Richelle Latona with Hume SoCal Site Director, Bob Mull
There is SO much excitement around Hume SoCal. This gorgeous camp located in the San Bernardino Mountains is something special. I had a chance to connect with Bob Mull, the Site Director of Hume SoCal, and ask him a few of the frequently asked questions we get from you, those with a heart for Hume, about the camp…
Bob, you and your wife have a long-time history with Hume. Can you share with us about your Hume story and your family…
In July 2000, our family joined friends for a summer adventure at Hume Lake. Our friends were super excited about the ministry and wanted to share their excitement with us. We attended the Lakeview program that year and were so inspired by what we encountered that we wanted to become more involved with the ministry. Like many folks visiting Hume in the summer, we took a peek at available cabins in the subdivision. The Lord blessed us that year when we purchased a beautiful Victorian-style home in the subdivision, and the rest is history. We have been blessed to call Hume Lake our full-time home since August 2001. The Lord has given us countless opportunities to serve as volunteers and full-time staff. I can say without hesitation that Hume ministries has profoundly impacted our family.
What led you to take on the role as the Site Director of Hume SoCal?
In September 2021, the Executive Director approached LeAnn and me and asked if we would consider joining John and Lyn Boal and the SoCal team as the Assistant Site Director at Hume SoCal. We loved Hume SoCal, and I had a personal history there dating back to the 1990s when I attended a men’s conference with our church at the time. I had also recently volunteered with Firefighters for Christ doing project work at the camp. As the HR Manager at Hume Lake during the staff transition in 2020, I had the privilege of interviewing the Calvary Chapel staff as they transitioned into the ministry of Hume Lake. I grew up in the San Bernardino Mountains and love this area. Our kitchen manager and I attended Rim of the World High School together. It has been a blessing leading the SoCal team since May 2022.
Can you describe a bit about the History of Hume SoCal? How did Hume acquire it?
From 1950–1980s, the Boy Scouts of America owned the property and was known as camp Ahwahnee. An outdoor chapel was built during that period, overlooking the desert communities of Hesperia and Victorville, and it still stands today. It is located just beyond the “Cove”. The Chapel view is spectacular, as are the beautiful sunsets. In the mid-1980s, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa purchased the property and, in 1991, started construction of Calvary Chapel Christian Camp, later known as Green Valley Lake Christian Camp. In 2020, Calvary Chapel reached out to Hume Lake and asked if we were interested in continuing the legacy of Pastor Chuck’s vision here in Green Valley Lake by providing a place for God’s people to gather, refresh and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the year. Hume Lake accepted the opportunity, and Hume SoCal began with our first summer camp in July 2021.
Does Hume Ministries own Hume SoCal?
We do not currently own the property. We have developed a unique relationship with Calvary Chapel to lease the property for ten years. We have the option to purchase the property at any time during the leasing period.
Hume SoCal runs both Winter and Summer Camp- how many weeks of camp are there?
We are in our final two weeks of an eight-week Winter camp season and are looking forward to a nine-week summer camp season.
What kind of activities are available to the campers?
We have an array of fun activities. Our winter list is comprised of a 40’ X 70’ synthetic “ice” rink, two tube runs – our “Blitz” run is used for general inner-tubing in addition to Hume’s epic “Box Sled Blitz” competition. Our “Adventure” tube run meanders down the natural landscape – a valley for approximately 150 yards delivering our tube riders, often in a train of tubes, onto our large recreation field. We also have archery and hatchet throwing, and general snow play activities. Summer brings out our High Adventure Ropes course, and our ½ acre pond springs to life with our Blob, Water slide, Zipline, swing, and short zip line. We have a pool, archery, hatchet throwing, nature hiking, disc golf, basketball, nine square, volleyball, horseshoes, gaga ball, a “spire” climbing wall, and several tabletop games.
Does Hume SoCal have milkshakes/have a snack shop?
We have a snack shop with all kinds of goodies to eat, including Hume’s famous milkshakes! Our snack shop doubles as our game room with ping pong tables, pool tables, bumper pool, foosball, and a small sitting area with a fireplace.
Is there room for expansion at Hume SoCal?
We currently utilize approximately 50 of the 260 acres comprising Hume SoCal. We have plenty of room for expansion.
Can Guest Groups come to camp when Winter Camp and Summer Camp aren’t running?
We desire to maximize our mission by utilizing Hume SoCal year-round. We welcome additional program camp opportunities such as outdoor education, spiritual emphasis, sports camps, and Christian guest groups.
Do you need volunteer help?
As you can imagine keeping up with the Hume SoCal campus is quite an undertaking. We cherish volunteers and are developing a list of ministry friends willing to help us as we prepare for our next season of ministry. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please get in touch with Avery Medina (avery.medina@hume.org).
How can the Hume family be praying for Hume SoCal?
We covet your prayers. First that we remain “mission” focused – that every person encountering Hume SoCal will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to God’s calling, and that our precious staff will serve with true ministry distinction, with passion for biblical truth and finally, that the Lord will be glorified on this beautiful campus.