Christian Camping Lighting the Way for the Good News
SUMMARY SUMMARY Christian camping has always been important to Covenant people. An extensive network of regional Bible camps and conference centers supports the ministry of local churches. COVENANT MOUNTAIN MISSION There are three Covenant camps in the Great Lakes Conference all with the same goal to reach out to people of all ages and from all walks of life and share with them the Good News that is Jesus Christ! Each of our camps has its own creative and unique way of achieving this goal, catering to the community around them. We encourage you to look around, find the Covenant camp nearest you, and get involved! COVENANT MOUNTAIN MISSION Jonesville, Virginia MISSION MEADOWS MISSION MEADOWS Dewittville, New York PORTAGE LAKE PORTAGE LAKE Onekama, Michigan 2 3
COVENANT MOUNTAIN MISSION OUR MISSION: To worship God and to enjoy Christian fellowship and discipleship in the midst of His beautiful creation and to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to youth, adults, and families through the camp s outreach and community involvement. FULFILLING OUR MISSION: Our setting in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia places Covenant Mountain Mission Bible Camp (CMMBC) uniquely in the midst of God s beautiful creation. Christian fellowship and worshipping God here takes many forms: watching the mist rise from the mountains in the early morning; hearing campers praise songs echo from the Chapel; sitting around the campfire; sharing the stories of our walks with Christ; or even the chatter of mission team workers bustling around camp. Similarly, discipleship has a beauty of its own here. Not only does CMMBC equip young people through Bible camp ministries, but also through serving as mission team members. We encourage churches to cross generational boundaries when recruiting members for mission trips to CMMBC. There is beauty in equipping young people with both spiritual and practical skills that adult leaders share as co-workers in Christ. FULFILLING OUR VISION: We desire to increase the use of the camp, and create more opportunities to fulfill our mission. The CMMBC Board of Directors continued efforts in 2014 to increase awareness of the camp through church visits, attendance at the annual meeting of the Association of Covenant Camps and Conference Centers, as well as at the Southeast Conference Women s Retreat. We were grateful to meet with people of the Covenant at Anchor Covenant (Lake Geneva, WI), Ravenswood Covenant (Chicago, IL), Winnetka Covenant (Chicago, IL), and Trailer Estates Covenant (Bradenton, FL). Not only do we have ongoing relationships with churches in the Great Lakes Conference, but also in the East Coast, Southeast and Central Conferences. This increased effort in connecting with various churches and conferences was part of implementing COVENANT MOUNTAIN MISSION the Strategic Ministry Plan that was developed in 2014. As a result, we saw significant work done on the camp, and many relationships were strengthened. Another part of the 2014 ministry plan, was a more purposeful and communicative approach to our need for funding. God blessed these efforts as well, particularly with a year end fund drive, that resulted in significant one time donations and pledges of support. We thank God for the following churches who supported work project mission teams, and provided financial support in 2014: n Evangelical Covenant (Lafayette, IN) n Mount Carmel Baptist (Woodway, VA) n West Bay Covenant (Traverse City, MI) n Covenant Community (Fairfield, OH) n Ravenswood Covenant (Chicago, IL) We were also blessed by churches who provided gifts in 2014: n Mission Covenant (Sugar Grove, PA) [ Hand-made sun dresses and hats/ scarves to distribute ] n Trailer Estates Covenant (Bradenton, FL) n Christian Life Fellowship (Jonesville, VA) n First Covenant (Grand Rapids, MI) n Mission Covenant (Foster City, MI) n St. John Baptist (Brundidge, AL) n Wallens Creek Covenant (Duffield, VA) n Westhigh ECC (Cary, NC) MAINTAINING AN AFFORDABLE SUMMER CAMP: The Lord again provided the staff for our camps. The work and financial support of these mission teams allowed us to continue in offering free and lowcost camping to the young people of Lee County, VA, and the surrounding area. We thank God for the following churches who supported camp staff mission teams in 2014: n Stilwell First Baptist (Stilwell, OK) n Salem-Troy Baptist Association (Brundidge, AL) n First Covenant (Grand Rapids, MI) n Community Covenant (Springfield, VA) Through these gifts of service CMMBC ministered to more than 170 campers, the largest number that we ve seen in our five years here. Of those, 110 were elementary school-aged students attending a week of day camp for free. The generosity of God s people provided daily transportation, Bible teaching, games, crafts, and other activities. A local church, Christian Life Fellowship, funded the majority of the cost for each child to be given a T-shirt. 4 5
