Myers Lake Campground
Another successful summer of camping has come and gone yet the impact continues to bring campers together. A particular story was relayed to me recently and I wanted to share it with you because it represents the reason Myers Lake is a special place set apart from ordinary campgrounds. A place where the relationship with each other and our common belief in Christ can really make a difference.
One of our regular campers who has been camping here at Myers Lake for many years (even before the UMC took over operations in 1994) recently made a major change in their life and called me to share how their life has changed as a result of being part of the Myers Lake Family Ministry. This camper wanted to thank us for representing Christ through our staff and the way they serve, through the lakeside worship services and concerts, and through the other campers whom showed God’s love through late night fireside chats and a sincere invitation to get to know Christ. You see prior to Myers Lake becoming a United Methodist camp, they reported people were friendly but they didn’t feel the same spirit. We discussed how the fellowship of Christians when accompanied by the Holy Spirit truly is special. Our conversation ended with the camper telling me how they have joined a church and are growing in their faith. They thanked us for the Bible we gave them because it was the first Bible they had ever been given and as an adult that made a real impact and was special. It now accompanies them to church each Sunday. But a surprising thing happened that prompted them to call me at the camp to share their story. The Bible also brought campers together. A person at church whom they had never met recognized the Bible and asked about where they got it and as they told them of Myers Lake they were surprised to find out that Myers Lake was something they had in common despite never meeting before. It made joining the church easier, seems to be the start of a great friendship, and has helped to develop roots in a faith community.
What a blessing upon me and the camp to have this conversation. It filled my sail and encouraged me. It goes right to the heart of why Myers Lake is in existence as a United Methodist Camp. These conversations are rare, yet the experiences are not as rare as one might think. We are intentional in providing experiences that the whole family will find enjoyable and satisfying while doing so with Christ as a part of the fun. Do you have a similar story? Perhaps you would consider writing us to share your story of how the Myers Lake Family Ministry has made a difference in your church, your life, or in the life of someone you know. We would love to here from you too. Please send your thoughts, stories, and comments to myerslake@umccamps.org or Myers Lake Camp, 10575 Silver Lake Road, Byron, MI 48418.
Auction Draws in $5,029 for Poole Chapel Renovation
On Friday, October 17th, the fellowship hall at Lexington United Methodist Church was filled with support for the ministry of Lake Huron Retreat Center. Over 60 guests enjoyed prime rib sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, honey barbeque chicken wings, butternut squash soup and more at five featured food stations. Over 120 items were included in the Silent Auction including a number of hand crafted quilted items donated by a number of quilt guilds that frequent the center. A dozen items were put up for Live Auction, led by local auctioneer Jeff Dawson. Topping the winning bids list at $1,000 was a Christmas Dinner for Eight hosted by Wayne and Genie Bank and Brooks and Mary Solterman.
All proceeds go toward the final bills for the Poole Chapel Renovation
Project, which was completed last spring. A new addition was built,
featuring two handicapped accessible bathrooms and coffee station. Air
conditioning and a new heating system were added and the interior of the
main building was totally renovated. A beautiful deck was added to the north
end of the Chapel. Guests throughout the summer and fall have raved about
the improvements to the building.
Following completion of this project, the next phase of the Master Plan will commence. Plans are to renovate the kitchen area of Kresge Dining Hall, including the addition of a second, handicapped accessible bathroom, staff break room and a new walk-in freezer and refrigerator unit.
There is a lot happening at Judson Collins this year. We are grateful to all of the parents and campers that were supportive of us this past summer and fall as we have been in the process of cleaning and fixing our well and equipment. We were cleared by the state this fall so that campers and retreat groups could have a more enjoyable time at camp!
I’ve spoken with several campers who were here this past summer and can’t wait to come back in 2009. I’ve been getting quizzed as to which staff members are coming and if their favorite program will be here next year. Answering those questions this fall has taken on a new twist now that we are introducing a new camping model. People, in general, really don’t like change and campers are no different. When I have mentioned and explained this new program to people it’s interesting to watch their faces change from disappointment to wariness to excitement as they realize the full potential of all that they can experience in the coming summers. Campers will live and interact in small groups throughout the day either in a standard camp program or in a specialized program, such as our Equestrian Track, Adventure Track, Night Owl Track, etc. We have more group options and activities that as a group they can choose to participate in or other program options that they can choose to do themselves during our elective program. More information on what is coming this summer will be posted online this winter, so check us out!
God has a vision and a plan to for us to help your children, youth, and congregation discover, grow, and serve in the development of their faith, and we can’t wait for you to join us!
It was late August. The campers, the volunteers and some of the staff were gone. Camp Kinawind was starting its annual return to the cycles of nature. A few of us were cooking out and enjoying an evening campfire. It was so relaxing, so peaceful, so quiet. We talked about the summer, about our campers, about events, and about the many lives (young and old) that are impacted by our ministry in this very down-on-the-ground style of camping. Stories started to surface and thoughts became sound. There is something about being in nature, in the dark, and around a campfire. Folks, young and old, just seem more open to thinking and sharing. I recalled the staff member who came to me saying, "I just took a call from a Mom. She told about how much her son had changed after attending camp last year. She was all choked up – very emotional just telling me about it. She is sending all of her kids this year."
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A few weeks later while draining the last few water lines and closing
buildings for the winter I came across an old camp worship book, copywrited
in 1960, and read, "Out-of-doors is something so common to the experience of
all children…" Whoa…just a minute…I doubt if that was true even in 1960 and
it is certainly not true today. American youth are spending significantly
less time out of doors and that is reason for concern. Not only do we all
benefit physically and mentally from being out of doors; but the potential
for spiritual growth is heightened also. You will recall that Jesus went
into the wilderness when he needed time to reflect and communicate with His
Father. We see many campers grow in faith as they get outdoors, have fun,
and worship at camp. Camps provide a significant boost to the youth ministry
efforts of our local congregations.
