2009 volunteer of the year . . . annely noble
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nnely and Geoff Noble moved to Colorado 14 years ago, and became members of St. Paul Presbyterian Church (Denver Presbytery). The St. Paul Middle School kids had no Sunday School teacher, so Annely stepped into that role. Annely also became the youth group leader and found out about Highlands when the Mid-High Retreat advertisement arrived at St. Paul in December. Annely writes: “I couldn’t believe our good fortune in having a camp in the mountains, and took the middle school youth group to their first retreat in 1995. I was hooked – Highlands and the staff were like family and the camp felt like home. While walking through the paths amid the cabins one evening, on an errand to pick up extra supplies for our small group activity, I was suddenly overcome with a wonderful sensation and realized right then that the Spirit of the Lord lives at Highlands Camp in Allenspark, Colorado. From that summer forward, my children became regular summer campers (until high school when their sports competitions preempted their participation at camp) and I accompanied the youngest as a counselor. After awhile, I was asked to direct the first-timer overnight and hillside camps. I can count my years of leading camps by the number and colors of t-shirts in my closet! “ Annely’s involvement with the Joint Highlands Camp Committee began six years ago when Mary Cannon suggested she join the Highlands Camp Committee. While Mary was still part of the committee, Annely and Mary carpooled together. Annely writes: “I must tell you, I had never ever been to meetings that lasted as long as Highlands Camp committee meetings did! Since there didn’t seem to be anyone taking notes,
I began acting as the secretary and continued until I became the moderator, at which time Ray Hauser took over the minute man duty. God brings incredible individuals to Highlands Camp and I have learned something from each person with whom I have worked and I hope that I have given each of those individuals a little of something good in return as well. At Highlands everyone works hard and prays hard.” Annely continues . . . “Highlands means so much to me because when I am at camp I can feel the love. In my estimation, there is no other place that I know that embodies the Christian spirit as much and as well as Highlands Camp, where individuals, adults and children alike, enjoy each other without judging, posturing or acting, and where people genuinely care for each other. Of course, there is an added benefit that Highlands is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado, where the majesty of the mountains is a constant reminder of the awesomeness of our triune God.” Annely is the first person to serve a two-year term as Chairperson of the Joint Highlands Camp Committee. The transition to two-year terms for the moderator is a change which will strengthen the work of the committee. She also currently chairs the Finance Sub-Committee. Annely is a regular participant in our spring and fall workdays, and enjoys serving as volunteer weekend host. Annely uses the opportunity of serving as weekend host to promote the Camp Store to our guest groups. We look forward to celebrating Annely’s service to Highlands! Page –1– October 2008
Dear Friends,
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s we move into the fall, we once again realize what a multi-dimensional ministry Highlands has become! We miss the excitement of summer campers, summer staff, horses, rafting trips, climbing trips and campfires. But we also know the joy of hosting church retreats, men’s groups, women’s weekends, and youth events from Presbyterian congregations and other congregations. We’ve enjoyed conversation with leaders from local congregations and other denominations as they gather for staff retreats. School groups, environmental groups, and others have come to enjoy the beauty of fall in the Rockies. In the month of October, we have only six days when we don’t have guest groups on site, and our busy weekends continue through the month of November! We continue to develop partnerships with others! We’ll host our first Elderhostel event in October, and look forward to many more Elderhostel events in 2009. Our partnership with Elderhostel builds on the legacy of Presbyterians as intellectually curious folks who love to travel and spend time in God’s creation! Our partnership with thirteen other Presbyterian sites in Way-Points builds on the strength of our connectional system. Both of these programs will help us to be good stewards of our beautiful facilities at Highlands, while providing strong programming for adults! This month, we welcome some new folks to our staff. Margaret Wray has joined us as our new Office Coordinator. Margaret and her husband live
in Allenspark. Stuart Hilgenberg has moved from Assistant Kitchen Supervisor to Interim Food Service Director. In the month of October, Stuart is trying some new menu items and inviting guests and staff to evaluate menus and new items to improve our food service. Program Staff are busy planning for the coming year. Online registration for Summer Camp 2009 will be available around December 1st. We are also delighted that Katie Palmer, our Adult Program Facilitator, has begun studies part-time at Iliff Seminary. In January, Katie will begin classes full-time and need to step back from her responsibilities at Highlands. If you know someone interested in developing and implementing programs for adults at Highlands, I’d love to talk with them. This is a parttime position and most work is done off-site. Katie has led us into new mid-week programming with Elderhostel and Way-Points, as well as traditional programming for church leaders. We look forward to continuing to move ahead in Adult Programming. We are overwhelmed by the response we have received from friends of Highlands in donating quilts and quilted items for our first ever quilt auction! Now all we need for it to succeed is for you to be there! I hope you’ll join us for our Annual Christmas Party and our first ever Quilt Auction. It is a fun time with great music and amazing food. We’ll be celebrating our volunteers and also reducing our debt . . . it’s hard to imagine anything better! I hope to see you there! Grace and Peace, Maria Shupe, Executive Director
did you know . . .