COVENANT MOUNTAIN MISSION COVENANT MOUNTAIN MISSION Because more than one-half of the students in each of our county schools are eligible for free or reduced cost lunches, the Summer Food Service Program again funded a daily hot meal for each child. We also had a week of overnight camp for Trailblazer, Junior, and Senior Campers (grades 4-12). North Park University provided funding for T-shirts. Additionally, a generous scholarship fund from Winnetka Covenant Church (IL) allowed us to: n Offer 2-for-1 pricing for 20 campers n Allow six campers to exchange service hours for camp fees n Offer 12 camper scholarships n Provide excursions for 37 campers to: Bays Mountain ropes course and zip line; Swimming at Natural Tunnel State Park n Sponsor nine local young people for camp staff development n Fund transportation to camp for staff training of one young adult IMPROVING FACILITIES and STAYING DEBT FREE: The Lord continued to provide the workers and the funding to maintain and improve our facilities without accruing any debt. We marvel at how, over and over again, mission teams come in, one after the other, and seamlessly begin, maintain, and finish projects on time and on budget. The mission teams worked on a variety of projects last year, including: n Replacing windows in the dining hall, recreation hall, and staff house n Replacing the roof on recreation hall (Damaged in a 2011 hail storm) n Replacing the roof on the woodshed n Replacing all lights and ceiling fans in the camper cabins n Remodeling the upstairs bath of the parsonage ENGAGING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY/USE OF CAMP: CMMBC strives to serve the local community through programming and community usage of the camp s facilities. We were excited to see an increase in the local support of CMMBC in 2014, both in financial gifts and sending workers. Our facility use policy does not discriminate based upon the ability to pay; work hours are graciously accepted to pay for facility use. This policy allows us to be a blessing to our community. For example, an area boy scout troop was able to use the camp for a weekend of events that they earned by providing work hours during spring clean-up day. CMMBC also created opportunities for teens and young adults to develop leadership skills. Local teens volunteered by preparing the camp for summer to offset their camper fees. We also have former campers (now high school graduates) volunteering as well. We hosted the Lee County Prayer Group, which meets regularly to pray for revival and for God to move in healing our community of drug and alcohol abuse. The camp also hosted volunteers for a RAM (Remote Area Medical) Clinic that serves in Lee County, as well as partners with other civic organizations in the county to serve meals at this event. God continues to move among us! WHAT S UP?: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect [1 Peter 3:15]. Our camp theme for 2014, What s Up?, helped us to prepare young people to testify about the hope that they have. We were blessed to hear the stories about what God is doing in the lives of our campers and our staff members. All four weeks of camp were fully staffed. We were grateful to again partner with Camp Mission Meadows to provide training for our hired staff, a local young woman who grew up at CMMBC. We were blessed by a new mission team from the other Covenant Church in Virginia, and three teams who returned to staff camp. I wish we had enough room in this report to tell all the stories of the Kingdom work happening at CMMBC. Developing leadership, strengthening relationship, and seeing people both give and receive the love of Jesus is our story. Thank you for your prayers and continued partnership as we pursue the mission and vision that God has given to CMMBC. We are encouraged to see that mission is not only a part of our heritage, but also a part of our present and our future here. Covenant Mountain Mission Bible Camp 2390 Horse Hollow Road Jonesville, VA 24263 276.346.1013 cmmbc1950@gmail.com www.cmmbc.org 6 7
MISSION MEADOWS MISSION MEADOWS OUR VISION: Camp Mission Meadows is a place for all to encounter Christ and His creation, through spiritual and physical activities that nurture our relationship with the Creator, His creation, and each other. OUR MISSION: Camp Mission Meadows is a year-round, Christ centered camp and retreat which aims to Invite, Equip and Send. We INVITE people to join the Christian community. We EQUIP people to discover and use their unique gifts. And we SEND people out loving God and loving others. PREPARATIONS: New Facilities/Programs Generate Greater Awareness/Renewed Interests Ground has been broken and work has begun on our new Four Season Sports Pavilion and indoor swimming pool! The Pavilion was completed to the point of being usable for ice skating, broomball, and hockey this winter. The pool project has progressed to a point of having the shell of the building up and the concrete poured for the pool and hot tub. The construction progress has created a renewed awareness in our local community about Mission Meadows. This past winter we saw the gym rented out 3-4 evenings per week to local community groups for basketball practice, open gym, and birthday parties. By being on our grounds, families and children become familiar with the place and the people who serve here. Additionally, we were able to open the grounds for open gym and a climbing wall, open skating, and sledding during school break weeks and long weekends. It gave the children and families in our community an option to be active on even the coldest winter days. In the very near future, we anticipate being able to offer open swimming, open gym, and other activities on a daily basis for school children to drop in after school. With no other options in our community for children s activities, we see this as a very real need that we can meet. In the same spirit, we see the opportunity to offer lap swimming, water aerobics, water therapy, fitness programming, and other services to the adults in our community. Again, there are very few options in our area, and many people are driving a considerable distance to find comparable program offerings. With all of the new possibilities, we see the potential for a broader scope of relationships in our community and, ultimately, a greater opportunity to minister with children and families here in our neighborhood. Of course, all of these facilities and programs will be available for our summer campers and guests. This will enhance the guest experience and keep them coming back year after year. New options each week in the summer program will include dedicated time for swimming lessons, a horse program at a neighboring