The adventure of Summer Camp ends in early August at the Eastern PA Conference’s four bustling Camp & Retreat Centers. But what an awesome, animated, action-packed adventure it has been for hundreds of blessed young campers, as well as counselors, staff and volunteers.
“God’s Love Without Boundaries” was this year’s general theme. And each camp site, through creative activities and interactions, worked to help campers of all ages cross the boundaries of their comfort zones to experience the breadth and depth of God’s love.
Yes, there was plenty of swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, sports, archery, rock-climbing, ropes swinging, artistic crafts and crazy-fun games—both silly and serious—as well as some close encounters with various plants and animals. And of course, there were the usual daily necessities of Bible study, devotions, team-building exercises, cabin chores, great meals, etc. But when it comes to really special theme camps, what’s in a name? Read on.
Pocono Plateau honed the skills and stoked the enthusiasm of young Eco-Explorers, Pioneers, Trailblazers and Challengers, among its many camps.
Innabah, meanwhile, delighted nature-lovers like Little Minnows and Outdoor Explorers, while exciting others with Experiments and Explosions, Covenant Creativity and a cultural journey Around the World in 7 Days.
Carson Simpson Farm Christian Center welcomed Little Critters, Junior Scientists and future Red Cross Lifesavers, as well as young leaders training to become Disciples and PEACE-makers.
At Gretna Glen the Saddle Crew Girls mounted their horses and blazed a trail for Wilderness Adventurers, Adventure Seekers, Talent Seekers, Night Owls, Zoo Keepers, Musical Maniacs and anyone wanting to have a Native American Adventure or just Totally Awesome Random Fun.
Latino Camp a nearly 30-year tradition
Gretna Glen also hosted in July its annual, bilingual Latino Camp, a nearly three-decade tradition that drew about 70 children and youth from Latino churches and communities, plus clergy and lay counselors and staff. They enjoyed a fun week of mind-expanding, self-affirming lessons in life, culture and faith, and several youth came forward during nightly worship services to give their lives to Christ.
The Latino Camp kids studied in classes the dynamic, youth-oriented, auto-biographical book God’s Graffiti, authored by Romal Tune, the featured presenter at our conference’s 2016 Faith-Sharing Seminar in March. Then they got a really special treat, when the Rev. Esdras Seda, conference Latino Ministries Coordinator, arranged for Tune to talk and listen to the youth by video-chat via Skype from India, where he was presenting a workshop.
Gretna Glen’s Dan Kirby teaches the “Flying Squirrel” ropes course team activity to Latino Camp participants. (John Coleman photos)
So what comes next?
So what comes next, as summer comes to a close? Well, plenty!
Pocono Plateau, honored by the Center for Faith and Service as one of eight Camps that Change the World, will sponsor it’s 3rd annual Hero Dash 5K & One-Mile Fun Run, Sept. 17. It’s a race to support their “Pathways to Our Future” fundraising initiative. Then there’s the Senior Adult Fall Retreat, Oct. 4-7; the Knitting Retreat, Oct. 21-23; and a Men’s Retreat, Nov. 11-13.
Innabah will host a fun, activity-filled but also relaxing Family Jamboree on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5, followed by its annual benefit 5-Mile Trail Run and 2-Mile Run/Walk for children and families, Oct. 8; and an Open House, Oct. 8.
Carson Simpson Farm will have its annual Flea Market & Mums Sale, Sept. 24. And Gretna Glen will resume its monthly Free Youth Nights, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, as well as Autumn Leaves Senior Day, Oct. 11, and Confirmation Camp, Oct 14.
Visit the four Camp & Retreat Centers’ informative websites for more information about these planned activities and more. View their colorful, engaging summer camp photographs. And start making plans to get involved in the 2017 Summer Camp season as a camper, volunteer, staff, supporter or donor.
View some great summer camp photos from our four camp sites in our 2016 Summer Camp Flickr Gallery.