Eight Weekends of Winter Youth Retreats Kick off 2023!

from February Newsletter 2023

What a MEGA fun way to start a new year! Eight consecutive weekends with winter youth retreats.Fourwereprogrammedby Camp: two Mega Fun Weekends for grades 3-6, two Arctic Blasts for junior and senior high students. Camp is also privileged to partner with Bible-believing churches to help them love their kids to Jesus. And when they’re done, four full sessions of quilters are coming! The temps may be cold but Camp is the “hot” place to be this winter!

Ministries Report

Spring & Summer Registrations point to big year!

After a record year in 2022 (12,273 guests!), hopes were high when registration for spring and summer events opened on January 1. As it looks now, God has bigger dreams for Camp Lebanon than we do! By February 20, over 1000 kids (60% of capacity!) had already registered for summer camp, nearly 300 ahead of last year’s pace. Family Camps were up 16% and space is going fast for all for sessions Mother/Daughter/Grandma Retreats are up, too, and the Young atHeart Retreat for seniors is just about full. Winter is finishing strong, as well, as attendance could top 1900 (up 7%). But it’s not the numbers that has the Campteammotivated. What anamazingopportunity toshine abrightlightfortheGospel!

Trees Cleared, Gym Construction Set for Spring!

With the site cleared, construction documents completed, and funding nearing the goal, preparations are moving forward for the new gym. Many important decisions are still needed on finishes, furnishings, and equipment, especially sound and lighting. At last look, funding topped 87% of the $2.5M goal. The new goal is to raise the final $322,000 in time for a big “CLOSING RALLY!” on Memorial Day! As the Lord leads and provides, the plan is to complete site work and footings in early May with construction of the pre-cast gym box to follow later in the month. A “Barn Raising” will be scheduled for June for volunteers to help place the SIPS panels used for the commons.

PRAISE & PRAY!

• THANK YOU! Monte Abeler (Marketing) called to UNW-SP after 7 productive years.

• THANK YOU! Parker Anderson (Operations) moving on after 6 effective years.

• PRAISE! Gym Campaign Tops $2,175,000 (87%). Over 630 have given to the gym!

• PRAISE! Record Year of Ministry: 12,273 guests impacted in 2022! All glory to God!

• PRAISE! Volunteers: Helped with office, quilt fun, and site projects.

• PRAY! Camp Leadership: Campaign, Gym planning, cultural challenges.

• PRAY! Counselor Hunt: Final 10 of 40 positions to hire, godly young men!

• PRAY! Spring Retreats: Planning, strong attendance, blessed churches & families!

Arctic Blast Notes

“We have put together our own high school retreats in the past, including teaching, worship, food, etc. It was refreshing to show up and have so much taken care of. Kids loved broomball, tubing, and the food! ”

“Appreciated teaching to the culture and meeting youth where they are.”

“Thank you for the wonderful weekend! It is obvious that you have an amazing team!”

2023 Winter Events

13-17

Arctic Blast 1 (7-12) Jan. 20-22

Arctic Blast 2 (7-12) Feb. 24-26

Annual Meeting Feb. 25

Quilt & Craft A March 2-7

Quilt & Craft B March 9-14

Quilt & Craft C March 16-21

Quilt & Craft D March 23-28

2023 SPRING FUN!

Men’s Advance! Mar 31-April 1

Dads N Lads April 28-30

Mother/Daughter May 5-7

Mother/Daughter May 12-14

Young at Heart Seniors May 15-18

Spring Senior Day May 16

YAR (18-35) May 18-21

Memorial Wknd Fam. May 26-29

DON’T MISS THE BOAT FOR SUMMER YOUTH & FAMILY CAMPS!

Know a child who has his or her heart set on summer camp? Or is there someone in your family, church, or neighborhood that needs to experience the “Funnest Fun!” AND hear the Good News of Jesus? Don’t delay. Summer events are filling faster than ever. Registration is easy and financial assistance is available. Spread the word! www.camplebanon.org