stable, music arts, visual arts, and personal sports training. We are also offering, in early August, a week-long sports camp in partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. All of this is to draw children and families to our ministry, so we have the opportunity to: INVITE people to join the Christian Community; to EQUIP people to discover and use their unique gifts; and to SEND people out loving God and loving others more deeply than when they first arrived. LONG RANGE SITE PLAN: A Strategic Approach - We aim to: n Strike a balance between affordability and what is most needed to be competitive, and attract children and adults to the camp n Take small, incremental steps to first improve the incoming revenue stream and raise funds, then take the bigger steps n Carefully prioritize these improvements to maximize the desired results n Be certain a high return on any investment is achieved n Winterize existing structures and add facilities that will attract a year round audience in support of program and amenities suitable for all ages GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Phase 1 - Four Season Outdoor Recreational Amenities n Playground structures: 1 complete; 1 coming in the near future n Sport courts and ball field (ice skating and broomball in the winter-complete) n Water slide at the lake (snow tubing and toboggan in the winter) n Indoor swimming pool with hot tub and sauna (work has begun) n High ropes course 8 9
MISSION MEADOWS MISSION MEADOWS Phase 2 - Lodging n Addition to the dormitory for Covenant School of Discipleship n New cabins with added amenities and increased comfort level n Relocate year round staff across NYS Route 430 (turn current staff housing into retreat housing) Phase 3 - Administrative Offices and Welcome Center n Replace existing office and motel rooms with expanded space directly connected to existing dining hall on both upper and lower levels (Additional offices and storage; Coffee shop and camp store; Front desk area for check in and guest services; New and improved infirmary/nurse s station) Phase 4 - The Future Because it s so far out, it s likely the list/priority level will be revised by the time we get around to doing the work n Larger pole barn for maintenance equipment n Additional lodging (townhouses/retreat center/lodge, etc.) n New dining hall n Campground OUR FOCUS: It is important to keep in mind that the Long Range Plan is exactly that...long range! The concepts and ideas are meant to be here for the next generation, although we are making improvements for the current generation. We do not have to accomplish this overnight, nor do we have to worry about any part of the plan holding up the progress of another, or interfering with current program offerings. Each piece is able to stand alone. This will allow us to vary our rate of progress depending on the financial resources available. It is our hope that the Plan will extend the reach of Mission Meadow s ministry, while exercising even greater stewardship of all that God has placed in our care. When implemented this plan will: n Allow construction of improvements that enhance the guest and staff experience. We will proceed gradually, as funds are available. The more funds available, the more progress that can be made. n Allow the camp over time to reach its goal of efficiently serving its constituency year round n Provide economies of scale, improve efficiency, add capacity, and enhance the financial performance of the camp by offering year-round service n Allow Mission Meadows to more effectively compete with other vacationing and retreat opportunities by improving its amenities and adding measurably more desirable activities than it is currently able to offer PRAYER REQUESTS: We need your prayer support! Here are a few items you can remember as you pray for Mission Meadows: n Pray for our year-round staff that we never lose sight of our calling as ministers of the Gospel n Pray for our summer staff that they would grow and learn about their own journey of faith so that they can then identify with, encourage, and disciple the campers that are placed in their care n Pray for our campers, that their hearts would be open to truth about their identity in Jesus n Pray for our board as they strive to govern well n Pray about how you can be involved financially. The two main areas of need are Capital Funds and Operating Funds. n Capital Funds: Visit us online at http://missionmeadows.org n Operating Funds: With the Long Range Plan we are taking steps toward the operation supporting itself through camper fees, rental fees, and other program related income. But we are not quite there yet. We rely on: GLC financial support; YOUR ministry support toward Camper Scholarships; and the Adopt-A-Staff campaign. In conclusion, and on behalf of our staff and board, I would like to thank our supporters who have made it possible for us to begin work on Phase 1 of the Long Range Plan. Since 1948, Mission Meadows has been one of those thin places where there is not much that shades a person from God s presence. Our supporters see the need to cast the net further as we answer the call to be fishers of girls, boys, men, and women. We are honored to be called to serve here and grateful for the opportunity to serve with you! Camp Mission Meadows 5201 East Lake Road Route 430 Dewittville, New York 14728 716.386.5932 bryan@missionmeadows.org www.missionmeadows.org 88 10 11