. . . that many folks pledge annually and give regularly to the support of Highlands?
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ome folks have checks sent monthly from their bank to support Highlands, others write checks and send them each month or quarterly. Some friends have made a pledge that each month is applied to their credit card, while others prefer to give annual gifts of stock. Your gift may be used where needed most in the ongoing operation of Highlands, or may be designated for scholarship support, mortgage reduction or to meet another special need. Your regular gifts in support of this ministry are important to the continuation of Highlands. Thank you for your generous support!
the mount meeker society
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embers of the Mount Meeker Society are those individuals, congregations and organizations that donate $1000.00 or more annually (in many cases much more!) to Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center. Each year we recognize members of the Mount Meeker Society in the first newsletter of the year and at a special dinner in the spring. We hope that you will be a member of the Mt. Meeker Society this year! The Mount Meeker Society Dinner will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2009. Page –2– October 2008
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thanks to all who participated in our fall workday!
any thanks to all who participated in our fall workday! Hot water pipes in the Retreat Center were insulated, and the Activity Center and several winter cabins had plastic coverings put on their windows to help reduce heating costs. Curtains were stored for summer cabins, ready to be cleaned and rehung in the spring. Paths were repaired in the main camp area, and old records were burned to clean out storage areas. All this was done in the midst of six guest groups on site for the weekend! Thank you!
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wish list 3 Volunteers! The ministry of Highlands is governed by an 18 member joint committee nominated by both Denver Presbytery and the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks. In addition, we have six sub-committees who oversee various aspects of our ministry. If you have expertise in construction or as a lawyer or accountant we could use your help on our Operations Committee. We can also use expertise in the areas of Finance, Program, Personnel, Development and Marketing. Volunteers are needed in every aspect of our ministry! If you would like to volunteer, but are not quite sure how to get started, please call or email Maria Shupe (maria@highlandscamp.org) and we’ll be glad to help you find the place that works for you! 3 Portable Pulpit or Lectern . . . if your congregation has a pulpit or lectern they are no longer using, Highlands can give it a good home and put it to good use. We frequently have 3 to 5 groups on site on any given weekend, and could use an additional pulpit or lectern.
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ishes really do come true! Thank you to Marjilou Nightingale for the donation of a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan! This new addition to our family will be called “The Pete Mobile” in memory of her husband Pete Nightingale. After picking up the minivan Dave Strom provided a wonderful staff devotion on faithfulness. Pete Nightingale played guitar and led music for Dave Strom’s Fifth Grade Sunday School Class. Many years later, we are honored to have this gift in his memory!
