The New Year is off to an incredible start with our Winterblast programs and I can’t believe it’s already the middle of February! We’ve seen records numbers of campers throughout the first five weekends of winter and appreciate the opportunity to serve so many different churches, youth leaders and students.
Although the weather hasn’t been very winter like, groups have highly rated the program. Here’s what one leader shared with us about the experience:
“The programming had a great balance of teaching, worship, and fun activities. The speaker and worship band were great. The activities were fun and engaging and there’s a lot of different options to choose from. I appreciate that the activities do not pit different churches against each other. Derek is amazing and everyone is so nice. Our cabin heat needed to be adjusted and it was immediately taken care of. It’s the cleanest camp I’ve ever been to. And the food is wonderful, too.”
We’ve seen God at work in the lives of students and here’s what a few of them shared with us:
“I learned that God does not care about our background or family life. He still loves us not matter what we look like or where we come from.”
“This weekend helped me to reevaluate what is at the center of my life a majority of the time, and whether is it my relationship with God impacting my life or if it is my life impacting my relationship with God.”
“This weekend really made me think deeper about my life and how I need to change things in it. The speaker impacted me a lot and the worship was awesome and I felt like God was around us at worship.”
While we’re busy running our WinterBlast program we are equally busy planning and preparing for our spring retreats and summer camp programs. Registrations are pouring in for Best Week Ever Day and Overnight camp programs and we expect another sold out summer. We can’t wait to see all of our returning campers and look forward to meeting all of our new campers!
I’m really excited to open our second campus at Ferrwood in the greater Hazleton area! We’re planning a full summer with 10 weeks of programming beginning June 10 and ending August 16. Our fully inclusive Day Camp program will serve both neurotypical children and children with special needs with incredible benefits for everyone involved. I’m grateful to the AllOne Foundation for their support and the board and staff at Ferrwood for this opportunity to partner together. We plan on opening registration on March 1 for this program.
I look forward to seeing you at camp! Check out all of the opportunities to connect at www.camporchardhill.com!
Jim Payne
Executive Director
