Xenia News
the newsletter of Upper New York Annual Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries • The United Methodist Church xenia: Xenia is the Greek concept of hospitality - or generosity - and courtesy shown to those who are away from home. It is often translated as “guestfriendship” because the rituals of hospitality create and express a reciprocal relationship between guest and host.
Issue XiiI
Fall 2017
A Note From the Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries In today’s culture it is ever more critical that we, whether child or adult, retreat from our daily routines, and it is often while at camp or on retreat that we develop a relationship that changes all other relationships. The acknowledgment of, and a commitment to, a relationship with Christ is our primary goal. We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ. A recent article published in Campsight by author Lloyd Mattson offered a number of points as an explanation of the value of a camp experience. The following is a shortened version of those points. • Safety: Careful staff screening and training weed out people unfit to serve. Camps work constantly to assure physical, moral, and spiritual safety for campers with government regulations reinforcing the camp’s efforts. • Friendship: Friends are one of the most vital forces for shaping a child’s character, and camps create an environment where friendships form and grow. Kids share adventure with peers from diverse backgrounds over five or six days under spiritual guidance allowing friendships to mature. • Self-discovery: The overpowering sights and sounds of the digital world stifle personal reflection and creativity, while the camp’s natural setting and challenging programs create moments for self-awareness and creative thought. • Spiritual input: Christian camps present the gospel through chapel services, Bible study groups, counselor-led sharing times, and campfires, providing opportunities for campers to make spiritual choices and receive wise counsel. • Role models: The home church brings kids and leaders together for an hour or two of directed activity in a religious setting. At camp, kids and leaders interact constantly in worship, play, adventure, discovery, and meals. In this setting, the friendship of older Christians makes a great impact. • Creation: Our world of wire and concrete dulls the spirit to the wonders of nature. Camps feature the natural setting. Campfire worship, nature hikes, outpost overnights and week-long outdoor trips bring campers close to creation. • Change of pace: Within the camp’s full schedule are pockets of leisure that provide the camper with breathing room allowing new life perspectives to be embraced. God’s Spirit always deals with hearts one on one, and camp often provides the stillness that is mandated in Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). • Leadership growth: The camp, more than any other Christian agency provides openings for entry-level leadership experience. A significant percentage of Christian leaders first tasted leadership in a camp and trace their sense of calling to a camp experience. • Fair price: Remembering their camp years, parents may wonder at today’s camp fees. The answer lies in the cost of today’s homes, cars, professional sporting events tickets and dinners out. Considering the benefits one week at camp offers kids, the fee represents an overwhelming value. Whether you are looking for a place to take a group on retreat or you are the guardian or parent of a potential camper we invite you to come experience one of our centers in the coming year. We look forward to being in community with you. In Christ,
Michael D. Huber Executive Director
Aldersgate Brantingham, NY 315-348-8833
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