Rocky Mountain Holiday: Re-Discover Old Time Traditions in a Getaway With Your Grandchild December 26th – December 30th, 2008 During this four night program, participants will experience the holiday traditions of people living in the Rocky Mountains. While enjoying beautiful winter views of Rocky Mountain National Park, participants will spend a day learning about and experiencing the winter climate of the mountains, and how it affects all of life! Next, participants will discover the local holiday traditions of mountain folks and use hands-on activities to create their own mountain holiday experience. Participants will also discover the joy of winter sports in the mountains, from ice skating to snowshoeing!
coming to highlands in 2009 Rocky Mountain National Park: Winter Wonderland March 8-13, 2009 World Affairs Conference: Reflecting in the Rockies April 5-10, 2009 Emerge Into Spring at Rocky Mountain National Park May 3-8, 2009 An Intergenerational Elderhostel: Summer Spectacular in the Colorado Rockies August 9-14, 2009
_____ Be sure to go to www.elderhostel.org today to register! _____ Page –4– October 2008
Way-points is a cooperative venture of 13 Presbyterian sites across the United States.
Rocky Mountain Fourth of July Family Vacation | July 2 – 5, 2009 Relax in our majestic mountain center for your vacation. Located in the heart of the National Forest with spectacular views into Rocky Mountain National Park, Highlands is the perfect place for your summer family vacation. Activities will include horse-back riding, worship, canoeing, fireworks, Bible study, and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
21st Century Thought in Astronomy, Geology, & Theology | August 16 – 21, 2009 What are those lights in the night sky? How did that mountain get so tall or that lake so deep? Who or what created it all? Join astronomers Drs. Irene and Steve Little: geologist Dr. Gary Wallace: and Rev. Brad Rohwer to explore the sky, the earth, and God’s wonderful creation as they play out in the Rocky Mountains.
Longs Peak: Towering Treasure of Rocky Mountain National Park September 27 – October 2, 2009 From early climbing expeditions to the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park, the story of 14,259-foot Longs Peak boasts colorful characters (like Enos Mills), technological innovators (like F.O. Stanley), and artistic inspiration. Visit the ranger station, tour museums, and hear a National Park Ranger and others talk about this wonderful peak.
Be sure to go to www.way-points.org and check out all thirty-nine programs that will be offered around the nation!
upcoming events Senior High Retreat
Friday, November 7 – Sunday, November 9, 2008 “Peace in the Chaos” . . . join us as we explore the concept of finding the peace of Christ in a chaotic world.
24/6: A Gathering of Men
Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 22, 2008 A 24-hour gathering to help men take inventory of the friends they can count on and to strategize about gathering men in their lives whom they would consider friends. Speaker Dennis Ondrejka. On-line Registration for the Men’s Retreat will be available until November 7th. After that date, please register by fax or mail. After November 7th, please call Laura to check on availability!
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financial update
hrough the generosity of Denver Presbytery and individual donors, Highlands did not have to draw on the Line of Credit for cash flow during the summer months. We have strong guest bookings for weekends through the end of November. In the month of October we have only six days during which we do not have guests on site at Highlands. We currently owe $304,900 on our Line of Credit, and have a mortgage balance of $2,071,411.89.
Capital Campaign:
The Highlands Camp Committee and the Capital Campaign Sub-Committee have engaged the services of the Roecker Consulting Group for six months beginning in October. We look forward to the strong support that Ann Roecker and her company will bring to the work of the Capital Campaign. Page –5– October 2008
The Highlands Christmas Party and Quilt Auction is Coming Soon! Friends, Volunteers, Staff, Campers and Supporters Are invited to join us for A Christmas Open House and our First Quilt Action Saturday, December 6, 2008 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Music by The Hip-Bones
The Hip-Bones is led by Glenn Shull, who retired as the coordinator of instrumental music for the Poudre School District. He and his wife are members of FPC in Fort Collins. Residing and working in the Fort Collins, Ault and Eaton areas, the group has been playing together for many years. Originally it was formed in order for the members to maintain their playing and ensemble ability. More recently, they have been sharing their talent with churches, assisted living facilities, clubs and organizations in the northeastern part of the state. Celebration of Highlands Volunteers and ___ Recognition of Annely Noble, 2009 Distinguished Volunteer ___ ___ Quilt Auction ___
Silent auction will run from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm Live auction will begin at 2:30 pm Supporters of Highlands and quilting groups from around Colorado have been hard at work creating beautiful pieces of art for this event. Nearly 30 quilted items have been donated. Funds raised for the quilt auction will be used to reduce the mortgage on the retreat center to ensure a strong financial future for Highlands. Checks, cash and credit cards will be accepted.
