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CAMP BETHEL E-NEWS: SUMMER NEEDS LIST, 6.8.07

“What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?  I’ll lift high the cup of salvation – a toast to God!  I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people.”  - Psalm 116:12-14

Please give what YOU can.  See below for explanations:

1. Need 750 pint-sized Mason jars with lids.

2. Need summer use of 3 mini-vans (7-passenger).

3. Need 8 volunteer fisher-men/women on camper float-fishing day-trips.

4. Need your shoes!

5. Need Volunteer Chaplains and/or Bible-study leaders.

6. Need Volunteer Medical Directors.

7. Need 3 male counselors, age 18+ & many volunteers.

8. Need all the usual Summer Camp supplies.

9. Need donations to Summer Offering Project –and- Campership Fund.

10. Summer Camps filling fast!

11. Upcoming Camp Bethel events.

1. NEED 750 PINT-SIZED MASON JARS FOR SUMMER CRAFT:

Our 2007 Craft Coordinator, Karen Weaver is organizing an excellent summer craft!  Using wide-mouthed pint-jars, lids, soy-wax, copper-foil and lots of crafty-ingenuity, campers will make their own Candle-Lantern.  (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105)

Please donate wide-mouthed pint-sized Mason jars with lids (dome lids w/ rings).  We will have a collection box in the Gym at camp check-in, OR you can bring them anytime to the Camp Bethel office.

For more information, or to help with crafts this summer, contact Karen Weaver at (540) 420-1239 or karen.weaver.04@cnu.edu.

2. NEED SUMMER USE OF 3 MINI-VANS (7-PASSENGER):

As demand grows for our Adventure camps, so does the need for transporting campers to our day-trip locations.  In an attempt to avoid overuse of our one, old 12-passenger-van AND to avoid renting vans, we’re hoping you will donate driving time OR use of your mini-van for these trips.  Mileage is tax-deductible!

We need vans every week from June 17 through August 10.  Can we use your van for one or multiple weeks?  Can you drive one or more of our Adventure Day-Trips?  A benefit of driving an Adventure Day-Trip is you have the option of participating in the day’s adventure, (rafting, riding horseback, etc.); FUN!

Vans loaned to Camp Bethel for the summer will be fully insured by camp and will be driven by camp-approved-and-background-checked drivers.

To arrange a van-loan or driving help, contact our summer Trips Coordinator, Tyler Wilkerson, at (540) 309-8043 or twilker2@utk.edu or Barry LeNoir at camp.bethel@juno.com.

3. NEED 8 VOLUNTEER FISHER-MEN/WOMEN FOR CAMPER FLOAT-FISHING DAY TRIPS:

Wednesday, July 25 and/or Tuesday, August 7: Are you willing to spend a day teaching a kid how to float-fish?

During our Elementary Adventure 3 fishing outing (9 campers on July 25) and our Junior High Adventure 9 fishing outing (8 campers August 7), we try to have an adult leader paired with every camper in a canoe for fishing help and instruction.

We rent canoes, paddles & PDFs for our days on the James River from Twin River Outfitters.  Campers can bring their own fishing gear, but some need to borrow.

Do you have a team of persons able and willing to pass-on your fishing knowledge to these excited and eager campers?  Contact our summer Trips Coordinator, Tyler Wilkerson, at (540) 309-8043 or twilker2@utk.edu or Barry LeNoir at camp.bethel@juno.com.

4. NO SHIRT, NO SHOES... THIS IS A PROBLEM!

(Camp Bethel is partnering with former counselor, Megan Forbes from Summerdean Church of the Brethren, to collect used shoes at camp check-in for the people of Manaus, Brazil.)

Megan writes:

Do you have shoes collecting dust at the bottom of your closet?  Many people in Manaus, Brazil have no shoes at all.  In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus makes it clear that whenever we serve our brothers and sisters (which includes providing clothing!), we are serving Him.  Wouldn’t it be amazing to bless an ENTIRE city with shoes!? 

Manaus is the largest port city in the Amazon River Basin, with a population of about 2,000,000.  While Manaus was a financially prosperous city in the early 1900s, poverty struck when the rubber industry began to plummet.  Today, Manaus is a city of contrasts: gorgeous historic buildings beside desperately poor slums.  Manaus is a financial center for Northern Brazil, but many of its citizens cannot provide for themselves and their families.  In fact, the need is overwhelming in Manaus; many people need food, shelter, clothing, jobs.  We hope to abundantly meet their need for SHOES, a simple but necessary article of clothing.     

