| |||
Camp Bethel News, February-March 2023, Fincastle, VA
BIG IMPACT 2023!
Experiences at Camp Bethel make a lasting impact on our campers, our summer staff, and our guests. Like a drop rippling outward on the Spring Pond, ordinary gifts become extraordinary experiences. Please give a donation, for all the little needs that add up and make Camp Bethel extraordinary: Together with God, each other, and creation. CampBethelVirginia.org/donate.
MAKE A BIG IMPACT
Give an “undesignated gift” to help fund all the little things. And boy-oh-boy, there’s a LOT of little things! SPONSOR our 5K, our Golf Tournament, our Disc Golf Course holes, our Story Fest. Purchase an item off our Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/5qG5JYq. Attend our March 9 Sow the Seed Scholarship Banquet. Donate to our Summer Staff Adoption Fund to help young adults accept the call to summer ministry. DONATE! Every gift and every item helps! Thank you! CampBethelVirginia.org/donate.
MICKEY’S MOWER MISERY IS MENDED!
Our Facilities Manager, Mickey Nichols, doesn’t ask for much. So when he DOES express a need, we know it’s legitimate! Mickey asked for help in replacing our long-dead mower with a new Cub Cadet Pro X 160S. Our wonderful neighbors, Liza, Jett, and Sally Field stepped up and donated $9,400 to purchase the mower. WOW! Big impact, indeed!
CAMP BETHEL WISH LIST
Skid Steer, tracked or wheeled; Road-worthy pickup truck (2010 or newer); 15-passenger van (2015 or newer); Outdoor Storage Shed (used or new); Clothes washer and dryer; Refrigerator (full or mini); Chest freezer or upright freezer; LED light bulbs; new first-aid supplies; brooms & dustpans; 3’x8’ plyboards for bunks (any thickness or quality); “Tree Cookies” (3”+ diameter and less-than 0.5” thick); Amazon wish-list at https://a.co/5qG5JYq or CampBethelVirginia.org/donate. Tax-deductible!
CAMP BETHEL SUMMER CAMPS 2023
"Fruit-FULL Faith: A Spirit-Filled Life" Together: with God, with each other, and with creation. When we live together in intentional Christian community, even for just one week, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, churches, communities, nation, and world. Registration opened January 8, so register early to guarantee your program choice. All information (brochure, forms, and schedule) is at CampBethelVirginia.org/camps.
SUMMER 2023 STAFF APPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELORS & KITCHEN STAFF
Counselors serve May 29 to July 22, pay is $320+/week (x 6 or 7), plus a $300+ end-of-summer bonus, plus recruitment bonuses. Kitchen Staff serve May 29 to August 12, pay is $425-or-$510/week. Info and applications are at CampBethelVirginia.org/staff.
OUR STAFF ADOPTION PROGRAM expanded in 2022 to 11 congregations and 1 ministers' group. We provided each of our 40 summer staff (counselors and coordinators) a $300 end-of-summer bonus for completing their contract! Our ability to declare this is an extremely valuable recruitment tool. Information and giving portal at CampBethelVirginia.org/adopt.
BE REPRESENTED AT THE CAMP SUPPORTER LUNCHEON, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11: 12:00-2:30, all Camp Representatives, pastors, youth leaders, supporters, and at least ONE person from your congregation should attend. After a free lunch in the Ark, we’ll share and distribute all the tools you need to communicate Camp Bethel to your home congregations. Register at <www.CampBethelVirginia.org/rep>
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FEB 24 ADVENTURE ED CONFERENCE AT CAMP BETHEL
Help us show “holy hospitality” to 150+ students and leaders on February 24. The VAAEC brings together Virginia's outdoor educators, guides, and collegiate programs to network and discuss industry trends, while also allowing students from Virginia's College adventure programs to offer professional presentations. VAAEC.org.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID CERTIFICATION TRAINING, FEBRUARY 25-26
Camp Bethel is once again collaborating with SOLO to provide the best W.F.A. training available. Optional CPR w/ AED Training on Feb 24, and all-inclusive packages (meals, lodging, etc.) are available. Check info and pricing or to register at CampBethelVirginia.org/WFA.
SOW THE SEED SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET, THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 6:30pm
Plant seeds of FAITH! $50 per person (larger gifts accepted), to directly fund "Camperships.” RSVP by March 2 to <CampBethelOffice@gmail.com> or 540-992-2940 or at CampBethelVirginia.org/seed. Pay in advance or at the table. Tax-deductible! Our base fee for a week of camp in 2023 is $400. A week at camp can change a life forever.
