God s Love as winter camp s frozen foundation

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "God s Love as winter camp s frozen foundation"

Jonah Davidson
6 years ago
Views:

I think it comes from being raised in Wisconsin, and from a military father who had been stationed in Alaska, and who took the attitude that one simply learned to survive where one was put.

Anyway, Winter Camp 2015 at Camp DeWolfe was a beautiful chance to embrace this enjoyment of winter, and have the opportunity to share with others, especially as we explored the love portrayed in the

1 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 Issue12 Friends Newsletter Winter 2015 YOUTH AT THEIR FROZEN WINTER CAMP IN GOD S NATURAL SETTING God s Love as winter camp s frozen foundation by Karen Bartos (Counselor) This season, this winter season, is one of my joys. I think it comes from being raised in Wisconsin, and from a military father who had been stationed in Alaska, and who took the attitude that one simply learned to survive where one was put. So the cold never bothered me. Anyway, Winter Camp 2015 at Camp DeWolfe was a beautiful chance to embrace this enjoyment of winter, and have the opportunity to share with others, especially as we explored the love portrayed in the blockbuster movie, Frozen! I know, I know, you re thinking, why would a Christian camp latch on to this mainstream movie about snow and ice, of all things, and why would a parent send their children to this camp where they are just going to get the songs stuck in their head again?! But never fear, God uses this movie too! All good things all good things come from God (James 1:17) and through our four rounds of Christian Formation (four! in 43 hours! That s pretty good!), we learned about the themes of truth, sacrifice, and love that are present in the movie Frozen, and related that to God s truth, God s sacrifice, and God s love for us and creation. For me, this connection hit home particularly during the weekend as I realized that my ability to show love and care for the campers in my cabin, (who were the absolutely best, by the way shout out to G4!) this capacity for care is not based solely on my energy level or feeling of connection to God. Continued on Page 2 IN THIS ISSUE Winter Camp Stories Learn more about how God moved at Winter Camp Page 1/2 Listening to God - Reflections and thoughts from Camp DeWolfe s Adult Retreat - Page 4

But, God had put me here, and like a crazy trust exercise, I had no choice but to trust that God would work. I realized that God would work both through and beyond me.

2 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 Issue 12 2 God s Love as winter camp s Frozen foundation (Continued from Page 1) by Karen Bartos (Counselor) Arriving at camp after a long week at work, I knew that I was excited to be in the beauty and atmosphere of Camp DeWolfe, but also that I felt like I had little energy to give to the active and inquisitive campers who would arrive in a few hours. But, God had put me here, and like a crazy trust exercise, I had no choice but to trust that God would work. I realized that God would work both through and beyond me. I came to the weekend a bit tired and weak and desperately wishing that I could be the fun, spiritually strong, cool counselor, but aware that I could do nothing else than offer who I am, who God has made me to be, in this moment. Allowing God s love to work through and beyond my fear of failure or insufficiency, allows love to shine through and create beautiful moments I never knew what I was capable of, or, what God was capable of through me! Elsa, Queen of Arendelle, has a similar revelation her powers and capabilities to control ice and snow, the very person who she is, can be harmful to those around her, those she loves most and desires to protect, but those same powers can also be beautiful and a source of joy when used with love! And so, with God s love as my foundation, my cabin and I shared great moments of honesty in where we saw God that day at camp, of asking one another if we wanted to build a snowman, of singing praise to a God whose love never fails and of trying new things as we made new friends at camp. A worship song from the weekend: Higher than the mountains that I face, Stronger than the power of the grave, Constant through the trial and the change, One thing remains Your love it never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me. -One Thing Remains by Passion This Winter in the Davis Dining Hall SALSA Salsa is not only for dipping chip in! Salsa is a great way to add flavor and spice to all sorts of meals. Add to chicken, pork and beef. Ingredients: *3 medium tomatoes, Diced *2 teaspoons of fresh cilantro, *2 teaspoons jalapeno pepper seeded, chopped *1 cup red onion, small diced *3 tablespoons of lime juice (2 fresh limes) *2 teaspoons kosher salt *2 teaspoons black pepper Directions: Mix all ingredients together and marinate for 30 minutes. -by Tina DeGolyer (Food Service Manager)

I don't think you can make those kinds of bonds/connections in a Day Camp. There is something about actually living with people and their unique personalities even if it's only for a week.

org FAST FACTS 100% % of 2015 summer camp leadership team members who are returning staff from 2013 and 2014! 98% % of 2015 winter campers who are returning for summer camp 2015!