Our hope is that you too, along with other campers this summer, will help bless a people in need.  Search your closets and attics, call your family and friends, set up collection boxes in churches for unwanted, old and extra shoes.  May our excess of shoes be able to bless those in need.

Here’s the requirements:

* All adult and children’s sizes of shoes/sneakers in wearable condition (as many as you can give!)

* Clean them up a bit (wash or wipe them off). 

* Tie the laces together to pair the shoes.

* Bring them to camp, and place them into the large shoe box in the Gym at check-in.

For more information, contact Megan Forbes at (540) 798-5403 or forbesme@jmu.edu.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen!”  Ephesians 3:20-21 

5. NEED VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS and/or BIBLE-STUDY LEADERS:

The tradition at Camp Bethel is capable volunteer teachers leading campers through morning Bible study.  This provides campers with a “new perspective” in addition to their counselors.  Volunteer Chaplains include lay-persons, pastors, licensed/ordained ministers, or simply willing and able adult volunteers.

Our 2007 curriculum, “Onward We Go!” is provided in-full for your use.  Volunteer Chaplains can be fully involved by staying all week (or 3 days for Mini-Camps) and helping with morning Bible study through evening vespers.  Lodging is provided at camp in the Retreat Center.  Volunteer Chaplains can be partially involved by leading morning Bible study only and going home each afternoon.  Open weeks and age groups are as follows:

June 17-22 for Elementary 1 campers, grades 4-6.

June 24-29 for Elementary 2 campers, grades 4-6.

July 1-6 for Junior High 2 campers, grades 7-9.

July 8-13 for Junior High 3 campers, grades 7-9.

July 8-13 for Senior High campers, grades 10-12.

July 15-17 for Tenderfoot Mini-Camp 1 campers, grades 1-3.

July 18-20 for Tenderfoot Mini-Camp 2 campers, grades 1-3.

July 29-31 for Tenderfoot Mini-Camp 3 campers, grades 1-3.

August 5-10 for Junior High Adventure 8 & 9 campers, grades 7-9.

Please help!  Contact Program Director, Susan Chapman, at (540) 992-2940 or camp.bethel@juno.com for more information.

6. NEED VOLUNTEER MEDICAL DIRECTORS:

Another tradition at Camp Bethel is that we do not hire a paid doctor/nurse each summer, but we depend on the good will of several weekly Volunteer Medical Directors.  These certified persons help with dispensing medications and tending to illnesses or first-aid/medical needs beyond the expertise of our trained staff.  Volunteer Medical Directors reside in the Retreat Center.  Weeks/dates we still need help are as follows:

June 24-29; July 8-13; July 15-20; July 22-27; August 1-3; August 5-10.

7.  NEED 4 MALE COUNSELORS & DOZENS OF SUMMER VOLUNTEERS

Four men ages 18+ are needed to round out our counseling staff.  Men AND women volunteers are needed all summer.  Contact Susan to apply OR to volunteer as a counselor, 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; staff and volunteer applications are available at http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/summerstaffapplications.htm.

8. NEED THE USUAL SUMMER CAMP SUPPLIES:

The usual list: First aid supplies (all kinds); pint-sized Mason jars (see above); swim suits (all sizes, girls & boys); pool toys; water shoes/sport-sandals; box fans; water bottles; fanny packs; rain ponchos; markers; brooms; sunscreen; hygiene products.

“Home-in-the-Woods” & Adventure Village Tools Needed: Bow saws; fire tongs; metal buckets; bailing twine; ground tarps; shovels; trowels; work gloves; mountain pie irons; cook pots; lumber; overhead tarps with grommets for hanging.

Programming Needs: Mountain bikes & helmets; canoes & paddles; kayaks & paddles; canoe trailer; lifejackets; tents & rain-fly’s; music instruments; sports equipment; fishing rods & reels; backpacks & daypacks; mini van or 15-pass vaN; farm & animal equipment & feed; balls; parachutes; guitar strings; dry erase markers; LCD projector; picnic tables; bunk bed sets; bunk ladders.

Bring supplies to camp or contact us to arrange pick-up at: (540) 992-2940 or camp.bethel@juno.com.

