Mary McRae Leads Fuge Camps at Mississippi College

Mary McRae

America celebrated Independence Day with spectacular fireworks shows, family pool parties and truckloads of watermelons.

It was just another busy day on the job for FUGE camp director Mary McRae.

The 22-year-old from Tishomingo County relished every minute as June camp days at Mississippi College spilled into July. The former MC Student Government Association president taught adult Bible study, battled scorching summer temperatures, and welcomed campers from across the South.

Not every moment went smoothly for the 2016 Mississippi College graduate, so Mary leaned on God’s help. “I think God can overcome everything,” she said. At times, “Satan attacked the staff,” but, no worries. “The Lord is over everything.”

A former FUGE camper as a kid at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, McRae arrived well-prepared at the new assignment at her alma mater. Last summer, she served as a staffer at Southern Baptist-affiliated camps in North Carolina. McRae also received training at Southern Baptist Convention headquarters in Nashville before MC’s camp season kicked off.

Coming to America’s second oldest Baptist college as FUGE director seemed to be the perfect fit for the Tishomingo Baptist Church member.

“I loved the size – it’s not too big, and not too small,” McRae said Tuesday as she wrapped up her final week. “You get to know everybody.”

Her enthusiasm bubbled up on recent Facebook posts. “It’s been a joy leading adults (and the occasional 9-year-old adult),” she said after joining runners at the Mega Relay on the MC Choctaws track. “I love my job.”

Part of her duties took Mary to team with campers visiting Stewpot to serve meals to Mississippi’s homeless in Jackson and minister to needy children at metro apartment complexes.

Making things extra special: her brother Conner, 18, and sister, Emma, 15, were among hundreds of campers enriched by the Christ-centered experience in Clinton.

As many as 740 children attended FUGE camps at Mississippi College campus one week. They were supervised by as many as 32 staffers while parents tagged along as chaperones. Each summer, there are more than 6,000 boys and girls invading MC for sports and church camps.

No matter what challenges she faced, McRae proved to be an effective FUGE director. Loud worship services at Swor Auditorium, quiet times for Bible study, sports activities at the Healthplex, overnights at residence halls and countless ice cream scoops were packed into every week.

“Mary just did a great job for us,” said Ken Gilliam, who oversees LifeWay’s FUGE camps as MC’s continuing education director. “She’s had a great career at Mississippi College and topped it off at Fuge. She’s got a bright future.”

Next up for Mary McRae: a Mississippi Baptist Convention mission trip to Hawaii. It’s not just fun times at the beach and sight-seeing. The week-long mission trip in July is designed to spread the Gospel to people knowing little about Jesus. Beyond that, her destination is the Bayou State.

An outstanding mathematics student, Mary will put her skills to the test. She goes to work in late July at Louisiana State University as manager of finances for the Baptist Campus Ministry. About 150 LSU students belong to the organization on the Baton Rouge campus.

A diehard fan of all things Blue & Gold, Mary leaves Mississippi College with lasting memories and wonderful friendships.

Among the highlights: the SGA president joined MC sports personality Tom A. Hawk for a blitz of photos during his debut at the MC-Delta State football game. McRae, and her sister, Annsley, were in the crowd listening to Republican presidential candidate John Kasich, during the Ohio governor’s campaign stop last spring. “I will miss the people and friends,” Mary McRae said. “But the Lord has plans for me somewhere.”