Camp Bethel E-News: January 26, 2021
GIFTS TO CAMP BETHEL ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE:
2011 was a difficult year being a non-profit organization. In 2012, more than ever, Camp Bethel is depending on gifts and donations. Operated by the Virlina District Church of the Brethren, Camp Bethel is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so your gift is fully tax-deductible. Our Federal tax ID number is 54-6043879, and 100% of your gift supports the ministries and programs of Camp Bethel. Gifts may be sent to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090, or contact us for more information at campbetheloffice@gmail.com or (540) 992-2940. Thank you!
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1. Jenny Steinbach & family moving to Germany.
2. Who is YOUR congregational Camp Representative?
3. Summer Camps OPEN for registration.
4. What's new at summer camp?
5. Recruit new campers and $$$ave!
6. Bethel bits, bytes and Upcoming Events.
1. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, JENNY STEINBACH & FAMILY MOVING TO GERMANY:
Jenny's husband, Raphael has accepted a job in Germany. Despite greatly enjoying and excelling as Assistant Director at Camp Bethel, Jenny and Raphael feel this is a good opportunity for their family. Jenny will work through February. She writes, "We are deeply saddened to move from dear Camp Bethel and from the good people who grace this place. Our time here has been joyous, fulfilling and rich. We have loved being a part of Camp Bethel. We will miss everyone immensely. Camp Bethel will always be in our hearts and prayers." Since December 2008, every aspect of camp has improved through Jenny's dedicated service, work ethic, creativity and loving kindness. Raphael, Jenny, daughter Isa and baby-on-the-way (July) will begin anew in mid-March in Wetter/Rurh, Germany. A "Thank You" reception for Jenny will be held at the February 4 Camp Supporter Luncheon (see info #2 below). Greetings and well-wishes can be sent to Jenny at steinbachjd@gmail.com.
We're going to miss Jenny, and we're fortunate to have already secured excellent 2012 summer camp leadership, including several Virlina young adults led by sibling Summer Program Coordinators, Chelsea and Tyler Goss (West Richmond CoB). Chelsea is currently serving as a Resident Volunteer, and she is working closely with Barry LeNoir, Brigitte Burton and Tim Clemons to provide uninterrupted camp programs and services. Barry and the Outdoor Ministries Committee of the Virlina District Board will study the camp's future personnel needs.
2. SEND YOUR CHURCH’S REP TO THE CAMP SUPPORTER LUNCHEON:
Saturday, February 4, 12:00-3:00, all Camp Representatives, pastors, youth leaders, friends and supporters of Camp Bethel are encouraged to attend our Camp Supporter Luncheon. Please ensure that at least ONE person from your congregation is in attendance. You do not have to be an official Camp Rep to attend. After a free lunch in the Ark, we’ll share and distribute all the tools and information you need to communicate Camp Bethel to your home congregations. We will also have a "Thank You" reception for Jenny Steinbach during lunch (see info #1 above). RSVP by January 30 to reserve your free lunch, (540) 992-2940 or campbetheloffice@gmail.com.
3. SUMMER CAMPS 2012: "TREASURES OF THE KINGDOM"
All Summer Camp information (brochure, forms, schedules) is on-line NOW, and brochure packets were mailed in early February to all campers, churches, camp reps and pastors. Register early to guarantee your chosen week and before May 1 to save $50. 67 program choices over 8 weeks of camp including Adventures, Trips, Resident Camps and Day Camps! 23 NEW programs! Register before May 1 to save $50!
Summer Theme: "Treasures of the Kingdom: the parables of Jesus." Six parables will guide us toward Kingdom living, help us discover meaning for our lives, and teach us ways we can respond. These priceless treasures include receiving and responding to God's grace and care by generously providing others with grace and compassion. Through practice (and fun puzzlers, orienteering, geocaching and “treasure hunts”), we will learn that God uses even our smallest acts of faith to grow the Treasures of the Kingdom.
Check all the fun (and our 2012 Video, too!) at: www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm
4. WHAT'S NEW AT SUMMER CAMP? www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm
- Barry and Jenny welcome our 2012 Summer Program Coordinators, Chelsea Goss and Tyler Goss, both long-time camp alumni and really FUN folks!
- Equestrian programs!
- Partnering with Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio for professional Performing Arts Camps!
- Outings for Resident Camps include Equestrian, Horseback Riding, and River Tubing!
- GaGa Ball "pits" and outdoor 4-Square courts at both the Ark Lawn and the Pool Lawn!
- Opt-out choice for week-long campers who do not wish to sleep outside during Home-in-the-Woods.
- Orienteering, Geocaching & new Treasure Hunts.
- Brethren United Mountain Adventure Trip, July 22-27 for rising 7th-10th graders!
- Several NEW options for Senior Highs!
- New amped-up music and singing in the Ark!
- ALL Elementary Resident Camps are open for 3rd-6th graders.
- New easier on-line registration system with no extra fees!
5. RECRUIT 5 NEW CAMPERS AND SAVE $100!
Earn $100 credit toward your camp fee for each group of 5 new campers you recruit! Print multiple copies of the “Recruit” tee-shirt form at www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm. Note: For this offer, new campers must fully enroll in 3-day resident camps, week-long trips-adventures-or-resident camps, or week-long day camps. We track your recruits through your submitted “Recruit” forms; start earning credit today!
6. BETHEL BITS, BYTES & UPCOMING EVENTS:
SOW THE SEED SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET, MARCH 1 (THURS) 6:30PM:
Plant seeds of FAITH in the lives of children, youth and young adults! Come enjoy a night of fine dining, programming and the chance to support our Summer Camp Program. At $40 per person (larger gifts accepted), all costs and donations from the evening directly fund "camperships" and our summer camp ministries. RSVP by February 27 to 540-992-2940 or campbetheloffice@gmail.com. Payments accepted in advance or at the table. In 2011 Camp Bethel granted $26,000 in scholarships to 123 campers! Each year the need and demand for scholarships increases. Our base fee for a week of camp in 2012 is $260. Your gift is tax-deductible! Give the gift of CAMP; it’s an experience that can change a life forever.
