiables: excellence, affordability, and a bold commitment to spiritual transformation.
Jon shares how campers are intentionally unplugged from technology — phones are left behind — and immersed in a week full of exhilarating outdoor adventures, deep relationships, and soul-stirring chapel sessions.
Even in today’s media-saturated culture, kids are craving the freedom and clarity that comes from disconnection.
Phil and Jon also dive into leadership, trust over clarity, and why simplicity drives excellence.
Jon opens up about pouring back into younger camp leaders and why summer camp is making a comeback in a post-COVID world.
Whether you’re a parent, pastor, business leader, or budding entrepreneur, John’s story is a masterclass in going big, trusting boldly, and staying rooted in your why.
👉 Learn more and register (or waitlist) for upcoming Woodlands Camp programs at woodlandscamp.org.
Connect with Jon and the Woodlands Team:
https://www.woodlandscamp.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Woodlands-Camp-152309210210/timeline/
https://www.instagram.com/woodlandscamp/
http://youtube.com/woodlandscamp
https://open.spotify.com/user/woodlandscamp
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors
Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Regions Bank
Highlights of the Show:
00:31 – 01:48
Phil introduces Big Jon Estes and the legacy of Woodlands Camp, a beloved Christian camp in North Georgia.
01:48 – 06:54
Jon recounts his early life, shift from banking to ministry, and how a Hawaii camp job changed his life.
07:18 – 09:11
The power of trusting God over needing clarity, and how Jon embraced his calling despite fear and uncertainty.
12:57 – 17:10
The cultural shift in influences on youth morality—from family to media—and how that shaped Woodlands’ mission.
17:10 – 19:16
Why kids crave disconnection: the harmful impact of constant digital noise and the unique spiritual space camp provides.
22:31 – 27:20
Woodlands’ three pillars: excellence, affordability, and spiritual transformation—plus the surprising things kids look forward to most.
28:14 – 30:45
How simplicity enables excellence, and why the camp’s people—not the programs—have always made the biggest difference.
33:42 – 35:17
Jon’s commitment to mentoring younger camp leaders and sharing wisdom gained over 28 years of ministry.
36:46 – 38:38
The resurgence of summer camp in a post-COVID world—and why it still matters deeply today.
39:00 – 40:04
Final reflections and a call to action for listeners to trust God, take bold steps, and pursue their purpose.