3 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 Issue 12 3 Camp Programs & Events March 2015 Camp Alumni Stories "I have many, many fond memories of Camp DeWolfe. Moreover, I have been able to keep in touch with Camp DeWolfers whom I met almost fifty years ago. In this throw away age I think that's saying something! I don't think you can make those kinds of bonds/connections in a Day Camp. There is something about actually living with people and their unique personalities even if it's only for a week. That is really the tie that binds." - Denise Hardeman SEND IN YOUR ALUMNI STORIES the Camp Office office@campdewolfe.org FAST FACTS 100% % of 2015 summer camp leadership team members who are returning staff from 2013 and 2014! 98% % of 2015 winter campers who are returning for summer camp 2015! Register for Summer Camp 2015 at today: Sibling Discounts Refer-a-Friend Discounts 7 th 8 th I.G.H.L Monthly Retreat 7 th Westhampton Beach Presbyterian Church Confirmation Class Retreat 8 th Camp at St Margaret s Church Plainview 11 th Hofstra University Recruitment Fair 13 th 14 th Boy Scout Troop 300 Camping and Service Weekend 15 th St Alban the Martyr Church, Queens 17 th 19 th American Camp Association Tri-State Conference NJ 22 nd St John s Church, Cold Spring Harbor 27 th 28 th Camp Board of Manager Retreat at Camp DeWolfe 29 th Grace Church, Manhattan with Canterbury Downtown Community April th St John the Divine Cathedral, Manhattan for Staff Confirmation Service 5 th Easter Sunday! Jesus is Risen! 8 th 10 th Newtown Student Fellowship Retreat 10 th 12 th Gospel Women s Retreat 11 th 12 th I.G.H.L. Monthly Retreat 11 th Memorial Service for Robert St Luke s Chapel 17 th 19 th Three Village Youth Group Retreat 18 th 19 th Long Island Healing Touch Retreat 19 th All Saint s Church Brooklyn 25 th 26 th Yoga Camp 25 th Service Saturday 1 26 th All Saint s Church Great Neck Episcopal Ministry Spring Retreats- Each week during the academic year, Camp DeWolfe welcomes church groups and schools from across NYC & Long Island. Call the Camp Office to book your retreat today at

Here are some thoughts and reflections from the weekend from a collection of guests: The tranquility and opportunity to expand on the learning of the contemplative prayer as the facilitator shared

For me, it was just the right amount of time set aside for this retreat; just an overnight retreat was good. Getting back on Sunday was important as things at church needed my time too.

Oh and the food was great! The best aspects of the retreat were the varied meditation methods taught by our guide. Not every practice works for everyone.

4 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 Issue 12 4 Listening to God This winter, Camp DeWolfe hosted its annual Listening to God Retreat for Adults. We hope you can join us for the next Adult Retreat on the Long Island Sound. Here are some thoughts and reflections from the weekend from a collection of guests: The tranquility and opportunity to expand on the learning of the contemplative prayer as the facilitator shared with us was the best aspects for me. Even though it was a cold and a snow covered day, the back enclosed porch of the Benson House was a perfect setting to let go and let God in to my day. For me, it was just the right amount of time set aside for this retreat; just an overnight retreat was good. Getting back on Sunday was important as things at church needed my time too. I thoroughly enjoyed the first retreat I attended. I personally appreciated that I was familiar with the camp, and was glad to stay in the Benson House! But seriously, it was what I hoped for. Oh and the food was great! The best aspects of the retreat were the varied meditation methods taught by our guide. Not every practice works for everyone. By giving us many approaches, there was a good opportunity for everyone to benefit from the meditations. I also like the breaks around meals -- it gave participants time to share their experiences and know each other better. Sharing with other believers from various ages and backgrounds was the best part of the retreat. Our facilitator was a good listener and guide! I enjoyed the space we utilized. I also like how the group was not too big. The Food Service was great! We also had hot cocoa, coffee, and tea available with pastries. Excellent! Lastly, my most favorite moments were the informal conversation that occurred before and after our formal meetings and in the Dining Hall with the other participants. I can appreciate dialogue within the formal space and open up relationships outside of it. NOTE: Check the camp blog for regular news and articles to support you, your family and your parish ministry!

Inside/Out Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries!

believers in Christ. All this I have spoken while still with you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Prayers: For wisdom for our summer staff in their semesters at college For courage for our campers in their school and educational learning For strength

5 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 Issue 12 5 NEW ACTVITIES FOR SUMMER: Stand-up Paddle-boarding Fishing Drama Wilderness skills NEW SUMMER 2015 THEME: The good news of Christ lays the foundation of Camp DeWolfe's Summer Camp, This year s theme will be to Power Up in the Holy Spirit, - a program from Inside/Out Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries! This camp program is based on the Biblical truth that Jesus promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit and everyone can receive that gift as believers in Christ. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:25-27) Make sure your campers or youth from your local church or neighborhood don t miss out on experiencing God this summer! Prayers: For wisdom for our summer staff in their semesters at college For courage for our campers in their school and educational learning For strength for our parents in their leadership and guidance. Amen. Praises: Thank you God for a safe winter retreat ministry. Thank you God for your beauty in nature and on the Long Island Sound to be reminded of your love. Thank you God for your greater kingdom of believers across the Diocese of Long Island. Amen. MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CAMPER S LIFE:

6 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 Issue12 [Addressee] [Street Address] [City, ST ZIP Code] PO BOX 487 Wading River, NY 11792

Peace Not As the World Gives

FRIENDS NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2015 Issue 14 DISCOVERY CAMPERS ENJOYING THEIR SUMMER COMMUNITY ON THE LONG ISLAND SOUND Peace Not As the World Gives By Dan Bell (Christian Formation Director) Jesus told the