We had an incredible summer here at Orchard Hill! We served a record 5,149 day, overnight and rental group campers in our Dallas location. And, we successfully opened a new Hazleton Area Day Camp program that reached 269 campers. Here are some amazing statistics from the summer:

  • Prepared a record 59,840 meals this summer
  • Awarded $110,578 in financial aid to more than 300 families
  • Served a record 3,403 day campers
  • Provided over 1,000 days of respite for special needs children and families

We had incredible conversations with campers about God’s love for them, His plan to redeem them and how they can have a relationship with Him. Here’s what campers shared with us in their own words:

“This week God has brought me closer to him even when I drift away. I have learned that you should always take a pause in your day, by either praying or reading the BIBLE.”

“Helped me to realize how much I need to be grateful for the little things in my life.”

“I learned to stop when I’m having fun and know that the Lord made it happen, and thank him. Also to stop when I’m struggling and rely on him to help me.”

Our new campus in the greater Hazleton area went extremely well! Enrollment grew each week as more and more families found out about our inclusive program for neurotypical children and children with developmental delays and disabilities. The beauty of the program is that EVERYONE participates in all the same activities together.

I’m thankful for the partnership with Ferrwood Music Camp, the AllOne Foundation, the CAN DO Community Foundation, Hazleton Area Recreation Program, Whispering Willows, Collaborative Autism Movement, S.A.F.E., Drums Elementary School, Butler Township and our amazing staff who made this first summer a great success! The Hazleton Standard Speaker published a front page article about our program if you would like to read more! https://bit.ly/3MFShVr

Besides our summer programs, there are many opportunities year-round at Camp Orchard Hill. We have openings for our Alive! Women’s Retreat and Band of Brother’s Men’s Retreat both held in October. Find details at www.camporchardhill.com/retreats. Additionally, we’re open year round for private retreats, banquets, birthday parties, Respite Saturdays and so much more.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family and I look forward to seeing you at camp!

Gratefully,

Jim Payne

Executive Director