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First, the real Good News:
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” - John 1:9 & 14
CAMP BETHEL E-NEWS: 04.25.08
1. SUSAN CHAPMAN ANNOUNCES HER FUTURE PLANS:
Two trends are RARE in Christian camping: (1) Camps with full-time program directors, and (2) camps who keep the same program director for more than five years.
Camp Bethel has been blessed to have BOTH! Susan Chapman has served as our full-time program director since January 2002. 2008 marks her SEVENTH year in service to the Virlina District Church of the Brethren! During Susan’s tenure Camp Bethel’s summer camps have grown 48%, and 2008 is on track for continued growth.
Her experiences at Camp Bethel (ministering to children and adults, guest hospitality, and ministry training) have strongly influenced her calling to become a nurse. This fall, Susan will complete Science coursework requirements to enter a bachelor of nursing program. She will serve as our program director through 2008 summer camps, tentatively moving after August 31.
“This job and these people have shaped me into the person I am,” says Susan. “I’m excited about exploring new skills and a new form of ministry in nursing, and I look forward to maintaining close relationships with the people of Camp Bethel and the District. I leave with nothing but the warmest feelings for Camp Bethel, its staff, the Virlina District and all of its members, and I hope to continue my involvement in a volunteer capacity in the future.”
Please plan to attend a reception and celebration in Susan’s honor on Sunday, August 31 at 5:30pm in Camp Bethel’s Shelter-by-the-Spring in conjunction with our Labor Day Family Weekend events. More information about this reception will be announced in July. Join us in recognizing Susan for her outstanding service to the Virlina District.
Information about the upcoming open position will be announced once details are finalized.
Notes of appreciation (and summer 2008 volunteer applications) can be sent to Susan at 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090 . Hooray for Susan!
2. SUMMER CAMP BROCHURE, FORMS AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS ARE HERE!
Summer Camp Registration & Health History Form 2008 in PDF (531KB)
Camp Bethel 2008 Summer Camps Brochure in PDF (2.87MB)
Download, decide and send it in! Registration for 2008 is OPEN!
3. 2008 SUMMER CAMPS FILLING FAST
Tradition, trust and value: Camp Bethel’s summer camps are now widely recognized for excellence in Christian camping. Register your camper today! Children and youth have several options for resident camps, day camps, adventure camps and adventure trips with several new surprises. Join us for our 81st year of summer camping; “Handle With Care.” Schedules, forms, FAQs and all the summer information is at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm>.
4. URGENT NEED FOR CAMPERSHIP DONATIONS
Camp Bethel’s long-standing policy is to allow any child to attend summer camp regardless of financial need by offering “camperships”. Base fee for a week of camp is $215. Give a needy child the gift of Christian camping by paying for a campership; checks payable to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle VA 24090; (memo Camp Scholarships).
5. ADULT VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS NEEDED
“Counseling at camp for one week of my vacation was the most rewarding week of my year. Thos who can, should!” Please consider volunteering as a cabin counselor for a week of camp. Volunteers can also serve as a cook, CIT, “Camp Grandparent,” nurse/medical director, leader of Bible study and worship, maintenance assistant, photographer or office assistant. We also need help each Sunday afternoon from 3:30-6:00pm for camper check-in. Please call (540) 992-2940 or <camp.bethel@juno.com>. Volunteer applications are available at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/vol_app.htm>.
6. SUMMER ADULT VOLUNTEER COUNSELOR TRAINING DATES
Thurs, June 5, Mon, June 9, or Tuesday, June 17, 5:30pm-9:00pm at Camp Bethel, dinner included. RSVP your chosen date with Susan Chapman at (540) 992-2940 or <camp.bethel@juno.com>. Adult volunteer applications are available at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/vol_app.htm>.
7. MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY WEEKEND, MAY 23-26
Join us Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26. Check <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/mem_day.htm> for the schedule of activities and our concert schedule. Call today (540) 992-2940 or <campbetheloffice@yahoo.com> to reserve a lodge, cabin or campsite and your meals, all at special-low rates. Bring bikes, hiking shoes and swim suits as we start summer together. It’s a great new-old family tradition; Camp Bethel at its best!
8. SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE, Sat, May 24
Camp Bethel invites you to come walk the grounds, meet the camp staff, check a cabin, and enjoy refreshments in the Ark Dining Hall on Saturday, May 26 from 1:00-4:00. Meet at the Ark at 1pm; stay all day and enjoy Memorial Day Weekend swimming and a concert.
9. 14th ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT
FORE! Golfers and sponsors are needed on Wednesday, August 220 at Botetourt Country Club for our 2008 Golf Tournament and Banquet. Tee off is at 12:45 with a “shotgun start.” $65 per person includes green fees, team photo, cart and dinner at camp ($15 for dinner only); Mulligans sold at the course for $5 each; prizes for best-of’s and door prizes at camp. Assemble your dream-team for a day fun on the greens while supporting the ministries of Camp Bethel. Mark your calendars for this excellent tournament and meal. Get forms from your Camp Rep or Pastor, or check <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/golf.htm>.
10. 24th HERITAGE DAY FESTIVAL, Sat, Oct 4
Please encourage everyone in your church to participate and help in this vitally important fund raiser for Camp Bethel. Tell your friends and help us advertise. Heritage Day forms, fliers and information are available at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/hday.htm>, from your Pastor, Camp Rep, or at (540) 992-2940.
11. SEEKING PART-TIME KITCHEN MANAGER
Seeking a year-round, part-time kitchen manager for summer and onward; training will be provided. Cooking experience preferred. Starting pay is $8.50 per hour with flexible hours. Interested applicants should contact Linda Marshall, Food Services Director, at (540) 992-2940, or <CampBethelArk@yahoo.com>. Please help us spread the word about this position to persons who may be qualified.
12. OTHER CAMP BETHEL NEWS:
A. We’ve begun to prioritize Phase 1 of the Master Site Plan, using camp’s Nolley Bequest Funds for:
1. Ark Kitchen renovations: upgraded equipment; additional space and storage.
2. RV prototype development: at least one new, full, modern, year-round RV campsite.
3. Existing facility repairs and renovations including, and not limited to, Residence Retreat Center (w/ Summerdean CoB); Bethel Lodge (w/ Oak Grove CoB), Pineview, Heritage, the 1842 Crowder House, and most all cottages and cabins.
B. We’re working with the Virginia Department of Health to design and install an updated water system off our existing well to include chlorination (tank and exposure/storage tank), tank relocation (new tank building beside existing well) and moving our existing UV exposure system. These updates are strongly recommended by the VDH.
C. To address rising expenses, the District Board approved adjusted fees for 2008, the first real rental fees increase since 2003. We will keep the base fee of Resident Summer Camp the same as 2007, but will increase the camp fee for registering after May 1.
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LINDA MARSHALL HIRED AS FOOD SERVICES DIRECTOR
Linda’s first day at Camp Bethel will be October 22. Linda is continuing what Fonda re-established: a high level of quality and care in the Ark Kitchen and Dining Hall. Drop in and say “Hi” or send Linda a greeting at <camp.bethel@juno.com> or c/o Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090.
HOW CAN I HELP CAMP BETHEL?
Volunteer as a frequent weekend guest host. Get your church involved in Heritage Day and workdays. Sponsor or promote camp events, festivals, programs and site to your church, community and family. Secure items and supplies from our Wish List. Take initiative to come and help fix a needed repair (call first). Fund a needed project. Volunteer anytime with cleaning, maintenance, splitting wood, office help and kitchen help. Contact us at <camp.bethel@juno.com> or 540-992-2940.
ADOPT-A-FACILITY AT CAMP:
Several facilities at Camp Bethel are open for adoption by a church or group. Adoption of a camp facility helps keep repair costs, and thus rental rates and summer camp fees low. Please join with other supportive churches and consider helping with this vital stewardship of God’s church camp. Contact Barry at <camp.bethel@juno.com> or (540) 992-2940 for a facility list of repair needs.