MARCH 31 (SATURDAY) 7:30AM, SPRING VOLUNTEER WORKDAY:
We need YOUR help to clean, repair and prepare our grounds and facilities for the summer. Projects available for all skill levels. FREE Breakfast at 7:30am and FREE Lunch at 1:00pm. RSVP free meals and free Friday lodging by March 26 to 540-992-2940 or campbetheloffice@gmail.com.
SOUNDS OF THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL, APRIL 20-21:
Our 11th annual Sounds of the Mountains Festival of Music and Storytelling will be held April 20-21, 2012. The festival features Emmy winner Bobby Norfolk, nationally known tellers, Michael Reno Harrell, Bil Lepp and Kim Weitkamp, plus excellent music from The Wright Kids and Wayne Henderson. Order tickets before March 31 for big savings! Check our updated web site, www.soundsofthemountains.org/ for tickets, schedule and information.
RECRUIT A SPONSOR! Our festival sponsors help us present world-class performers AND provide needed funds for the ministries of Camp Bethel. Print Sponsorship Agreements and recruit more sponsors at: www.campbethelvirginia.org/sotm.htm. Thank you!
ADULT VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS NEEDED:
"Counseling at camp was the most rewarding week of my year. Those 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, Camp Chaplain, 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 campbetheloffice@gmail.com. Volunteer applications are available at www.campbethelvirginia.org.
FOLLOW CAMP BETHEL ON FACEBOOK:
Network with over 1000 Camp Bethel friends and follow camp updates, photos and fun on Facebook at www.facebook.com/camp.bethel.
UPCOMING EVENTS: www.campbethelvirginia.org/calendar.htm
February 4, 2012 (Sat), 12:00noon: Camp Supporter/OMC Rally & Lunch.
March 1 (Thur), 6:30pm: Sow the Seed Banquet, RSVP.
March 17 (Sat), 9:00am OMEC and 10:00 OMC Meetings.
March 30 (Fri), 6:30pm: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, RSVP.
March 31 (Sat) 7:30am: Spring Workday, 7:30am, RSVP.
April 20-21 (Fri-Sat): 11th Sounds of the Mountains Story & Music Festival.
April 21 (Sat): Camp Bethel at Roanoke Camp Fair, Valley View Mall.
May 5 (Sat): Camp Bethel "Family Day Camps" at Ministry & Mission in Virlina.
May 25-28: Memorial Day Family Weekend, RSVP meals.
May 26 (Sat), Family Fun Day & Open House, 1:00-4:00pm.
June 3-16 : Summer Staff Training.
June 7 (Thur) or 11 (Mon): Adult Volunteer Counselor Training, 5:30-9:00pm
June 12-13 (Tues-Wed): CIT Training.
June 17–August 10: Summer Camps.
August 15 (Wed): 18th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament.
August 31-Sept 3: Labor Day Family Weekend, RSVP meals.
October 6 (Sat): 28th Heritage Day Festival.
November 3 (Sat), 7:30am: Fall Workday, RSVP.
December 6 (Thur) 6:30pm: Christmas TOGETHER Banquet.
CONSIDER A DONATION TO CAMP BETHEL:
This year, more than ever, Camp Bethel is depending on gifts and donations. Gifts help us maintain our ability to offer excellent, affordable Experiential Christian Education by covering many of our Summer Camp Expenses for which we pay invoices through September: (Memo your check “Summer Camp Expenses.”)
* Counselors: $225 sponsors one Senior Counselor for one week; $110 sponsors one Junior Counselor.
* Energy: $150 pays electricity/propane for 1 day, or $900 covers 1 week (6 days) of summer camp.
* Food for our camp population (16 meals per week for 8 weeks) costs $1087 daily or $6520 weekly.
* Insurance: $200 insures one day, and $1200 insures one week (6 days) of summer camp.
* Swimming Pool: Your $230 gift keeps our pool operating safely for one summer week.
* Supplies, crafts, gear, CPR/1st Aid training: $92 = 1 summer camp day; $550 = 1 week.
OUR ONLY E-MAIL ADDRESS: The only Camp Bethel office e-mail is campbetheloffice@gmail.com, which is received by Barry LeNoir (director) and Jenny Steinbach (assistant director).
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CAMP INFO PACKET FOR ALL CONGREGATIONS, MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:
Communication, communication, communication! PLEASE help inform your church and others about Camp Bethel. Our latest info packet includes half-sheet fliers about summer staff, our storytelling festival, volunteer opportunities, 2012 Virlina facility rates, our 2012-2013 events calendar, 5 ways to help, and our Adopt-a-Facility program. Find the packet in PDF at: http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/rep.htm
ARK CONFERENCE ROOM FURNITURE NEED: Would you like to help provide a better experience for our guests? Over the past several months we have been updating the look and feel of our Ark Dining Hall and Conference Room. To help complete the transformation we would like to purchase a NEW set of sofas and chairs for the Ark Conference Room. The furniture we have now has served us well, but needs to be retired. All gifts are tax-deductible! Contact us at campbetheloffice@yahoo.com or 540-992-2940 if you can help.
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 campbetheloffice@yahoo.com or 540-992-2940.
THANKS FOR READING!!!
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This Camp Bethel E-Newsletter is a free service, produced occasionally by Barry LeNoir & 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: campbetheloffice@yahoo.com
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since 01.26.11