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Greetings!
Summer Camp 2009 - What a Blessing!
It has been an amazing, wonderful summer camping season. God's presence has been seen, felt, and experienced in a variety of ways this summer. Through the theme "Listen!" children, youth, and adults have experienced how God is Calling through the daily themes: Called to Be Loved, Called to Gratitude, Called to Faith, Called to Love, and Called to Share. Whether it was through small group bible study, morning or evening worship, swimming, canoeing, hiking, challenge course, crafts, campfires, sleep-outs, or cabin prayer time, Jesus was walking, talking, and playing with all of us.
I believe all who have attended camp this summer have become keenly aware that we are not alone to make sense of our lives. We are not alone to make it through the day. The God of the universe walks with us and often times carries us through the hard times and celebrates with us in the good times. What an awesome God we serve.
As you can see by the following numbers, we have maintained numbers from last year to this year despite the economy. Thanks be to God!
ALTOONA 116
CHAMBERSBURG 122
HARRISBURG 214
LEWISBURG 206
NEW CUMBERLAND 287
OTHER 35
SCRANTON 2
STATE COLLEGE 107
WELLSBORO 13
WILKES BARRE 5
WILLIAMSPORT 175
YORK 245
NO DISTRICT LISTED 27
TOTAL 1,554
This summer the Camping Program started a new venture with the York Inner City Day Camp Ministry. Twenty-one children took part in the six week program located in the Otterbein Church in York. "What a blessing this day camp experience has been for my two children" said one of the parents at the closing celebration service. "I have seen a difference in how they relate and show love and patience to other family members and to their friends." A big thank you goes to the counselors, the many churches, and volunteers who provided leadership, food, and transportation.
As this summer comes to an end, the Camping Office and Site Directors want to thank the churches who helped to send children, youth, and adults to camp from their church and/or community. We are grateful to the site staff for their leadership and guidance. We want to thank each of the Camp Deans and the numerous volunteer counselors who have given their time to make a difference in the lives of so many. Your passion, love, and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
We look forward to serving you throughout the year as you bring retreat groups to each of the four camp sites in Central Pennsylvania - Camp Penn, Greene Hills, Mount Asbury, and Wesley Forest. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Grace and peace,
Anne Horton |