GIVE A CHILD A CAMPERSHIP FOR SUMMER CAMP 2023
In 2022 we granted camperships to 41 campers totaling $14,395. Please give $4000, the 2023 cost for a child to attend one week of camp. Donate at CampBethelVirginia.org/donate or mail checks with memo "Camperships" to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090.
22ND SOUNDS OF THE MOUNTAINS STORY FESTIVAL MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2023
In person and on site at Camp Bethel! Donald Davis, Adam Booth, Joe Collins, Beth Horner, and Kim Weitkamp. Lunch & dinner food & drinks for sale or bring your own. Friday 9:15 campfire with the Storytellers. Tickets, schedule and more at SoundsoftheMountains.org.
ARK DINING HALL RENOVATIONS BEGIN!
With generous gifts from the Cassell/Stultz Family, Robertson Family, and an anonymous family, new roofing is in place over the auxiliary kitchen! Next. new floors will be installed in the Ark Dining Room and Ark Conference Room. Next is restroom and entrance renovations, then plumbing and lighting fixes. We are so thankful for these families who choose to make a BIG IMPACT!
BRIDGES AND BENCHES ARE EXCELLENT EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS!
Camp has benefitted in recent years from several Eagle Scout projects. With new trails opening, we need several new foot-and-bike bridges, and portable benches are excellent additions to campus. Contact Barry LeNoir for information and locations: CampBethelOffice@gmail.com or 540-992-2940.
2022 SUMMER CAMPS REPORT:
June 12-August 5, 2022. Our Counselors provided excellent care, and the Holy Spirit was alive and present! Our curriculum, “What’s in a Name?” helped us recognize our encounters with the miraculous and the mundane, and the mundane made miraculous. 785 campers registered, including 54 for the return of Carilion Camp Too Sweet June 26-July 1 and 33 participants in our return to Parent-Child Overnight Camp June 3-4. By comparison, we had 554 total campers in 2021. 106 campers received Good-as-Gold funding from Virlina congregations totaling $35,426. We granted camperships to 41 families totaling $14,395. 97 families chose the “Sustainers Fee” for their camper, donating an additional $4,850 to Camp Bethel. 2022 was 262 campers’ first time at Camp Bethel (33%). 2023 is promising to be an extraordinary-and-fun summer! Join our staff, and see the 2023 camps schedule at CampBethelVirginia.org/camps
RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW DISC GOLF COURSE:
Thanks to gifts from StottsbergEng.com and lots of work by the Roanoke Disc Golf Club, we officially opened our 9-hole Disc Golf Course on September 4. Info kiosk, parking zone, and tee boxes coming soon. Hole Sponsorship opportunities, photos, guide, and info at CampBethelVirginia.org/DiscGolf
TREE COOKIES NEEDED:
Please help supply THOUSANDS of Tree Cookies for our year-round programs. Ideal “cookie” is hard wood, cross-cut showing tree rings, 3”+ diameter and less-than 0.5” thick. 540-992-2940 or CampBethelOffice@gmail.com. THANK YOU!
CAMP DIRECTOR, BARRY LENOIR, TO DEPART JUNE 30, 2023:
Barry writes, “After 38+ years of camp staff experience including 21 years at Camp Bethel, I am ready to hand over responsibilities to the next Camp Director. I have loved all of it, our Camp Bethel. I especially treasure the relationships with coworkers, summer staff, campers and families, congregations, committees, volunteers, guest groups, business partners, and peers in camping across the country.”
Barry began his service on August 19, 2002, and his tenure saw 112% growth in camp attendance. He advocated a “Small Group Camping” relationship-based philosophy of camp ministry. Over 20 summers, he trained and mentored over 500 Summer Staff to be Experiential Christian Educators. Barry encouraged ecumenism and collaborative partnerships. He was an organizer and workshop leader at the annual Virginia Ecumenical Camp and Retreat Leaders’ Gathering. He served on the Church of the Brethren’s Outdoor Ministries Association Steering Committee from 2004-2010 and received the OMA Staff Award in 2011. He served on the American Camp Association Virginias Local Council of Leaders from 2005-2017, and he is an ACA Accreditation Visitor. He was a presenter at the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry (UMCRM) National Gathering in 2013. Barry, Angie, and adult sons Zander and Cyrus will relocate to their family farm in Floyd, VA.
