Camp Winnataska's history began as an afternoon excursion in March 1914 in a Model-T Ford.  Lured to the site by a promising fishing hole, Dr. Elwyn Ballard and his wife, Florence Aye Ballard, were enchanted by the waterfalls that are central to Camp today.  A few years later, in 1918, Winnataska welcomed its first campers, boys and girls, who boarded a train in Birmingham and hiked the last five miles in their best traveling clothes.  

More than one hundred years later, fourth and fifth-generation campers related to the Ballard family and the first campers of 1918 still attend Camp.  Winnataska is a true historical treasure in the Southeast and, perhaps most wondrously, is still welcoming first-generation campers every summer. 

More history and photos can be found on our alumni and giving sister site, Friends of Winnataska. We have copious photo archives available as well.