A Remarkable Summer!
We had a remarkable summer of ministry at Camp Orchard Hill! We served a record 4003 day campers in our Best Week Ever programs in three locations this summer – Dallas, Hazleton and our new Scranton area campus. Altogether we served a record 5781 day, overnight and partner group campers.
Here’s what campers told us about their experience and what they learned in their own words:
I GOT SAVED!!!!!
After I committed my life to God, I could read the Bible easier and could go to sleep easier.
God has taught me that everyone goes through trials and hardships, and that we are NOT
alone. I felt so loved by everyone.
God MADE my faith stronger and showed me that even though I’m a kid I still have potential.
God has taught me to not let my past define me and has shown me the love he has for me.
I really loved Friday when we did the silent disco and I loved MCP and worship. I also had the best cabin and the best counselors ever. The counselors are so nice and amazing.
My favorite part was gaga, apple tree, MCP, zipline, and worship. Those were my favorite parts because I connected with many people and God.
My favorite part of the week was making new friends and getting to know my counselors. This was my favorite part because having friends made my week a week to remember and everyone had my back.
My favorite part of this week was the last day when we were all around the campfire because it was encouraging to see how God has influenced everyone’s lives and grew people faith.
Our brand new Scranton area campus located at Camp UNC in Tunkhannock saw more than 300 campers in our first year – an incredible start! Our entire staff team did an amazing job of serving the campers and families with excellence. And, I’m happy to announce we’ll be back again next summer!
Our Hazleton area campus at Ferrwood Music Camp served almost 400 campers in our second year of operation. I’m thankful for the partnership with the CanDo Community Foundation to help meet the needs of children and families in the Greater Hazleton area and we’ll be back for another summer in 2026!
Our Dallas campus served 5,100 day, overnight and retreat group campers. Our programs offer full inclusion for children and youth with developmental disabilities and delays. I’m happy to report that we provided 729 weeks of camp for neurodiverse campers!
Consistently campers tell us that our staff is one of the things that they value the most at camp and I couldn’t agree more! Altogether 178 people served on staff this summer across three campuses. We have a terrific staff team that loves God and loves people and serves sacrificially and I’m thankful for each and every one of them!
Please check out the remainder of our newsletter for opportunities to serve, attend programs or financially support Camp Orchard Hill! Together we are making a difference!
Jim Payne
Executive Director