Barry writes, “Camp Bethel is ‘sacred ground’ because of the relationships with PEOPLE, not just the site and facilities. We’ve experienced tremendous growth and success these past 20 years, and we’ve expanded the reach of our ministry by following a ‘Program First’ philosophy. I am excited for God’s continued work through you at Camp Bethel, and I am very grateful for being allowed to serve with you and our excellent staff.”
We look forward to introducing the next Camp Director to you, and we trust we can count on your continued prayers and support. Please ensure that at least ONE person from your congregation attends our February 11 Camp Supporter Lunch, and please participate in camp events during this important year. Find the Camp Director job information at CampBethelVirginia.org/jobs.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY E-NEWS at CampBethelVirginia.org/subscribe.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT CAMP BETHEL, CampBethelVirginia.org/events
Summer Camp 2023 Registration is OPEN!
February 11, 2023 (Sat), 12:00noon: Camp Supporter Lunch, RSVP.
February 24, 2023 (Fri), VA Adventure Education Conf. at Camp Bethel.
February 25-26 (Sat-Sun), Wilderness First Aid Training.
March 9, 2023 (Thurs), 6:30pm: Sow the Seed Banquet, RSVP.
March 31-April 1, 2023: Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival.
April 15, 2023 (Sat), 7:30am: Spring Volunteer Workday, RSVP free meals.
May 26-29, 2023: Memorial Day Family Weekend, RSVP meals.
May 27, 2023 (Sat), Family Day/Summer Camp Open House, 1:00-4:00pm.
May 29-June 9, 2023: Summer Staff Training.
June 2-3, 2023 (Sat): Parent-Child Overnight and Day Camp.
June 9, 2023 (Fri) 5:30pm: Summer Staff Commissioning Dinner.
June 11–July 28, 2023: Summer Camps & Adventures.
September 1-4, 2023: Labor Day Family Weekend, RSVP meals.
September 2, 2023 (Sat), Camp Bethel PEP! 5K.
September 20, 2023 (Wed), 29th Camp Bethel Benefit Golf Tournament.
October 7, 2023 (Sat), 39th annual Heritage and Homecoming Day Festival.
Camp Bethel
328 Bethel Road
Fincastle, VA 24090
540.992.2940
CampBethelOffice@gmail.com
www.CampBethelVirginia.org
BIG IMPACT 2023!
Experiences at Camp Bethel make a lasting impact on our campers, our summer staff, and our guests. Like a drop rippling outward on the Spring Pond, ordinary gifts become extraordinary experiences. Please give a donation, for all the little needs that add up and make Camp Bethel extraordinary: Together with God, each other, and creation. CampBethelVirginia.org/donate.
MAKE A BIG IMPACT
Give an “undesignated gift” to help fund all the little things. And boy-oh-boy, there’s a LOT of little things! SPONSOR our 5K, our Golf Tournament, our Disc Golf Course holes, our Story Fest. Purchase an item off our Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/5qG5JYq. Attend our March 9 Sow the Seed Scholarship Banquet. Donate to our Summer Staff Adoption Fund to help young adults accept the call to summer ministry. DONATE! Every gift and every item helps! Thank you! CampBethelVirginia.org/donate.
MICKEY’S MOWER MISERY IS MENDED!
Our Facilities Manager, Mickey Nichols, doesn’t ask for much. So when he DOES express a need, we know it’s legitimate! Mickey asked for help in replacing our long-dead mower with a new Cub Cadet Pro X 160S. Our wonderful neighbors, Liza, Jett, and Sally Field stepped up and donated $9,400 to purchase the mower. WOW! Big impact, indeed!
CAMP BETHEL WISH LIST
Skid Steer, tracked or wheeled; Road-worthy pickup truck (2010 or newer); 15-passenger van (2015 or newer); Outdoor Storage Shed (used or new); Clothes washer and dryer; Refrigerator (full or mini); Chest freezer or upright freezer; LED light bulbs; new first-aid supplies; brooms & dustpans; 3’x8’ plyboards for bunks (any thickness or quality); “Tree Cookies” (3”+ diameter and less-than 0.5” thick); Amazon wish-list at https://a.co/5qG5JYq or CampBethelVirginia.org/donate. Tax-deductible!
CAMP BETHEL SUMMER CAMPS 2023
"Fruit-FULL Faith: A Spirit-Filled Life" Together: with God, with each other, and with creation. When we live together in intentional Christian community, even for just one week, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, churches, communities, nation, and world. Registration opened January 8, so register early to guarantee your program choice. All information (brochure, forms, and schedule) is at CampBethelVirginia.org/camps.