9. NEED DONATIONS FOR OFFERING AND CAMPERSHIP FUND

SUMMER OFFERING PROJECT: “Every 30 Seconds: Fighting Malaria in Sudan”

Every summer, our campers, families and staff give generously to a worthy cause.  Through our summer offering, we’ll remove a major stumbling block from the life journeys of the poorest of our sisters and brothers.

Malaria kills as many as three million persons annually worldwide, with 90% of deaths occurring in Africa.  Most who die are children: 3000 per day in Africa; one child dying on average every 30 seconds.  One of the most effective anti-malarial methods is the use of insecticide-dipped mosquito nets over sleeping children's beds.

Camp Bethel is working with partners in the African nation of Sudan to fund the production of mosquito nets by women's groups in affected communities.  Our offering will directly purchase material for nets, sewing machines and provide training and life-long skills for seamstresses in affected communities.  Moreover, our offering will directly save lives, so please give generously.

Life-saving mosquito net: $10; Sewing machine: $150.

Please pray for the families for whom your gift will help.  Place all offering donations into the OFFERING BOX on the registration table at Sunday’s check-in in the Gym, (checks payable to “Camp Bethel Summer Offering”).

CAMP BETHEL’S CAMPERSHIP FUND:

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 donating to Camp Bethel’s Scholarship Fund; checks payable to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle VA 24090; (memo Scholarship Fund).

10. SUMMER CAMPS FILLING FAST!

As of today, June 8, 2007, we have registered 708 campers; up 83 campers (13%) from June 8, 2006!  Onward We Go toward our goal of 850 campers for summer 2007!  Check which camps still have available slots on line at: http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/camps_date.htm.

11. UPCOMING CAMP BETHEL EVENTS:

13^th ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT, August 22:

FORE!  Golfers and sponsors are needed on Wednesday, August 22 at Botetourt Country Club for our 2007 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.

2007 is Camp Bethel’s 80^th Anniversary:

We will hold a service of celebration September 2 (Sunday) at 4:00pm with 5:30 pot-luck dinner following, all at Camp Bethel.  Come celebrate this milestone in Camp Bethel history. 

23^rd HERITAGE DAY FESTIVAL, Sat, Oct 6:

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.

CAMP BETHEL E-NEWSLETTER, 10.30.06:

“Autumn resumes the land, ruffles the woods with smoky wings, entangles them.”  - Geoffrey Hill

Caw!  Caw!  “Cawling” all friends of Camp Bethel!  This issue features important announcements, reports and postings, links to great photos and a camp story about a lone crow:  “Unexpectedly and out of nowhere, a single crow appeared over camp’s House of Pillars and landed directly onto Leonard’s shoulder...”  Read more about our visitor with “smoky wings” in #9 below.  Enjoy!

Contents:

1. Fall Workday, Saturday Nov 4

2. Virlina District Achievement Sunday, Nov 5

3. Come to the OMA National Conference at Camp Bethel, Nov 17-19

4. Heritage Day 2006 report

5. Welcome new BVSer, Matthew Yelton!

6. Summer Camp 2006 photos-sampler on line

7. Part-time Kitchen Co-Manager position still available

8. BIG Calendar of Events, 2006-2007

9. Wings blackened by the Refiner’s Fire

DO YOU KNOW A CAMP BETHEL FRIEND WITH NO COMPUTER?  PLEASE PRINT THIS NEWSLETTER FOR THEM.

1. SATURDAY, NOV. 4 IS FALL WORKDAY AT CAMP BETHEL, 7:30am

Please help us prepare for the fall/winter conference season with projects (indoor and outdoor) for all skill levels and all ages:  tree work: drop hazard trees-limbs; haul debris; block-haul-split-stack firewood; leaves: rake-drag-dispose; winterize seasonal plumbing & facilities; clearing trails; moving mulch to areas & spread; clearing gutters & downspouts; cleaning vacant facilities; stacking lumber; facility/appliance repairs; construction touch-ups.

Please bring supplies such as rakes, drag tarps, chainsaws, wood splitters, safety gear, ladders, gloves, garden & landscaping gear, tools (construction, repair, electrical, plumbing, etc.), vacuums, blowers, flatbeds, trucks (especially 4x4), cleaning gear & chemicals, brooms, mops, rags... and bring some friends!

RSVP meals by November 1, (540) 992-2940 or <camp.bethel@juno.com>.

Hooray for YOU, our volunteers!

