Don't miss
Under the Tent 2011  Get ready for a night of dancing, delicious food, fun fellowship, and fabulous auction items at the Second Annual Under the Tent: an evening benefiting Gravatt Camp and Conference Center. This year's tent event will be held at 701 Whaley in Columbia on September 30 at 7 PM. The venue has changed to accommodate the expected larger crowd, and Heart 'n' Soul will provide the entertainment once again. Many thanks to event co-chairs Christine Koutrakos and Jenny Buck for taking the leadership in planning the event, which last year raised over $23,000 for Gravatt program development, camper scholarships, and building improvements. Order your tickets
online now!
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GRAVATT
SPECIAL EVENTS
Yoga Retreat September 23-25
register now! Under the Tent...
an evening benefiting Gravatt Camp and Conference Center
September 30, 2011
register now! Dreams Workshop: Water of Life from the Well of Dreamwork
October 9-11, 2011 register now! Fall Big Delicious Event October 30, 2011 register now! Advent Retreat November 27-28 |
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Summer camp news 
What an amazing summer we had at Camp Gravatt! 782 campers attended our regular camp sessions, and 42 attended Reach Out Camp. The heat was intense, but Gravatt's staff served with passion and joy.
One of the highlights of the summer was recognizing the Staffers of the Year. Each year, the staff select from among their peers a female and male staff member who best portray all the best that Camp Gravatt is. This year's recipients are Meredith Cook and Marshall McArthur, pictured center above with 2010 Camp Director Hope Spruell, Archdeacon Fred Byrd, Bishop Andrew Waldo, and Executive Director Lauri SoJourner Yeargin.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that Camp Gravatt has a new summer camp director, Scott McNeely. Scott began working full-time this month and is honored and excited to serve as camp director for the place where he grew up.
Check the website October 1 for 2012 summer dates, and get ready for next year. We'll see you then!
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Cole Lodge addition named for Irelands...
donations still being sought
The Cole Lodge addition is close to completion, and we are pleased to announce that the new room will be named in honor of Clyde and Betty Jean Ireland, long time friends of Gravatt. Anyone who visited Gravatt in the 70's, 80's, or 90's knows the impact the Irelands have had on this sanctuary. Clyde served as executive director, and Betty Jean was his right hand for decades. Together they built a leg
acy here that we continue to strive to live up to. Clyde served on the Board of Trustees from 2007 until last year, and Betty Jean continues to volunteer regularly. The Ireland Room can be used as one large meeting space or divided into two by a moveable wall for two smaller spaces - the Betty Jean room and the Clyde ro om. The addition also includes public restrooms and storage. Please consider a gift to this project in honor of Clyde and Betty Jean. While we have met the funds for the matching gift that was announced earlier this year, about $10,000 is needed to complete the project and keep Gravatt debt-free. |
Water of life in the well of dreamwork
Gravatt will host a dream workshop Oct  ober 9-11, 2011. The three day workshop will begin Sunday afternoon and end after breakfast on Tuesday. Over the course of three days, participants will be lead through a practical and profound examination of their dreams and ways to work with these portals to our souls. Retreat facilitator, Jerry R. Wright, D.Min. is a Jungian Analyst in private practice in Flat Rock, NC. An ordained Presbyterian minister, pastoral counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Wright holds degrees from Erskine College, Erskine Theological Seminary, the University of Georgia, and Columbia Theological Seminary. In addition to his private practice, he gives lectures and leads workshops and retreats on the integration of spirituality and Jungian Psychology. His Jungian thesis, Archetypal Thin Places : Experiencing The Numinosum explored his passion for Celtic mythology and spirituality and the experience of the numinous (sacred or holy) in the practice of Jungian analysis, as well as in everyday life. He also leads pilgrimages to sacred sites, particularly in Ireland and Scotland. Prior to his training as a Jungian Analyst, Dr. Wright served churches in South Carolina, New Jersey, and Atlanta, Georgia. Register at our website before this retreat fills up. Prices go up after September 26. |
 Fall Big Delicious
By popular demand, we've added a Fall Big Delicious Event at Gravatt. Join us on October 30, 2011 at 5 PM in learning how to prepare and enjoy locally grown foods, featuring a three course meal prepared by Brandon Velie, owner and chef of Juniper in Ridge Spring, SC.
Our menu will feature locally grown produce and meats. Feel free to bring your own bottle of wine. Register at our website before October 18 because the prices go up then.
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 Yoga Retreat is almost full
In a world bombarded with too much information, healthful bodily practices can provide great relief. Trusting the body to enlighten the soul, join us September 23 - 25 for a weekend of integrating your physical health and spiritual practice. We will practice yoga, meditation, journaling, mindfulness walking, and periods of quiet reflection. These practices will help you to become more aware of your body and feel enlivened in your movement. The retreat begins Friday evening with a healthy meal, which includes fresh local produce and concludes Sunday at lunch. Participants will practice gentle yoga and meditation led by Jemme Stewart. The Rev. Susan Heath will lead the prayer and Sunday morning Eucharist. Accomplished musician Mary Waldo will provide reflective music throughout the retreat as well as lead chanting meditation and singing. Participants also have the option to sign up for massage appointments with certified massage therapist Kristen SoJourner. There will be plenty of opportunity to walk Sparkleberry Trail and practice yoga in the Chapel of the Transfiguration. Bring comfortable clothing, your journal, and a yoga mat, and plan on giving yourself this opportunity to relax, reflect, and deepen your sense of gratitude for your body as a holy temple. Simply taking the time to focus on your body and spirit is a lovely gift to yourself. In this setting of quiet and reflection you will find a sanctuary where you can restore your body and your spirit. There are only a few overnight spots left but still plenty of space for commuters, so register online today. |
Join the Friends
The Friends of Gravatt Annual Fund was created to build financial and spiritual support for a community that has for over 60 years ministered to people of all ages by providing a space for Christian formation and hospitality, personal and professional development, recreation and fellowship. Please consider a tax deductible monthly, quarterly, or annual gift to Gravatt to help sustain and grow the ministry that has mean so much to so many. Would you like to support Gravatt's ministry of Christian formation and hospitality but can't seem to find your checkbook, an envelope, and a stamp all on the same day? Now it's easier than ever to become a Friend of Gravatt by joining the draft! Give us a call and we can set you up for monthly draft in any amount. Your tax-deductible donation helps provide camper scholarships, improve facilities, grow programs, and more. For more information on joining the draft, contact Ellen via email or at 803.648.1817. |
Find Us on Facebook
Keep up with Gravatt on Facebook. We currently have two fan pages, one for general and camp information and one for environmental education. Become a fan by searching for these pages on Facebook or clicking the links below:
 
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