We have something for everyone: j Intricate Historic Quilt
j Quilted Christmas Wall Hanging
j Baby Quilts
j Quilted Jacket
j Highlands-Themed Quilt j Twin, Double, and Queen sized quilts j Table Runners
j Mountain Landscapes j Wall Hangings
Children’s activities for the young and young at heart will also be available, bring the whole family!
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thank you mariners in mission!
hat can more than 40 volunteers do in a week’s time?? Well, they can . . . . • Make new curtains for over 100 windows in eight cabins • Replace the bathroom floor in Paintbrush • Replace the porch on Paintbrush • Take down and replace the acoustical tile in the Chapel. • Paint the interior of the Chapel giving it a fresh new look • Insulate and rewire Cougar • Frame two new 4-square courts outside the Dining Room for use by campers as they wait for meals Thank you to the Mariners who joined us August 17th-23rd for a week of volunteer service. Page –6– October 2008
you are the key to success for our 1st quilt auction!
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riends of Highlands have provided beautiful quilts and quilted items, and now it’s up to you! Please join us for the quilt auction . . . please bring a friend. . . please make sure that information about the Christmas Party and Auction are in your bulletin and newletter! A picture is worth a 1000 words so here are some photos of items that will be available at the Quilt Auction. Be sure to check out the special page on our website at www.highlandscamp.org to see all of the items! New items will be added as we receive them!
Rag Quilt by the Faith Sowers of
Puppy Quilt made by Jennifer Lowry and Martha Jurey
Central Presbyterian Church of Longmont. This warm, washable, flannel quilt will get fluffier every time you wash it! This quilt is made to be used! The Faith Sowers will be the featured quilters at the Inner Faith Quilt Show in March 2009. Pictured (left to right) Mary Williams, Nancy Sullivan, Marjilou Nightingale (front row), Pat Emerson, Ann Stonebraker, and Jane Nelson (back row).
of the Longmont Quilt Guild. (Left to Right) Beth Purkett, Diane Blandy, Sharon Powis, Jenny Cayton, PJ Sylvester.
Stack-nWhack Quilt
by Jean Williamson and machine quilted by Maureen Waite. This stunning and colorful quilt comes with a Certified Textile Appraisal. This quilt is made from 18 Stack-nWhack blocks on point.
Celtic Christmas Wall Hanging by Carol Nussbaumer
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Omaha, NE 68102 Permit No. 1951
P.O. Box 66 Allenspark, CO 80510 Address Service Requested
what’s inside 2009 Volunteer of the Year ... Annely Noble.....................1 Message from the Executive Director................................2 Did You Know?.....................................................................2 The Mount Meeker Society..................................................2 Thanks to All Who Participated in Our Fall Work Day.........................................................3 Wish List.................................................................................4 Elderhostel.............................................................................4 Way-Points.org......................................................................5 Upcoming Events..................................................................5 Financial Update...................................................................5 The Highlands Christmas Party and Quilt Auction is Coming Soon!....................................6 Thank you Mariners in Mission!.........................................6 You are the Key to Success for our 1st Quilt Auction......7 Page –8– October 2008
MISSION The mission of Highlands is to provide gracious hospitality and quality Christian programs in a majestic mountain setting and to nurture spiritual renewal and transformation in a safe and inclusive environment. For more information about Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center Contact 303-747-2888 info@highlandscamp.org u www.highlandscamp.org