Kinawind provides a very beautiful rustic site for kids to really get outdoors. The small paid staff and the many volunteers provide the leadership and guidance. The campers of 2008 had fun cooking out, hiking, swimming, boating, singing, worshiping, and enjoying the many other activities of camp. The campers and staff came away with great memories and a strengthen faith. That is Kinawind’s goal; that is my goal; and, if that is your goal, start encouraging kids to get outdoors and to register for camp in 2009.
Do God A Favor; Send A Child To Camp!
If you know a child who has attended a United Methodist camp this summer, chances are you’ve noticed an increase in their self-confidence, sense of having discovered strengths in themselves they were unaware of before, and a lasting excitement over new friendships and new hobbies. These are telltale signs of the transformative nature of camp. In reality, camp is on a short list of places today where children and adolescents can take risks, challenge themselves, find their voice, and learn the value of mentor and friend relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine caring – all in a safe and nurturing environment. And this does not even include the faith formation that is a focus of all of our camp events. This summer, substantial numbers of campers (for most, 95% or more), reported that:
• Their camp experience was good or excellent.
• They had fun.
• They grew in their relationship with God as a result of their time at camp.
• They learned ways to serve God and others.
• They felt close to God and others at camp.
• They liked the Bible study materials.
• The all-camp worship and programs were good or very good.
• They liked the small group activities.
Many churches have been asking for more information on Ministry Jubilee programs. In 2008, Outdoor and Retreat Ministries has 19 programs in Ministry Jubilee. This area of the newsletter highlights an Outdoor and Retreat Ministry MJ program so that you can learn more about them.
MJ 1258
Program And Marketing Assistant – Salary Support
Our Detroit Conference Outdoor and Retreat Ministries exist so that persons may experience God’s love in a Christian setting. Campers experience the Christian life and are offered the opportunity to follow Jesus.
No one would be able to take advantage of the awesome opportunities available through our United Methodist camp and retreat programs and facilities if they didn’t know about them.
ENTER OUR PROGRAM AND MARKETING ASSISTANT! She’s the one who:
• Publishes our summer camp brochure and on-line
newsletters.
• Created the video we introduced this past spring.
• Created and maintains our conference camping website.
(See http://umccamps.org)
• Organizes and hosts the hospitality tent at annual
conference. (She’s the one who know how many coffee stirrers and pounds of
popcorn we need, and makes sure the coffee is ready before the 8:00 A.M.
worship services!)
• Creates the folder of camp promotion ideas and
resources that we send to all the churches every year.
• Sees that the Michigan Christian Advocate is
regularly sent camping news.
• Schedules "in person" camp promotions, including the
camp coordinator kick-off, local church visits, and displays at district
leadership training events.
Gee, can you believe it? On top of that, she helps with
camp programming, including:
• Dean training
• Staff training opportunities, including teaching
first aid CPR, child protection certification classes, and the Red Cross
lifeguard certification class.
• Dean and staff handbooks
• Serving as dean of the Babysitter Training and Pre-Lifeguarding
Camps at Kinawind
• …..and lots of other stuff!
Our creative, dedicated and talented Program and Marketing Assistant is Heather Laskos. She is active in the First United Methodist Church of Wyandotte, and is also involved in the American Camp Association, the Christian Camp and Conference Association, and the United Methodist Camp Leaders’ Network.
Your gifts to MJ 1258 help support this position.
Where is your shirt?
Your camp shirt, that is! We want to see photos of you wearing your camp shirt. Send us a photo of you in your camp shirt from Camp Kinawind, Judson Collins Center, Lake Huron Retreat Center, Acorn Camp or Myers Lake. You could be at an interesting vacation spot, working on a service project, or hanging out with friends you met at camp. All submissions with a correctly completed entry form will be posted on our website. Photos with inappropriate content will not be posted. The most interesting submissions will be placed in our newsletter.Enter your camp shirt photo; for contest rules and form go to http://umccamps.org/shirtcontest.htm
Bob and Carol, Acorn Camp volunteers, at Navada Falls, Yosemite Park, California in June 2008.
Supporting the Camp and Retreat Ministry
How can you support Outdoor and Retreat Ministries?
Visit www.umccamps.org and click on "
Support Our Ministry" There you will find:Now Available: Donate On-Line!
You can make an on-line donation at http://umccamps.org/onlinedonations.htmWish lists
for each camp site. You can see what items camps want donated, or a dollar amount for each item if you wish to donate financially toward a specific item. http://umccamps.org/wishlist.htmMinistry Jubilee
programs. Your church will receive credit from the Detroit Conference if a donation is made through Ministry Jubilee. The website lists the 19 programs offered by ORM in the Ministry Jubilee booklet and tells how donations will be used. http://umccamps.org/MJ.htmVolunteering Opportunities
. The website lists the opportunities available at each camp site. http://umccamps.org/Volunteers.htmOther ways to support Outdoor and Retreat Ministries: Attend one of our programs!
For a full listing of events go to http://umccamps.org/events.htmPrayer.
Support ORM with your prayers as we endeavor to make disciples and change lives!Did you know...
...that good things would result from a gift?
...that assistance in gift planning is available?
For more information, contact:
Jan Thomas, Director Outdoor & Retreat Ministries
800-334-0544 or
jthomas@umccamps.org