2. VIRLINA DISTRICT ACHIEVEMENT SUNDAY ON NOVEMBER 5^TH

Virlina District Achievement Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, November 5th, with a special offering in our congregations to benefit the mission and ministry of the Virlina District including Camp Bethel.  This event, sponsored by the Virlina District Commission of Stewards, allows congregations and individual members to share, over and above the ordinary self-allocation giving, in the work of the Lord which we all do together.  A special bulletin insert and a cover letter has been mailed to every pastor and contact person explaining the details.

3. EXCELLENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITY OPEN TO EVERYONE:

OMA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, NOVEMBER 17-19 AT CAMP BETHEL

“Fill Their Cups: Fostering Leadership” is the theme of the 2006 Outdoor Ministries Association’s National Conference being held at Camp Bethel Nov 17-19 (Friday-Sunday).

Leadership development is hugely important for building tomorrow’s church.  As Church Leaders and Camp Leaders we frequently encounter members, guests, students, seasonal staff and summer campers who are on the brink of becoming great leaders; their cup is almost full.  When we take opportunity to add a little more - to give them the nudge they need, their potential comes spilling out and their Spiritual gifts come into fruition.  Our churches, camps, schools and communities desperately need our intentional efforts to foster the growth of church leaders and camp leaders.

Held every three years, the OMA National Conference is for EVERYONE: church leaders, educators, youth and children’s ministry leaders, camp staff and leaders, camp boards, Outdoor Ministries Committees & District Board Commissions, and all interested persons.

Gene Roop – Keynote Speaker: President of Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana: “Fill Their Cups: Fostering Church Leadership”

Chris Douglas – Roundtable Leader: Director of Youth and Young Adults for the Church of the Brethren General Board: “Partnering with church agencies: How we all work for Leadership Development”

Janis Pyle – Session Leader: Coordinator for Mission Connections for the Church of the Brethren General Board: “Fostering Daily Mission-Mindedness: A mature way of living and looking at life”

Paul Grout – Session Leader: Co-founder of A Place Apart: “Empowerment to Live Fully: ‘Jesus was about reconnecting our lives to God, creation, others and ourselves.  He lived within this connectedness, taught and empowered others to do the same.  How can we tap into, develop and nurture the raw innermost elements of our being; resident longings of our souls that may have been knocking on the door of our consciousness for years?’”

Jerri Heiser-Wenger & Rex Miller – Roundtable Leaders: (Jerri) Co-director of Camp Blue Diamond & (Rex) Director of Camp Alexander Mack: “Leadership Development through Outdoor Ministry: When does it begin and how do we as camp leaders nurture its growth?  A discussion about how we can foster faith formation and leadership development of our campers, staff, volunteers and boards.”

Schedule and registration information (forms & fees): <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/OMA.htm>.

4. HERITAGE DAY REPORT:

At 5:15am Saturday morning, October 7 in the pouring cold rain, I was worried:  "What if no one comes?  All the work and efforts of so many persons!"  Never fear!  If I've learned anything about the Virlina District and Camp Bethel, it is to NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SUPPORT AND RESILIENCE OF THESE PEOPLE.

On Saturday, October 7, 2006, twenty-six churches and groups combined their "Plan B" efforts into Camp Bethel’s Deer Field Gym, and raised $22,346.78 for Camp Bethel!

Since then, several other churches and groups have collected special offerings or continued selling leftover items to Camp's benefit.  As of today, October 30, you’ve raised $ $24,116.46 for the ministries of Camp Bethel!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Special THANKS to all the volunteers who helped and to the hundreds of participants from these District churches and groups: Antioch, Bassett, Bethel, Bethlehem, Blue Ridge, Central, Cloverdale, Daleville, Fairview-Floyd, Fairview-Rocky Mount, First Church-Roanoke, Good Shepherd, Green Hill, Hollins Road, Jeters Chapel, Masons Cove, Monte Vista Women, Mount Union, Ninevah, Ninth Street-Roanoke, Oak Grove-Roanoke, Peters Creek, Poages Mill, Smith Mountain Lake, Stonewall, Summerdean, Troutville, Summer Staff-Apple Butter, Virlina Men’s Fellowship-Fishing Rodeo, Williamson Road.

… And the votes are in:

The winner of the (tongue-in-cheek) 1^st Annual David Shumate Prime Percolator Award for the best Heritage Day coffee is…  CLOVERDALE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.

