kids need adventure. challenges. direction. faith. WINTER NEWSLETTER 2014
IN THIS ISSUE + Letter from the President.......... 1 + Retreats....................................... 2 + Overnight Camps....................... 3 + Day Camps.................................. 5 + Giving .......................................... 6
WINTER NEWSLETTER:
PRESIDENT’S LETTER NUMBERS ARE NOT THE HIGHEST PRIORITY BY MICHAEL PERRY PRESIDENT OF SPRINGHILL CAMPS
For organizations like SpringHill it’s easy for the numbers to become the central focus and ultimately their highest priority. Such numbers as dollars, people, partnerships, and customer feedback become the ultimate plumb line for measuring success. This is especially true when organization are doing really well (it’s fun to celebrate the numbers) or doing poorly (when watching the numbers is part of staying alive). Either way the numbers can move from important to becoming the most important priority. Because of the incredible opportunities God’s given SpringHill over the past few years, resulting in record breaking numbers, we’ve experienced this temptation to make the numbers the most important thing. But, we remind ourselves daily that our two highest priorities are first, to share with young people, in a relevant way, with integrity and no compromise, Jesus and His message. Secondly, to see and engage each young person as Jesus does, as an individual of infinite and eternal value.
In the end, it’s not about the thousands, it’s about the one, and it’s the one lost sheep, the one misplaced coin, the single life-transformed that causes the people of SpringHill to celebrate. It’s in the individual stories of young people’s life-changing encounters with Jesus, like the ones in this newsletter, which we measure our effectiveness. We also recognize and are humbled by the fact that it’s because of you that we’re able to be used by God to not only impact tens of thousands of kids, but more importantly to impact each person God entrusts us with each year. So thank you and be blessed as you see in the pages to follow the lives being transformed because of your involvement.
SOCIAL MEDIA
REFLECTIONS— SECOND SERIES NOW AVAILABLE!
Reading through the Bible in a year. Make it a goal to start today. Looking for direction? Come alongside friends of SpringHill as we read through the second series of Reflections Reading through the Bible in a year. Start your journey by visiting www.michaelperry1.wordpress.com and click ”Reflections”. Devotional is compatible with your electronic reader.
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Stay connected to SpringHill year-round. Join Facebook conversations, scroll our Twitter feed, or browse through our Instagram social networks. Learn about upcoming events, read camper testimonies, review Scripture, and see photographs of things ongoing at camp! Been to camp recently? Share your experience and/or pictures, and tag SpringHill Camps! facebook.com/springhillcamps twitter.com/springhillcamps instagram.com/springhillcamps
WINTER NEWSLETTER:
RETREATS WINTER TEEN RETREATS
UPCOMING RETREATS CHECK OUT ALL THE DIFFERENT EVENTS HAPPENING AT SPRINGHILL!
INDIANA OVERNIGHT CHECK OUT OUR RETREATS IN 2014! Visit springhillcamps.com/IN/retreats.
We are not defined by our past, our weaknesses or our failures. Through God’s love and salvation “our spirits are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
MICHIGAN OVERNIGHT
This winter, over 8,500 high school and middle school students will discover what it means to be redefined in Christ at one of our ten weekends of Winter Teen Retreats. Read what some people are saying about their SpringHill Experience so far this year:
WINTER TEEN RETREAT 8 FEBRUARY 21–23 WINTER TEEN RETREAT 9 FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 2
What youth leaders are saying…
WINTER TEEN RETREAT 10 MARCH 7–9
“ Thank you once again for providing us with an amazing weekend! Our teens truly met God and I can’t wait to share with our Church! One boy came and gave his life over to God! I will be signing up in the next week for next year! Praying for the groups coming and for the staff, that God will be glorified and they will meet Him!!”
For more information, visit springhillcamps.com/MI/retreats.
– Jonica, Trinity Church “ We are blessed in a huge way! Two of our students made first-time decisions for Christ and virtually everyone else (38 students and several leaders) recommitted their lives to following Jesus.” – Marty, Fellowship Bible What a teen is saying… “ I was redefined by deciding to put Jesus first instead of my own likes and needs. I really enjoyed Brock [Morgan] speaking; it really hit me hard when he said we sometimes seem to put God aside and everything before Him. Saturday night wasn’t as emotional for me because God was working with me piece by piece, little by little. But I cried Sunday realizing it just took time. Another part of Brock’s preaching was when he said God speaks to each and every one of us in many different ways. I loved the way God worked through each and every one of us. But this weekend was definitely the best weekend of my life. I know God has something very special in store for me and I thank Him for putting these people in my life.” – Paris, Winter Teen Retreater For more information on how to sign up your group for Winter Teen Retreats, send us an email at register@springhillcamps.com or call 231.734.2616.
