ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

Knox Creek is a non-profit founded in 2020 by a group of friends who shared a collective vision to build a quality camping and retreat facility in Upstate South Carolina. We exist to be a place where everyone can discover the Joy of the Gospel and experience true belonging in the family of God

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OUR TEAM

WHAT'S NEXT AT KNOX CREEK?

OUR MISSION

To ensure that every kid has a chance to discover the Joy of the Gospel.

OUR VISION

To create a quality and service driven camping and retreat facility in Upstate South Carolina

OUR GOAL

To provide a platform for people of all ages to encounter the person and character of Jesus Christ.

OUR STORY

Knox Creek Ministries is the fulfillment of a three-generation dream, rooted in the heart of a family farm and shaped by a legacy of open doors and servant-hearted hospitality. The ministry first came to life through the quiet generosity of a couple who offered their lake house as a haven for the community and a refuge for missionaries on furlough. It was a home shaped by hospitality—where meals turned into ministry, guests became family, and the table always had room for one more. Over the years, the next generation carried that torch, expanding the vision and hosting dozens of retreats annually, nurturing a growing sense that this wasn’t just a family calling—it was the beginning of something meant to serve far more people.

As the vision continued to grow, it became clear that the ministry needed to expand beyond what one family could provide financially or practically. In 2020, Knox Creek officially opened as a church-centered camp and retreat space, anchored by the very cabin built by the first generation. Since then, it has hosted over 125 retreats, staying true to its roots while pursuing a bold vision—to be a platform where God’s presence can unfold and the local church can find rest, renewal, and purpose.

DUSTY’S STORY

We were blessed to be able to host a retreat for Clemson Greek IV student-leaders at the beautiful property in the Upstate. This was a great opportunity for our staff and student-leadership team to gather in August before the start of another school year. We had an amazing time reconnecting at the end of the summer, playing on the lake, sharing meals, and spending time together in Scripture and prayer in preparation for a year of serving together on campus. Being so close to Clemson made it super-convenient to enjoy a change of scenery together in a beautiful place. We were even able to drive back to Clemson on Sunday morning to worship together at a local church and easily return to finish our retreat.These retreats are a pivotal time for campus ministry staff and students to get away together to connect with God and each other. In all my years as a campus minister, these are some of my favorite memories with students. I am so thankful for the hospitality to allow groups like Greek IV to host retreats in the Upstate.

Dusty Harrison
Regional Greek Ministry Coordinator
InterVarsity Christian FellowshipCarolinas Region

ANNIE’S STORY

Last winter we were able to bring our Juniors and Seniors to the retreat at Knox Creek for a weekend of adventure and team building. These student leaders loved the opportunity to experience new things and get out of their comfort zone in this beautiful place. Over the weekend we were able to utilize the facilities in unique ways to create memorable experiences for our group. Our leaders learned what it means to be challenged as a leader and grow in order to help grow others. This space is only a couple of hours away from metro-Atlanta, where our church is located, which made it a perfect place to retreat to for a few days. We loved our trip and are thankful we had the opportunity to be part of what’s happening here!

Rev. Annie Sutton
Youth Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kep Pate

Founder & President

Kep Pate was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Clemson University where he met his wife Sara Bailey. They got married New Years Eve 2016 and have two children, Henry and Lily Stocks. Kep graduated from the McAfee School of Theology with his Masters of Divinity in 2017 and his Doctorate of Ministry in 2022. Kep is an ordained minister and has served in congregational ministry in a variety of context for over a decade. Out side of the church Kep has served with both the North American and International Mission Board.

Through out his ministry, camp has always been centerpiece of his journey. He worked as seasonal staff at YMCA Camp High Harbour through out High School and College. Kep later returned to High Harbour in 2019 as the Site Director and the camp hosted just over 5,000 kids that summer. While in college Kep became involved with Summer Youth Celebration (SYC) in Alberta Canada. SYC is the largest Baptist Summer Camp in Canada. He was a director there for 10 years, serving in a variety of capacities.

Currently Kep and SB live in Raleigh, NC with their two kids.

Spencer Carter

TREASURER

Spencer Carter grew up in Johns Creek, Ga, and graduated from Northview High School. He works as a Sales Technical Specialist at Graybar. Spencer is an active member and deacon at Johns Creek Baptist Church, where he has served as a leader in the Youth Ministry and Production Ministry for over 7 years. During his time working with youth, he has seen first-hand the transformational experience that camp is for young people. Spencer has chaperoned and helped lead multiple camps, retreats, and mission trips, giving him hands-on experience in making camp a place for young people to experience Christ through adventure, worship, and community.

Johns Creek Baptist Church is also where Spencer met his wife Carolyn, who he married in November 2024. Spencer and Carolyn currently live in Cumming, GA. Together they serve the local church in multiple roles and are dedicated to sharing the transforming love of God with younger generations.

Adam Fitzgerald

SECRETARY

Adam Fitzgerald grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Adam has lived in the Raleigh, North Carolina area for the last 12 years, and has a true passion and calling for ministry with young people and through missions. As the son of a church music minister, Adam grew up in the local church frequently participating in camps, retreats, and mission trips as pivotal opportunities for his faith development.

Adam has spent most of his professional career in various corporate & executive leadership roles driving revenue, strategy, operations, and innovation. Adam has also served in various non-profit and volunteer youth ministry roles over the last 15 years including as a member, leader, and interim youth minister. He has helped to plan, host, and lead youth worship and retreats for various church Disciple Now weekends, Fall Retreats, Ski Retreats, Rafting Retreats, and Summer Mission Trips (both domestic and international). Fun Fact: It was through some of these retreats that Adam got to meet his wife, Brenda, who also has over 15 years of professional experience leading youth ministries and camps.

Currently, Adam & Brenda live in Raleigh, NC with their one year old Aussie-Doodle named Gus.