YOUR PROGRAM DIRECTOR: SUSAN
Susan is a Bridgewater College graduate and has been the full-time Program Director at Camp Bethel since January of 2002. Susan was named "Phenomenal Female of the Month" by Blue Ridge Family Magazine, and she won the Community School's Local Hero Award for her life of volunteerism, her international mission work, and her pursuits for peace and social justice. Susan practices what she preaches. To our school groups and summer campers at Camp Bethel, she is a role model, friend and leader. Susan wears many hats at camp; she can do it all! Contact Susan at camp.bethel@juno.com or skc002@gmail.com.
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!