VOLUNTEER AT SPRINGHILL CAMPS! WE NEED YOU!
Volunteers make it possible to reach more kids for Christ. Opportunities to volunteer range depending on interest and expertise, and perform a variety of work including: activities, medical staff, maintenance, and administration. Want to know how you can help? Visit springhillcamps.com/support. Michigan: springhillcamps.com/support Contact: Joel Hamilton at 231.836.1039 or jhamilton@springhillcamps.com Indiana: springhillcamps.com/support Contact: Amanda Wolf at 812.497.0008 x.111 or awolf@springhillcamps.com
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OVERNIGHT CAMP:
INDIANA
11.6
AVERAGE AGE OF AN INDIANA OVERNIGHT CAMPER IN 2013.
COMPANIES WITH A MISSION (CWAM) VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND RAISING $26,000
When I first came to camp I was nervous that no one would accept me for who I was. Thankfully this was far from the truth! I made new friends that were going through the same things I was; I’ve never felt more like myself. I’ve learned important lessons like self-confidence, and grew closer to God. I learned that everyone has a story that may have broken them, but in the end, put them on top with God. I can’t wait to see what else I learn next year. – Kaitlyn, InPursuit summer camper
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NUMBER OF CAMPERS THAT CAME FROM STATES OTHER THAN IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, AND WI.
A special thanks to Cardno JFNew, Cummins Inc., Fuller Engineering Company, LLC, and Grace Community Church for their volunteer work at our Indiana Overnight Camp last fall. These volunteer groups created videos and entered into CWAM’s Super Service Challenge to help raise dollars for SpringHill. The various service projects they accomplished included: planting trees for our named scholarships, teepee renovations, clean up of summer water recreation equipment, and collecting of dead trees for campfire wood. Through their efforts, SpringHill Camps was awarded $26,000! A majority of the awarded money will go to the completion of our teepee renovation project at our Indiana Camp. The project will be completed for summer 2014 campers.
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OVERNIGHT CAMP:
CAMPERS HAVE ATTENDED SPRINGHILL FOR 8 YEARS OR MORE.
2013 SUMMER CAMPER PROJECT—COMPLETE! INDOOR HIGH ROPES COURSE
MICHIGAN STAFF ALUM SPOTLIGHT
WHERE GOD HAS TAKEN ME – GJ TESAR
Welcome the new addition to our high adventure program! Take a scooter ride or jump on a skateboard up over the heads of your friends. The indoor high ropes towers 30 feet and offers over 15 challenging elements. Campers and guests will enjoy this new activity year-round and during inclement weather. “ It’s fun to see the reaction people have when they walk into the gym. There are lots of comments about how cool it looks and how much they want to play on it.” – Sarah, Activities Director A special thanks to the camper families and donors that supported the 2013 Summer Camper Project. Thank you for making this project possible.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI THROUGH MICHIGAN OVERNIGHT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES DURING WINTER SEASON
Last October SpringHill received an $8,000 grant from the General Mills Foundation through the Yoplait Community Action Plan in Reed City, Michigan! This funding was used to update our cross-country ski equipment with new skis, poles and boots, as well as marked and groomed ski trails. These cross-country trails range from 25-45 minute experiences and vary in difficulty. Trails are used by our Winter Teen Retreat students and guest groups at Michigan Overnight Camp. Previous projects funded by the General Mills Foundation include the Storybrook nature walk and water trampoline. We are fortunate for their support in helping kids stay active through new and challenging experiences. These two weeks have taught me a lot about patience and also about forgiveness. I learned that I love helping others and can use that gift for a lot of other things in life. God has put a fire in me that will burn forever. – Amber, Teen Service Team Camper
I spent my first summer at SpringHill Camps as a Copper Country counselor. I loved everything about it! Campfire songs, blobbing, and just having fun with kids would have almost been enough—but then we got to tell the campers about Jesus. I worked at SpringHill during college, my second summer I was an Area Director in New Frontiers where I learned a new definition of “dead squirrel” and what it meant to have a homesick kid in my care. God grew me in every way possible during those summers. I will always look back at my time at SpringHill as ‘the good days.’ Having graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University, and considering my future, I put in an application to be a youth pastor in Cairo, Egypt. I wasn’t looking to go overseas, or work in a church for that matter, but got an interview in the spring of my senior year and after fasting and praying, I really felt God saying to me that if this door stayed open, it was the one He wanted me to take. While I was there I was the ‘Director of Youth Ministry’ at an English speaking church that was a church for over 500 people from over 40 different countries. The kids in the youth group came from about 20 different countries. I was there during The Revolution…talk about a weird series of events. I had been in the country six months when the whole Middle East went up in flames. Our church shrank significantly and I was absolutely forced to rely on Him. He taught me that He really does know what He is doing. In the calm of everyday life, in the midst of the chaos of a revolution, in a completely different culture, in big and small, thick and thin—God is in control, God has a plan, and God is always at work.