SUMMER 2023 STAFF APPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELORS & KITCHEN STAFF
Counselors serve May 29 to July 22, pay is $320+/week (x 6 or 7), plus a $300+ end-of-summer bonus, plus recruitment bonuses. Kitchen Staff serve May 29 to August 12, pay is $425-or-$510/week. Info and applications are at CampBethelVirginia.org/staff.
OUR STAFF ADOPTION PROGRAM expanded in 2022 to 11 congregations and 1 ministers' group. We provided each of our 40 summer staff (counselors and coordinators) a $300 end-of-summer bonus for completing their contract! Our ability to declare this is an extremely valuable recruitment tool. Information and giving portal at CampBethelVirginia.org/adopt.
BE REPRESENTED AT THE CAMP SUPPORTER LUNCHEON, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11: 12:00-2:30, all Camp Representatives, pastors, youth leaders, supporters, and at least ONE person from your congregation should attend. After a free lunch in the Ark, we’ll share and distribute all the tools you need to communicate Camp Bethel to your home congregations. Register at <www.CampBethelVirginia.org/rep>
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FEB 24 ADVENTURE ED CONFERENCE AT CAMP BETHEL
Help us show “holy hospitality” to 150+ students and leaders on February 24. The VAAEC brings together Virginia's outdoor educators, guides, and collegiate programs to network and discuss industry trends, while also allowing students from Virginia's College adventure programs to offer professional presentations. VAAEC.org.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID CERTIFICATION TRAINING, FEBRUARY 25-26
Camp Bethel is once again collaborating with SOLO to provide the best W.F.A. training available. Optional CPR w/ AED Training on Feb 24, and all-inclusive packages (meals, lodging, etc.) are available. Check info and pricing or to register at CampBethelVirginia.org/WFA.
SOW THE SEED SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET, THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 6:30pm
Plant seeds of FAITH! $50 per person (larger gifts accepted), to directly fund "Camperships.” RSVP by March 2 to <CampBethelOffice@gmail.com> or 540-992-2940 or at CampBethelVirginia.org/seed. Pay in advance or at the table. Tax-deductible! Our base fee for a week of camp in 2023 is $400. A week at camp can change a life forever.
GIVE A CHILD A CAMPERSHIP FOR SUMMER CAMP 2023
In 2022 we granted camperships to 41 campers totaling $14,395. Please give $4000, the 2023 cost for a child to attend one week of camp. Donate at CampBethelVirginia.org/donate or mail checks with memo "Camperships" to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090.
22ND SOUNDS OF THE MOUNTAINS STORY FESTIVAL MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2023
In person and on site at Camp Bethel! Donald Davis, Adam Booth, Joe Collins, Beth Horner, and Kim Weitkamp. Lunch & dinner food & drinks for sale or bring your own. Friday 9:15 campfire with the Storytellers. Tickets, schedule and more at SoundsoftheMountains.org.
ARK DINING HALL RENOVATIONS BEGIN!
With generous gifts from the Cassell/Stultz Family, Robertson Family, and an anonymous family, new roofing is in place over the auxiliary kitchen! Next. new floors will be installed in the Ark Dining Room and Ark Conference Room. Next is restroom and entrance renovations, then plumbing and lighting fixes. We are so thankful for these families who choose to make a BIG IMPACT!
BRIDGES AND BENCHES ARE EXCELLENT EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS!
Camp has benefitted in recent years from several Eagle Scout projects. With new trails opening, we need several new foot-and-bike bridges, and portable benches are excellent additions to campus. Contact Barry LeNoir for information and locations: CampBethelOffice@gmail.com or 540-992-2940.