A few photos from Heritage Day 2006 can be found at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/hday06_pix.htm>.

Join us on Heritage Day October 6, 2007 as we celebrate Camp Bethel’s 80^th Anniversary, our church’s 300^th Anniversary and Virginia’s 400^th Anniversary.

5.  WELCOME NEW BVSer, MATTHEW YELTON!

We welcome our new BVSer, Matthew Yelton.  Matt will be with us through October 13, 2007.

Read more about Matt at http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/yelton_page.htm.

6.  SUMMER CAMP 2006 PHOTOS

A sample selection of photos from Summer Camp 2006 is now available at http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer_06.htm.

7. PART-TIME KITCHEN CO-MANAGER POSITION STILL AVAILABLE

We are seeking a year-round, part-time kitchen co-manager who can lead every other weekend for fall, winter, spring and onward.  Good management skills are required, and kitchen training will be provided.  Applicants should be committed to Christian hospitality and to providing excellence in service.  Some cooking experience preferred.  Starting pay begins at $8.00 per hour with up to 19 hours per week.  Working one out of every two weekends (fall, winter, spring) a must, but hours and work dates are flexible.

Interested applicants can contact Fonda Wilson, Director of Food Services, at 540-992-2940, or <camp.bethel@juno.com>.  Please help us spread the word about this position to persons who may be qualified.

8.  UPCOMING EVENTS 2006-2007

Nov 4, 2006 (Sat): 7:30am: Fall Workday, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/NEWS.htm>

Nov 5, 2006 (Sun): Virlina Achievement Sunday, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/NEWS.htm> 

Nov 17-19, 2006: National OMA Conference at Camp Bethel, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/OMA.htm>

Dec 1, 2006 (Fri): 1:00-4:00pm: “Green Sanctuaries”: Camp Bethel presenting Master Site Plan philosophy during workshop at the (free) 7^th Annual Green Living and Energy Expo, Roanoke Civic Center: <http://www.aecp.org/index2.htm>

Dec 30-31 (Sat-Sun), 2006: Winter Camp, ages 5-18, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/winter_camp.htm>

2007: Our 80th Anniversary Year

January 10-11 (W-Th): Volunteers needed to host ACA Conference

January 11 (Th): ACA Virginias Winter Conference at Camp Bethel, <http://www.acavirginiascamps.org/workshops.php>

February 3 (Sat): 12:00noon: OMC/Camp Rep Rally, Lunch & Master Plan presentation

February 19 (Mon): 6:00pm: Master Plan presentation to Southern Area ministers at Henry Fork CoB

March 2 (Fri): 6:30pm: Sow the Seed Banquet

March 5 (Mon): 8:00am: Master Plan presentation to Northern Area ministers at Camp Bethel

April 13 (Fri): 6:30pm: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

April 14 (Sat): 8:00am Spring Workday; RSVP meals

April 20-21, (Fri-Sa): 6^th Sounds of the Mountains Festival, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/sotm.htm>

April 28 (Sat): Camp Open House Day, 1-4:00pm: ACA Accredited Camps Day, <http://www.acavirginiascamps.org/>

May 5 (Sat): Master Plan presentation during Ministry & Mission - Virlina Style event, TBA

May 6-12 (Su-Sa): Advanced Studies Clown Camp, <http://www.advancedstudies06.com/>

May 12 (Sat): Master Plan presentation to the Tidewater Area of the Virlina District, TBA

May 25-28: Memorial Day Family Camp, Concerts & Master Plan presentation, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/mem_day.htm>

May 26 (Sat), 1:00-4:00pm: Summer Camp Open House for Campers & Parents, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm>

June 3-16: Summer Staff Training, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/summerstaffapplications.htm>

June 18-Aug 10: Summer Camps, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm>

August 12-25: Volunteers needed to host Guest Camps

August 22 (Wed): 13^th Benefit Golf Tournament, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/golf.htm>

August 31-Sept 3: Labor Day Family Camp, Concerts & Master Plan presentation, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/labor_day.htm>

October 6 (Sat): 23^rd Annual Heritage Day Festival, <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/hday.htm>

November 3 (Sat), 8:00am: Fall Work Day

November 9 (Fri): Master Plan insight session at District Conference

9. Wings Blackened by the Refiner’s Fire

Do you ever wish for more obvious, visible examples of God’s presence in our lives?  Do you ever wish that once, just once you’d get to walk out your back door and be able to converse with a burning bush?  Of course, God doesn’t always provide such obvious close encounters, BUT…

Well… an unusual thing happened at Camp Bethel the other day…

It happened October 19-22 with the annual return of our friend Leonard “Old Crow” McGann (of Lone Crow Flutes) and his excellent annual retreat at Camp Bethel, “The Flute Fall-Inn”, a gathering of Native American Flute music enthusiasts.  We greatly enjoy Leonard and his guests each year.  This year, Leonard began the weekend a little discouraged because of low registration for his retreat.