WINTER NEWSLETTER:
DAY CAMPS
53.8%
OF CAMPERS IN 2013 WERE ATTENDING FOR THEIR FIRST TIME.
ADA OFFICE HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW OFFICE?
THANK YOU, (YOUR CHURCH NAME), FOR BEING A HOST PARTNER! REFER YOUR CHURCH, BECOME A HOST PARTNER Day Camps is growing and wants to grow with your church as a partner. Help reach the next generation in your community. This summer Day Camps will launch into six states and serve over 17,000 day campers. As Day Camps expand, we continue to look for churches to partner with that align with our ministry and have a passion for community outreach. If you feel SpringHill Day Camps is a good fit for your church, or for more information, please contact Kristen Cnossen 231.679.6274 or email kcnossen@springhillcamps.com.
SpringHill has branched out and opened an office in Ada, Michigan. This office has allowed our staff to better collaborate on key ministry ideas, and has served as a center meeting location for our staff located in West Michigan, Metro Detroit, and Chicago. Thank you to our many supporters and volunteers that helped with the redesign and upgrades to this new office space.
SIX STATES. ONE MISSION. EXPANDING TO NEW PARTNERS Two new states have joined the roster to serve kids for Christ. Day Camp teams will be expanding their reach and serving communities within Kentucky and Wisconsin. Both states bring partnerships that offer exciting opportunities to build community and foster faith-based relationships for our youngest campers.
DAY CAMP IS COMING! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! SPRINGHILLDAYCAMP.COM
Calvary Christian School in Covington, Kentucky and Kenosha Bible Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin will be an ally with SpringHill, serving over 120 kids new to camp at each location. “ Kenosha Bible Church is very excited to be partnering up with SpringHill Summer Day Camps. The prospect of having qualified, energetic and Christ-serving people come to our church and put on a week-long camp is really exciting. Boxing up summer camp and bringing it to life at our church has endless benefits. It allows us not only to attract children from within our own church body, but to reach into our community and touch the lives of children for God’s greater good.” – Pastor Eric Barlow, Kenosha Bible Church This summer Day Camps will serve alongside partners in communities throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Register today, visit springhillcamps.com.
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WINTER NEWSLETTER:
GIVING GIVE THE BEST WEEK OF THEIR LIFE
UNIQUELY GIVE TO YOUR FAVORITE CHARITIES! Whether its SpringHill or another charity that you love, consider some creative ways to give this year. HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES: • Time and Talent. Volunteer your skills with your family, company, or church. SpringHill needs volunteers to help in everything from construction projects to landscaping and gardening to medical expertise. Depending on the job, we may even be able to provide housing, food, and some activities as part of your work with us! Visit springhillcamps.com/support for details.
SpringHill, My name is Melissa and I recently attended Winter Retreat, with my church. This was my first year attending as a leader and would like to tell you what an inspiration for all ages. You are disciples of God and please keep doing what you can in the lives of these young adults. I’m sending this $50 check as a donation to help cover expenses of other children who may not have the funds to attend. Thank you for making my weekend memorable and connected to God. Your sister in Christ, Melissa
COME ALONGSIDE MELISSA TODAY AND GIVE $50 TO HELP INVEST IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD.
DONATING TO SPRINGHILL IS EASY AND SECURE!
• Be able to give more to ministry. Rather than give the IRS God’s money, give it to your favorite charity instead. Very often, creative planning with your appreciated assets of stock or property result in a huge tax savings for you along with an awesome opportunity to grow God’s Kingdom! SpringHill works directly with our friends at PhilanthroCorp and the National Christian Foundation, and has board members who make it their business to help people manage their finances in to help you make wise decisions that will benefit you, your family, and your favorite charities. Please contact Andy Westmaas, Development Leader at 231.836.1038 and he will get you pointed in the right direction.
“ACCOUNT ON FILE” DONATING IS NOW EASIER THAN EVER Have you or your child attended SpringHill? Then you have an account on file. Simplify the process and use your “account on file” for your next ministry donation.
TEXT-TO-GIVE
1. VISIT www.springhillcamps.com/donate.
Partner with us and help send a child to camp!
2. SIGN-IN to your account.
1. TEXT 45777
3. SELECT “Account on File”.
with a donation amount and designate to “SpringHill”. Example: “$50 SpringHill”
3. DONATE to your favorite program.
2. FOLLOW THE LINK
4. SMILE because you just impacted a
3. SAVE THE NUMBER
Thank you of your support! You make it possible for kids to experience camp.
to the safe and secure registration—one time only! to your contacts for easy, one-text giving!
child’s life.
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