FBC Camping dates back to the late 1950's. Merle Conklin, along with small group of Christian leaders with a vision for camping ministry began taking groups of teens for a trip to the Ozarks. The trip provided an opportunity to get away from the distractions of the world and to share about Jesus.

These early camping trips were quite successful, but unfortunately, the distance only allowed a small number to go camping. Seeking to minister to more youth in central Illinois, FBC's founders began to investigate the possibility of starting their own camp closer to home. The Swanson family donated about 20 acres of land to be used in starting a camping ministry in the Yates City, IL area, and thus construction began on Faith Bible Camp.