Unexpectedly and out of nowhere, a single crow appeared over camp’s House of Pillars and landed directly onto Leonard’s shoulder.  Amazed and excited, everyone enjoyed the crow’s company all weekend, snapping photos and offering table scraps and Fritos to the beautiful bird in exchange for conversation (caws, growls and gargles: Crows have a complex language and remarkable voice range, but do not actually sing).

Shortly after the retreat ended and Leonard departed that Sunday, I too had a side-by-side visit and “conversation” with aptly named Lone Crow on the House of Pillars Bridge.  (See photos at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/crow.htm>)  Then I watched Lone Crow rejoin his/her flock of five in the trees above the Spring Pond and make their way back up toward the National Forest.

One could easily dismiss this particular crow’s behavior as happenstance; crows have been known to behave tamely, especially when enticed by free-easy food.  But the combination of beautiful-ancient-emotive flute music, the fall colors, leaves falling through crisp air, and this seemingly otherworldly-acting bird all mixed together in the setting of our sacred Camp Bethel…  It was awe-inspiring; and even as we grasped for meaning or symbolism, it seemed so natural, so grounded, so calming, so connecting, so spiritual.

Consequently, crows are common symbols in myths and religious traditions, Eastern, Western, Christian and Native American.  In Native American traditions, crows are links to the divine, bringers of light, creation and knowledge, even as they maintain illusive and shape-shifting powers.  In other ancient traditions, the crow’s blackness represents the first step in spirituality, the symbolic elemental color of a person’s vast unrefined potential.  The crow has even served as a Christian symbol of the Church’s potential and/or an emblem of the Virgin Mary, (see Song of Songs 1:5-6).  Biblically, the raven is a reference to God’s sustaining love as in 1^st Kings 17:6 and Luke 12:24. 

For Leonard, the visiting crow reminded him to remain encouraged about future events despite smaller-than-expected attendance at this year’s flute retreat; that better tidings were ahead.

For me, this vocal, yet songless bird reminded me of the Divine Song of Songs: God’s sustaining Love; with more, much more to come.  Agreed, it was no burning bush; but close enough for me.

As Camp Bethel enters our 80^th year of ministry and explores implementation of our Master Site Plan, I’ll keep Lone Crow’s song in mind:

“Remember, Camp Bethel has vast potential for growth.”

“Anticipate with joy as members bring knowledge and creativity to our Master Plan discussion meetings.”

“God’s Love has, is, and will sustain this ministry.”

“God’s Love has, is, and will sustain you.”

 A-MEN.

For more about crows, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow> and <http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/> are good starts.

CAMP BETHEL E-NEWSLETTER, 09.12.06:

“Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself.  In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.”  - Norman Vincent Peale

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  - Colossians 3:12-14

Organic Joy?

Have you been to Camp Bethel recently?  The grounds are beautiful, the programs are innovative and exciting, the food is delicious, and the spirit is high.  I believe Camp Bethel’s recent success is a natural extension of our supporters, facilities, geography and decades of intentional Christian community and faith-development.  You might even call it “organic joy”.  Whatever we call it, we give thanks to God for providing this joy in this place and time to be “together in perfect unity.”  Read on, and hopefully some of our organic joy will seep off the page and into your life too!

