Spent $5 million to purchase 41 acre facility; anticipates spending $6 million  to renovate; will operate its own sewer and water systems and supply adjacent 40 acres owned by developer with water and sewer when homes there are established 

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board expanded its footprint by 41 acres on the west side of Mingus Mountain when it unanimously approved the purchase of the Prescott Pines Christian camp from a developer at its April 23 Board meeting.  This was the largest expansion of the College on that side of the County since it was created more than 50 years ago. The purchase price of the property is about $5 million.  The Community College intends to immediately spend an additional $6 million to renovate some of the 66  buildings and improve the infrastructure.

According to the Community College press release, the primary purpose of the acquisition is to allow Yavapai College to address student and employee housing needs. The facility, opened in 1941, has 66 structures, 12 RV hookups, two large cafeterias, a large gymnasium-like activity center, and a chapel.  There are 12 houses, and cabins plus lodges that will accommodate approximately 110 students and about 240 campers.

While the College has apparently closed on the sale of the property paying $5 million using reserve funds, the $6 million needed for immediate renovation is contingent on the Board approving a $16 million revenue bond at its May 2024 meeting. 

The College does not anticipate the project becoming a place for low income housing. 

The camp is located at 855 East School House Gulch Road, about seven miles from the Prescott based Campus on Sheldon Street.

If you want more details regarding this major expansion of the Community College on the west side of the County, please click here and you will find a 25 minute video clip prepared by the Blog of Governing Board members discussing the project prior to unanimous approval.

Facility has two cafeterias, activity center, chapel, rv hook ups, cabins, lodges, and a host of other amenities

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board is expected to approve at Tuesday’s meeting a proposal put forth by the College executives for the purchase of the 42-acre Prescott Pines Christian camp. The camp has been for sale since March 1, 2023. This purchase came as a complete surprise to most who pay attention to how the College is spending taxpayer money and what its plans were for new student, faculty, staff housing.

Old Facebook photo allegedly of one of the many buildings at the camp.

Although the exact purchase price is yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated to be in the millions of dollars, as hinted at by the size and amenities of the camp. The facility boasts approximately two dozen structures, including a large gymnasium, two cafeteria buildings, several cabins, and lodges, among other amenities.

Further details about the purchase and the camp itself are likely to be revealed during the District Governing Board meeting before the Board approves the anticipated purchase on Tuesday.

Photo from old Facebook post allegedly of another of the many buildings at the camp.

Those interested may be able to watch the meeting via live stream on the Community College website with the meeting scheduled to begin Tuesday at 1 p.m.