Camp Allen's First President George Dehan Retires

After 22 years as Camp Allen’s first president, George Dehan announced his planned retirement at the end of 2022. A transition plan will ensure a smooth transition for staff and Camp Allen’s future vision. Dehan will continue in a consulting role to the board in 2023 in the areas of finance and development. The camp has a bold agenda and does not plan to shrink from its lofty goals. New organizational changes will be announced in 2023.

Under Dehan’s leadership, the camp has doubled the number of annual visitors while increasing staff capacity by just 18 percent. Access to the Camp Allen experience was broadened by providing scholarships to as many as 3,500 children from economically disadvantaged families annually.

Operational performance has continued to improve, leaving Camp Allen “debt free” for the first time in 23 years. Annual donation funds increased by nearly 400 percent, and the camp continues to operate in the black. With the support of Camp Allen’s board and several hundred donors that shared in the “dream,” over $25 million was raised over three capital campaigns, most recently the Centennial Fund which incorporated 21 projects completed by the end of 2021.

“Our camp has been very busy as we rebound from the COVID years,” Dehan said. “We have presented a five-year plan to Bishop Doyle for our growth and future expansion, and I will work with our senior leadership on those goals. I am not one to ride off into the sunset on a given day; serving Camp Allen is one of my greatest joys. I must share how proud I am of our staff and their role in offering outstanding hospitality.

“As I look at my tenure here at Camp Allen, I must say that being around these young people has kept me young at heart, though I am turning 74 this summer. It is the right season for me to retire as my grandson attends Camp Allen this summer and begins to stretch all of the safety rules that we have put in place for the last 22 years.”

While Dehan’s tangible accomplishments at Camp Allen are immense, it is his Godly character, passion for service, and hands-on approach that leave the greatest legacy on the staff at Camp Allen.

(Dehan was celebrated and honored at a very special “Starry Nights and Campfire Lights” on Oct.13, 2022 at the Post Oak Hilton in Houston.)