Known around camp as Papa Bear, Jim Behling is a legend in the camping world. The Christian camping journey began at T Bar M New Braunfels, Texas and Kananuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri. He served on the National Board of Christian Camping International for over seven years and Texas Camping Association for Mutual Progress board of directors.

Papa Bear graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972 and actually holds several degrees. Neighbor children in College Station, Texas gave him this sweet nick-name in the ‘70’s when they made t-shirts for both Mama and Papa Bear. And it stuck.

Deer Creek Camp was founded by the “Bears” in 1996.