Contents:

1. Brethren Heritage Festival Oct 7 (“Heritage Day”)

2. Thank you Janice Miller!

3. Reports:

            a. Summer Camp by Susan Chapman

            b. Golf Tournament

            c. Return of Clowning camp

4. Sawmill volunteer opportunities!

5. OMA National Conference Nov 17-19 at Camp Bethel

6. Summer Camp Photo CDs: Did you get yours?

7. Seeking feedback from summer campers

8. Performers named for Sounds of the Mountains Fest Apr 20-21 2007

9. Bethel bits, bytes and upcoming events

1. BRETHREN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, SAT, OCT 7

Saturday, October 7 is Camp Bethel’s grandest of days: HERITAGE DAY!  Congregations and groups from all over the Virlina District Church of the Brethren will present their best offerings.  Breakfast from 7:30am-9:30am in the ARK DINING HALL.  BOOTHS & DISPLAYS OPEN AT 9:00am throughout the campus featuring: hot foods, baked goods, BBQ, crafts, quilts, wreaths, activities, candies, fresh veggies, baskets, ornaments, soups, woodcraft, open-kettle apple butter, flowers, pies, tie-dye t-shirts, holiday decorations, Camp Bethel clothing & hats and much more!  The festival is a one-day fund-raiser for the ministries of Camp Bethel, with 100% of sales and proceeds going directly to the camp.

Troutville CoB’s praise band, “Joyful Noiz” will perform live music near Hillside Auditorium throughout the day.

Please invite everyone you know to come to Camp Bethel this Saturday.  Free admission; Free parking; Public Welcome!  Volunteers are needed to help staff the camp’s Trading Post; e-mail Susan at <camp.bethel@juno.com> to help.  Heritage Day forms and more information is at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/hday.htm>.

2. THANK YOU BVSer, JANICE MILLER!

Janice Miller ends her Camp Bethel BVS term on September 15; she has served since May 1.  Janice provided excellent help in all areas of the camp’s services and ministries during her time here, and she will be sorely missed.  Please thank Janice with a visit, a note or an e-mail at <PABDEL@aol.com>, and visit our Janice page at <http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/janice_page.htm>.

3. REPORTS:

a. Summer Camp 2006, by Susan Chapman

Camp Bethel’s 2006 Summer Camp was a grand success.  For the fifth consecutive summer our attendance increased, reaching 810 registrations.  Though increasing numbers are nice, we cannot measure success by numbers alone.  The things that bring me the most joy and I believe to be the best measures of success are those that we cannot quantify.  They are the long hugs of departure, hands extended to help another, carefree silly singing, encouraging words shared during new experiences, voices raised in praises, and prayers spoken.  Numerous campers and parents have shared stories of campers who had fun, learned more about God and are striving to put Christ’s teaching into action in their lives. 

A summer staff member said it well when asked what they found meaningful during the summer.  “The most meaningful to me is that we are all so different and come from a variety of places, but we can still be a part of the body of Christ.”

Indeed, for the 79^th summer (Camp Bethel has been at its current location since 1927) campers experienced love and acceptance into the Body of Christ in this blessed hills.

What was your most meaningful experience from Camp Bethel this summer?  We would like to know.  Campers, volunteers, staff, and parents we would like to hear from you (see #7 below).  Please e-mail responses to the Camp Bethel e-mail at <camp.bethel@juno.com>.  We will compile and share those responses through our E-newsletter and on our webpage. 

Thanks!

Susan

SUMMER CAMP CURRICULUM REVIEW by Susan Chapman:

Camp Bethel’s 2006 summer campers learned about God’s call for peace in every aspect of our lives.  Peace is a multifaceted idea.  Each day we learned about a different aspect of peace, or piece of the puzzle.  PEACE BY PEACE, Campers learned about Christ’s call for peace in our lives and in our world.

Warm summer staff and volunteers showed campers peace by welcoming each camper with ALOHA hospitality.  Each morning campers experienced SHALOM (peace, harmony, and wholeness of creation) during morning watch at the spring as they listened to the birds and watched the fish in the water.  Evening vespers allowed campers a time to BE STILL and consider how they might trust in God to calm the storms in their lives.  Daily group chores allowed campers to share peace through AGAPE love (love in action) to other campers and staff by providing for daily needs, such as setting tables for the meals.  By the end of the week campers had formed tight bonds within their family units and truly felt UBUNTU peace as they learned to live and work together in community.  By the end of their time together campers were enthusiastic to share what they learned at camp with the world.  They left camp ready to bring HEIWA to the world by working for peace through justice.

Not sure what those words in bold mean?  Remember back to your school days- your teacher would tell you to use context clues.  Or better yet- ask a summer camper.

Ready for more challenge?  Find the underlined words (from the paragraphs above) in the word search below.  Look hard.  They are written across, up & down, and diagonally.  Good Luck!