On July 21, the white-washed oaks once again will lead to the ancient Arbor amid the backdrop of Georgia 400 as families come together for the 178^th consecutive camp meeting at Lumpkin Campground.

The camp meeting, an outdoor, continuous religious service under the brush arbor, has been a fixture of Dawson County's religious life since 1830.

The annual religious revival, linked to the “Great Awakening” that galvanized a nation following the American Revolution, features seven days of continuous faith and fellowship.

This year, the first service begins at 7:45 p.m. on July 21. Afterward, services are scheduled three times a day at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. through Sunday, July 27. The Rev. James Smith and the Rev. Danny Bennett are the host pastors this year. Spencer Wright leads the music, Lollie Elliott is the youth leader and Sheena Elliott and Anna Byrd will serve as the children’s leaders.

The historic campground of course is located off Georgia 53 and Georgia 400, behind North Georgia Premium Outlets.