SUMMER CAMP STATS
Summer Camps were very successful in 2007. 859 campers registered, and we granted camperships in the amount of $13,749 to 106 campers. Since 2002, we have experienced an unprecedented 48% growth in our summer camps!
SEND US YOUR CHURCH DIRECTORY
Please send Camp Bethel copy of your newest Church Directory at 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle VA 24090.
WE BID A “FONDA” FAREWELL TO…
During camp’s 80th Anniversary Celebration on September 2, the OMC and the Camp Bethel community of staff, volunteers, campers and supporting families honored Fonda Wilson, the camp’s Director of Food Services 2004-2007. Fonda’s last day at camp was August 15. Fonda moved back to her original chosen profession as a Radiologist in a private practice. In her four years at camp, she helped raise the standard of excellence for the Ark’s food services and she poured her love and care into her work. Notes of appreciation (and requests for recipes) may be brought to the event OR sent to Fonda at PO Box 252, Cloverdale, VA 24077.
SUMMER 2007 PROGRAM REPORT:
Our 2007 summer camps were a great success as our youth and children’s ministries grow stronger and stronger. We registered 859 campers (a 52-person increase over 2006 totals!). Our growth continues to be unprecedented in the camping industry, and it is fully attributable to the power and presence of God’s Holy Spirit in this place and with these people. Thanks to all our staff, CITs and volunteers who make this excellent ministry possible. 106 children received a partial or full campership to attend! Plan to join us in 2008 to experience this dynamic program in this blessed camp, the common ground of the Virlina District. Photos from summer 2007 and our tentative 2008 summer schedule are coming soon at http://www.campbethelvirginia.org.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR DONATIONS!
Special thanks to all our campers, families and churches who gave so generously this summer. Karen Weaver (Summer Crafts Coordinator) sends THANKS for all the jars used in making camper-craft lanterns. WE send thanks on behalf of struggling families in Sudan, recipients of $3863.30 from our summer offering project, “Every 30 Seconds: Fighting Malaria in Sudan” to produce mosquito nets for sleeping children's beds.
SUMMER CAMP PHOTO CDs:
Did you receive your photo CD? All CDs through July 29-Aug 3 have been mailed; Aug 5-10 coming soon. We may have accidentally mis-labeled a few CDs, which may have resulted in you receiving an incorrectly labeled CD OR photos from the wrong week of camp. Look closely at your photos and contact us for a new CD if we goofed; camp.bethel@juno.com. AND, if you didn’t get a chance to order a CD with over 500 photos from YOUR camp week, you can do so by sending a $12 check with your name and camp dates to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Rd, Fincastle, VA 24090.
2007 GOLF TOURNAMENT REPORT:
135 golfers enjoyed a great day of play and an excellent banquet on August 22. With the help of dozens of generous sponsors, this annual fund-raising day raised $16,920 for the ministries of Camp Bethel! Thanks to all our golfers and sponsors for such helpful support! More info at http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/golf.htm.
ADOPT-A-FACILITY AT CAMP:
Several facilities at Camp Bethel are open for adoption by a church or group. Adoption of a camp facility helps keep repair costs, and thus rental rates and summer camp fees low. Please join with other supportive churches and consider helping with this vital stewardship of God’s church camp. Contact Barry at camp.bethel@juno.com or (540) 992-2940 for a facility list of repair needs.
SEND US YOUR CHURCH DIRECTORY:
Please send Camp Bethel copy of your newest Church Directory at 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle VA 24090.
THANKS FOR READING!!!
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This Camp Bethel E-Newsletter is a free service, produced occasionally by Barry LeNoir, Susan Chapman & other camp staff. Articles may be copied and reprinted with reference to this page's link. To submit articles for consideration for inclusion in the Camp Bethel E-Newsletter, send a text e-mail to the camp's main office e-mail: camp.bethel@juno.com.
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since 04.25.08