PORTAGE LAKE VISION: To impact every life for Jesus Christ through our service, witness, and programs. OUR MISSION: We exist to glorify God by providing yearround outreach programs, challenges and opportunities for youth, adults, families and churches, and to encourage and support them in developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. GREETINGS: Greetings from your camp and conference center in northern lower Michigan! As I write this report for our Conference Annual Meeting, I am mentally preparing myself to venture out into the cold February weather, and serve as a National Ski Patroller at a nearby resort. Preparing to care for the needs of injured skiers on the slopes, I am reminded of the Patrol motto safety and service, a call to offer support and care for everyone we encounter. Likewise, at camp we feel that we have a lofty call that has been issued by our founding churches and our community, an even higher call to impact every life for Jesus Christ through our service, witness, and programs. Over the past year, we have worked hard to serve our Covenant churches and local community, in sharing the Gospel in life-changing ways. (That happened to be really fun!). In fact, the past year has been the most successful year in Portage Lake s history. 2014: It was a successful year for our camping and retreat ministries. Last summer, we served over 1,700 campers in our youth and family camp programs. Our youth camps broke all of our attendance records, as we saw almost 1,000 campers from second grade through Senior High. Among those campers, 98 stated that they gave their lives to Christ for the first time, and over 327 PORTAGE LAKE made recommitments to living lives for Christ. Our summer camps embody the principles that Jesus taught through amazing community and outrageous fun. There is a place for every kid, from every location, and with every interest and skill. Camp is simply the best investment that parents can make in the spiritual upbringing of their son or daughter. Check out our website sometime for pictures, videos, and testimonies of what summer camp meant to kids! It was also a great year for our muchlauded family camps. We served over 570 campers in our four family camps, and there was only open space in our late-season Family Camp 4. You can come to our family camps and see the joy of families sharing a full week together in God s creation. Community and fun are in such huge helpings that God s glory is palpable. Not only is great teaching taking place, but parents are able to share countless new experiences with their kids away from the distractions of work and media. Families are being impacted for Christ in greater numbers each year. RETREAT SEASON: Our retreat season last year was also truly exciting. The fall retreats catered to many individuals including men, women, high schoolers, middle schoolers, quilters, local community groups, seniors, and church retreat groups. Dozens of additional retreats were also held in the winter and spring. A retreat at Portage Lake is a time of temporary community where relationships are cemented and lives impacted in untold ways. Camp is an amazing tool for the growth and formation of our church members and families. We have been blessed to witness the work of the Holy Spirit in our numerous retreats. 12 13
PORTAGE LAKE PORTAGE LAKE COMMUNITY OUTREACH: We were a cultural hub for our local churches and community in 2014. We hosted the prom, almost every local association meeting, Pickleball leagues, rock climbers, basketball leagues, outdoor education for local schools, and even a staff banquet for our local Little River Casino (from which we received registrations for summer camps and fall retreats!). We have become an indispensable part of the local fabric in Onekama. Camp is a light for Christ through our service and facilities each week and year-round. In 2014, we opened our new Lakeside Lodge and lakeside amphitheater to serve even more guests than ever before. These facilities, purchased by generous donations from a single donor, have helped us to serve all ages with amenities that meet many needs. Our grounds are continually being upgraded and renovated to provide safe, scenic, and fun surroundings. We also continue to add new activities: a dodgeball adventure zone; crate stacking; archery tag; mountain biking; and much more. There is always something fun to do at camp, and wonderful facilities to enjoy it all in. REMEMBRANCE: In 2014, a member of our dear Portage Lake family, Dr. Jerry Umanos, was killed in Afghanistan while serving the most vulnerable patients in emergency hospital situations. Jerry was raised at Portage Lake, met his wife on staff, raised his family here (his son was married here), and continued to take a week each year to come to family camp. At his funeral, before thousands of mourners in Chicago, I was reminded of how significant and amazing the Portage Lake family truly is. Hundreds of campers, who are more like family than mere campers, gathered to grieve and share together in celebrating one of our own. Jerry once gave me a book called The Wild Goose Chase, that described the Celtic Christian view of following the Holy Spirit. Following Christ like Jerry modeled for us, is like chasing a wild goose you never know how or where God will lead you. This year, we think of Jerry every day as we seek to go on a wild goose chase for the Holy Spirit. We are willing to try anything, and go anywhere the Spirit leads. In 2015, we will leave no stone unturned or pathway unexplored for the Kingdom, in the name of Christ, and in the memory of Jerry. CLOSING: In closing, I want to thank you for allowing me to serve as Executive Director for what will be my 20th summer this year. I am blessed by our Portage Lake family, and the churches I am honored to serve. Please consider how you or your church can participate in the ministry of Portage Lake. We exist to serve Christ and to serve you. Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp 4158 Camp Delight Road Onekama, Michigan 49675 231.889.5911 dnesburg@portagelake.org www.portagelake.org 14 15
CONTACT INFO: Great Lakes Conference 6900 North Haggerty Suite 90 Canton, Michigan 48187 www.greatlakes.cc info@greatlakes.cc 734.451.4670 The Evangelical Covenant Church