2022 SUMMER CAMPS REPORT:
June 12-August 5, 2022. Our Counselors provided excellent care, and the Holy Spirit was alive and present! Our curriculum, “What’s in a Name?” helped us recognize our encounters with the miraculous and the mundane, and the mundane made miraculous. 785 campers registered, including 54 for the return of Carilion Camp Too Sweet June 26-July 1 and 33 participants in our return to Parent-Child Overnight Camp June 3-4. By comparison, we had 554 total campers in 2021. 106 campers received Good-as-Gold funding from Virlina congregations totaling $35,426. We granted camperships to 41 families totaling $14,395. 97 families chose the “Sustainers Fee” for their camper, donating an additional $4,850 to Camp Bethel. 2022 was 262 campers’ first time at Camp Bethel (33%). 2023 is promising to be an extraordinary-and-fun summer! Join our staff, and see the 2023 camps schedule at CampBethelVirginia.org/camps
RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW DISC GOLF COURSE:
Thanks to gifts from StottsbergEng.com and lots of work by the Roanoke Disc Golf Club, we officially opened our 9-hole Disc Golf Course on September 4. Info kiosk, parking zone, and tee boxes coming soon. Hole Sponsorship opportunities, photos, guide, and info at CampBethelVirginia.org/DiscGolf
TREE COOKIES NEEDED:
Please help supply THOUSANDS of Tree Cookies for our year-round programs. Ideal “cookie” is hard wood, cross-cut showing tree rings, 3”+ diameter and less-than 0.5” thick. 540-992-2940 or CampBethelOffice@gmail.com. THANK YOU!
CAMP DIRECTOR, BARRY LENOIR, TO DEPART JUNE 30, 2023:
Barry writes, “After 38+ years of camp staff experience including 21 years at Camp Bethel, I am ready to hand over responsibilities to the next Camp Director. I have loved all of it, our Camp Bethel. I especially treasure the relationships with coworkers, summer staff, campers and families, congregations, committees, volunteers, guest groups, business partners, and peers in camping across the country.”
Barry began his service on August 19, 2002, and his tenure saw 112% growth in camp attendance. He advocated a “Small Group Camping” relationship-based philosophy of camp ministry. Over 20 summers, he trained and mentored over 500 Summer Staff to be Experiential Christian Educators. Barry encouraged ecumenism and collaborative partnerships. He was an organizer and workshop leader at the annual Virginia Ecumenical Camp and Retreat Leaders’ Gathering. He served on the Church of the Brethren’s Outdoor Ministries Association Steering Committee from 2004-2010 and received the OMA Staff Award in 2011. He served on the American Camp Association Virginias Local Council of Leaders from 2005-2017, and he is an ACA Accreditation Visitor. He was a presenter at the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry (UMCRM) National Gathering in 2013. Barry, Angie, and adult sons Zander and Cyrus will relocate to their family farm in Floyd, VA.
Barry writes, “Camp Bethel is ‘sacred ground’ because of the relationships with PEOPLE, not just the site and facilities. We’ve experienced tremendous growth and success these past 20 years, and we’ve expanded the reach of our ministry by following a ‘Program First’ philosophy. I am excited for God’s continued work through you at Camp Bethel, and I am very grateful for being allowed to serve with you and our excellent staff.”
We look forward to introducing the next Camp Director to you, and we trust we can count on your continued prayers and support. Please ensure that at least ONE person from your congregation attends our February 11 Camp Supporter Lunch, and please participate in camp events during this important year. Find the Camp Director job information at CampBethelVirginia.org/jobs.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY E-NEWS at CampBethelVirginia.org/subscribe.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT CAMP BETHEL, CampBethelVirginia.org/events
Summer Camp 2023 Registration is OPEN!
February 11, 2023 (Sat), 12:00noon: Camp Supporter Lunch, RSVP.
February 24, 2023 (Fri), VA Adventure Education Conf. at Camp Bethel.
February 25-26 (Sat-Sun), Wilderness First Aid Training.
March 9, 2023 (Thurs), 6:30pm: Sow the Seed Banquet, RSVP.
March 31-April 1, 2023: Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival.
April 15, 2023 (Sat), 7:30am: Spring Volunteer Workday, RSVP free meals.
May 26-29, 2023: Memorial Day Family Weekend, RSVP meals.
May 27, 2023 (Sat), Family Day/Summer Camp Open House, 1:00-4:00pm.
May 29-June 9, 2023: Summer Staff Training.
June 2-3, 2023 (Sat): Parent-Child Overnight and Day Camp.
June 9, 2023 (Fri) 5:30pm: Summer Staff Commissioning Dinner.
June 11–July 28, 2023: Summer Camps & Adventures.
September 1-4, 2023: Labor Day Family Weekend, RSVP meals.
September 2, 2023 (Sat), Camp Bethel PEP! 5K.
September 20, 2023 (Wed), 29th Camp Bethel Benefit Golf Tournament.
October 7, 2023 (Sat), 39th annual Heritage and Homecoming Day Festival.
Camp Bethel
328 Bethel Road
Fincastle, VA 24090
540.992.2940
CampBethelOffice@gmail.com
www.CampBethelVirginia.org
