In It’s hard to believe that summer 2019 is more than halfway over! We are currently in the middle of our sixth week of summer programming; so far this summer has been great and we are looking forward to what these next few weeks will bring.
Here’s a little insight to what’s been going on at Ferncliff thus far:
2019 Theme:
This summer, our theme is Pass the Peace.
Pass the Peace welcomes campers in the hospitable spirit of aloha and invites them to find their place at the table of the parable of the Great Banquet. Then we celebrate our community by exploring ubuntu and what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. Jesus shows us what God’s agape love looks like and how it reconciles us to God, even when we are unaware or do not fully understand. We try to model the love and humble service of Jesus, demonstrated in washing the disciples’ feet as we week peace with others. Balancing our love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self is not easy, but it is at the core of Christian teaching.
As the community grows closer, they will name the reality of conflict and be reminded of our ability to contribute both to conflict and peacemaking. The Japanese concept of heiwa invites us to look within as we work for peace, putting harmony over competition to find within our own hearts. As we strive to live in harmony, the good Samaritan’s story reminds us that brokenness is real, and that there is work to be done by all God’s people. We are called to work together, with our God-given potential to change the world. Sometimes we doubt the difference we are making, and the cry of sí se puede (yes, we can) reminds us of our full potential as people of God.
As we prepare to leave camp, we receive Jesus’ benediction and a promise of peace that will remain with us always. Shalom, which calls us out of conflict, also reminds us that the same Spirit that welcomed us, has dwelt with us, and now sends and accompanies us in our peace works at home.
Daily Themes:
Sunday: Aloha (Luke 14:14-25 — Great Banquet)
Monday: Ubuntu (1 Corinthians 12:4-26 – Body of Christ)
Tuesday: Agape (Matthew 22:36-40 – Great Commandment)
Wednesday: Heiwa (Colossians 13:12-17 – Peace in Christ)
Thursday: Sí Se Puede (Luke 10:25-37 – Good Samaritan)
Friday: Shalom (John 14:25-27 – Go in Peace)
Our Summer Staff:
- The intentional community among our summer staff is always a tight-knit one. We always have a fantastic bunch on board to serve our campers and this summer is no different. We are so proud of them and the work they’ve been doing! They have truly been putting our mission statement into motion this summer and we are so thankful for all of their hard work.
- All of our staff go through two weeks of staff training (three weeks for leadership staff) to ensure they are ready for a summer of counseling. They are trained in everything from how to take a fish off a hook to age group characteristics; from how to cook over a campfire to first aid/CPR/AED certification. It’s a fun and face-paced two weeks and really sets the stage for the summer ahead.
Our 2019 Summer Staff! (or most of them anyway!)
Program Updates:
- Family Camp: There’s something about Family Camp that makes it feel like summer has arrived. Our annual Memorial Day weekend family camp is a wonderful time to enjoy camp at a relaxed pace with a great group of families. Thanks to all who joined us and made this weekend so great!
- Day Camp continues to grow: This summer we are offering more day camp sessions than ever before! With 11 sessions throughout the summer, we are excited for the opportunity to welcome a record-breaking number of kids to day camp.
- The Square: Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Ferncliff Square was completed in time for summer 2019. This outdoor, multi-purpose space has been put to great use during bible study, snack time, and day camp pick-up. It is serving us well and we are thankful for all who made it happen!
- Rise Against Hunger: Formerly known as Stop Hunger Now, Rise Against Hunger is a meal-packaging program that we facilitate during each week of camp. It’s high energy, fast paced — it’s a party with a purpose! Meals are delivered to school feeding programs around the world. By packaging these meals, our campers are helping kids their age and putting their faith into action. This summer it’s estimated that we will package over 35,000 meals!
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- Mission Teams: Ferncliff’s mission team program continues to attract groups from all over the country. By joining us at camp for a week, they provide countless helping hands in our Disaster Assistance Center that enable us to keep assisting our neighbors both near and far. You can click here to learn more about this program.
- Lakefront Recreation: Waterfront recreation on Belden Pond has become a new favorite for campers and counselors alike. In addition to the Stand-Up Paddle boards (SUPs) and aqua mat we added last summer, we introduced corcls to Ferncliff. Corcls are small, round boats for kids and so far they’ve been a hit.
- Garden: There is always a lot growin’ on in the Ferncliff garden. From collecting eggs and picking blueberries, the garden connects kids to creation in a hands-on way. Our blueberry bushes have matured and are producing more berries than ever before!
Is it too late to register for camp? Absolutely not! Click here to register today!
Ferncliff creates positive change in the world by opening eyes, minds, and hearts to God’s transforming love. We see this mission statement lived out in all of our summer camp programs.
Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center
(501) 821-7089