May 2009 Vol 1, Issue 1
chapel

ROCKHAVEN  
Simple - Peaceful - Faithful 

Letter from the Director.. 
 
string figureWelcome to our summer 2009 season and all the fun that awaits!
 
Let me first say, that you have been added to this Rockhaven newsletter mailing list because you have registered or been involved at Rockhaven in the past.  If you would like to be removed from this list you can do so via the link at the bottom of this newsletter.  However, I hope that you won't.  Even if you can't attend this season; you can stay up to date with what we're doing and how the ministry is growing. 
 
Perhaps you might know someone who would like to attend and you could forward this newsletter with the Forward to a Friend link, or direct them to www.rockhavencamp.org.
 
This year I'm trying some new ways to get the word out about Rockhaven beyond just our brochure, this newsletter and mail list being one of them.  Also, I am seeking opportunities to bring a little bit of Rockhaven to your youth groups, scout troop, School, Church or organization.  I will come in free and provide some stories, games and string figures to whet the appetite for what we do at Rockhaven.  If you or anyone you know might be interested in this sort of thing please contact me at [email protected] or 406.763.4212 and I'll be happy to show up with "camp in a suitcase".
 
This season God worked quickly in helping me locate our Rockhaven summer staff.  I'm thrilled to have Mabby back for her 5th season as our camp cook and believe that the counselors will be some of our best yet.  They come from far and wide which is exciting in it of itself.  Katrina Kinnan is a fatastic artist coming from Emporia University in Kansas, Bill DeRuiter has just graduated with his teaching degree from Trinity University in Chicago, Kwabena Boateng who is originally from Ghana is coming from Kentucky and then there's Whitney Larimer from right here in Bozeman and many of you may know as a past Jr. Counselor.  She has a long history with Rockhaven and will be attending Whitworth College in the Fall.  They are a great bunch, have a heart for this ministry and copious skills to offer for a great summer.  All will be excellent role models for our campers. 
 
By the way, if you haven't registered for camp yet you can do so here.  I hope you will and help make 2009 a banner year.
 
I love being a part of Rockhaven and its history.  I find it easy to wax poetic about all the reasons I think it is special and can become a glowing example of what outdoor ministry can be.  I will spare you my sentimental muses on the subject here but will invite you to read if you like, a recent post I made to my personal blog about Rockhaven, detailing a few of the reasons I'm so passionate about this ministry and its potential.  
 
Speaking of a blogs.  This year we plan on keeping a blog so you can stay up to date on what we're doing out here.  There's not much there yet, only my first post but check it out in the future for stories and pictures about our summer. 
 
Rockhaven also now has a Face Book page, so I hope you will stop by and say hi.  Some past and present counselors are on there who I'm sure will be glad to hear from you.  Also, Rev. Ryan Mandeville has shown up there who was Rockhaven's first camp Director.  I have also uploaded a few string figure videos I made so you can brush up or learn a few new ones.
 
I hope you are planning on attending camp this summer and I just want to let you in on a few new things we have in store for 2009.
 
Rockhaven Climbing Tower and Zip Line
 
Climbing TowerFor the past year the congregation at First Presbyterian Church and the Rockhaven Committee has been working hard to add an exciting new element to our camp offerings. 
 
Plans are underway now to begin construction on a 35 foot climbing tower and challenge course with a zip line which will scream across the Gallatin River.  This challenge course can not only be used for just pure fun but to built community, team work and self confidence.
 
This is going to be great fun and you won't want to miss it.  Be one of the first to experience the Rockhaven Zip Line. 
 
NOTE: The picture above is similar to what we are building. 
 
In This Issue
Letter from the Director
What's New for 2009
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
New Logo and T-Shirt Design 
 
Rockhaven LogoCheck out our new logo!  This years T-Shirts will sport this brand new logo in full color.
 
I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of this ministry.  Rockhaven is truly a special place and what makes it so special is you and the community that is made on its sacred ground. Your continued support of this ministry and the summer program is import so that Rockhaven can continue to grow and broaden the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
 
First Presbyterian Church makes a great effort to bring this community together through its camping ministry.  Take a moment and visit their new web site at www.fpcbozeman.org/new/fpcindex.htm.  FPC has many other great ministries to offer both young and old so I encourage you to take a look or visit some Sunday morning.  Incidently, beginning June 21st First Presbyterian Church begins hold their summer Vesper Services every Sunday evening in the Rockhaven Chapel.  The service begins in the dining hall with a potluck dinner and then the Vesper Service starts at 7pm.
 
I hope that if you have not already registered for summer camp you will soon.  For those who have recieved this email I'm running a special incentive to register now.  Use the coupon at the bottom of this newsletter along with your registration form between now and May 29th and receive 10% off your registration!  What a deal!
 
Also, keep in mind that through the generous giving of our supporters we have camperships available.  It is our intent to afford everyone the ability to attend camp.  If you would like to learn more about our campership opportunities please call the church at 406.586.9194 or download a campership application from our website. 
 
Thank you so much for supporting Rockhaven and this growing minisry; I look forward to another great season, and I'll see you at camp!
 
Peace,
 
Scott Thrasher, Camp Director
 
Scott Thrasher, Camp Director
Rockhaven Camp - A Ministry of First Presbyterian Church
PO Box 1150
Bozeman, MT 59771
 
Phone: 406.586.9194
Fax: 406.587.3726
 
 
Save 10%
REGISTER TODAY!
 
Register between now and May 29 and use this coupon to get 10% off on your registration.
 
Offer Expires: May 29, 2009 
Outdoor Ministry is a viable and effective means for fulfilling the ministry and mission of the church.  Persons are provided with living experiences in "places apart" to explore God's story, to experience the vitality of Christian community, and to grow in Christian faith.  Outdoor ministry helps to bring persons into a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ, their neighbors, and creation.  Individuals are encouraged to discover who they are and to be responsible members of their communioties and the world in which God has placed them.  BREAKTHOUGH 2009!