GoCamping! Newsletter   (mailed twice a year)

Click here to read the Fall 2011 Gocamping! Newsletter
For the latest newsletters from each of our sites, visit the sites pages.

Latest Camp E-News

  • January 30, 2012


     

     

    Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) Weekends:

    C.I.T. April 27-29 at Suttle Lake
    Camp Counselors are the backbone of our camping ministry. Our campers love our counselors! Youth interested in becoming a camp counselor this summer are invited to participate in this training weekend. You must have completed 10th grade and be 16 years old by June, 2012 to attend. Transportation to and from Suttle Lake will be provided. Register online or contact Beth Dieker for more information.

    C.I.T. April 13-15 at Camp Magruder
    Register online or contact Amy Wood for more information.

    C.I.T training at Sawtooth Camp
    Please contact Dave Hargreaves for more information

    C.I.T. training at Camp Latgawa is connected with Discovery Week Camp I.
    Please contact Greg Clensy or Eva LaBonty for more information.


    Grand Camp is Grand!
    Family memories begin here.
    Grand Camp ll-August 17-19, 2012
    At Camp Magruder on the beautiful Oregon coast.
    Celebrate and continue lifelong family traditions.
    Embrace the joy, fun, fellowship and wonder of Grand Camp.
    —Christie Hogueisson, Dean of Grand Camp II

    ...and Grand Camp I happens June 22-24!
    Register soon!  These events fill fast

    View the
    2012 Camp Catalog
    UMOI website article: Summer Camping Season Announced


    tea towelsWish List: Camp Magruder
    As we start off the new year and take inventory of supplies, our housekeeping staff are in need of a few things to keep Camp Magruder looking and feeling fresh and clean. We need about 30 pot holders and tea towels.
    They don’t need to be brand new or even matching. We’ll gladly accept gently used ones. We also need 3 pounds of Navy Blue RIT Professional Line dye.
    Please contact Amy Wood, Program Services Director, at Camp Magruder for more information. As always, we thank you for your continued support of the Camp and Retreat Ministries. 503-355-2310 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • January 23, 2012


       

     

    Snowmobilers at SawtoothSawtooth winter wonderland:
    If you thought Sawtooth was magic in the summer, you have yet to experience the crystal magic of a weekend of fun, spiritual renewal, and worship in the white wonderlands of Idaho backcountry. Come play, worship, and celebrate life in the wilderness at Snowmobile Camp coming up Feb 18th-20th.  Read more here & register today!

    Showerhouse dedicated!

    the ribbon cuttingIt was a pleasure to open the new shower house for its first use last weekend at the start of the first Winter Youth Retreat. Ten youth groups and nearly one hundred people gave thanks for the Time to Grow gifts that made this building possible.  They also celebrated the continued commitment that people have to make Suttle Lake Camp (and all the camps) hospitable and comfortable places for faith formation and renewal.”
    —Jane & Daniel Petke, Suttle Lake Camp
    (photo by Art McEldowney)

    Erin paddles through fire pitWinter storm at the coast:
    Magruder did just fine through this last storm of wind and rain – it just added a few new temporary lakes to the site! This is Erin Pitney kayaking in a fire pit area!

    Thank you, quilters:
    The quilters at Oak Grove UMC (Portland) have been hard at work and have recently donated 17 more quilts for the campers who come to Creation Vacation Camp—quilts that physically demonstrate to the campers that Christian love surrounds and warms them. One of their dedicated quilters recently passed away:
    “We are sad to report the loss of Oak Grove UMC Member and Creation Vacation Quilter, Georgia Finley on December 29th. Georgia donated many quilts for campers as well as special events here at our church. She will be missed…..”
    —Oak Grove United Methodist Church

    Wish List:
    You can help fund the Creation Vacation events.  Mark you donations as specified for Creation Vacation Ministries.  It’s an amazing ministry.  Thank you!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • January 9, 2012


       

     

    Something new this year!
    the 2012 Camp Events Catalog!The printed catalog is on-line, this year, in a whole new interactive form.
    To try it,  click here:  2012 Electronic Browsable Camp Catalog

    Turn the pages by clicking on the bottom right corners.
    Click on the center of a page up to 4 time to enlarge it.
    Shrink it back again with the X at the bottom left of your screen.

    The hard copies of this catalog will be available at Oregon-Idaho Methodist Churches, Diocese of Oregon Episcopal Churches (contact Beth Dieker),  or in your mailbox in the next week or so.  Also, you can print any of the pages from the electronic catalog website to create your own hard copy.

    Churches—please add the link to this new catalog to your website, too!  Thanks!  http://gocamping.journalgraphicsdigital.com/pubs/gocamping/current
    —Susan Delaney

    Sheltering Our Souls:
    A Retreat for Women, February 24-26 at Camp Magruder.  Join Beth Dieker and Cammie Bella for an in-depth look at Sowing the Seeds of Happiness in our lives. Enjoy the warmth and fellowship of a meaningful retreat weekend at the beautiful Oregon coast. Register online at gocamping.org or contact Beth Dieker, 503-407-0312, for more information.
    —Beth Dieker, Missioner for Ministry Development, Diocese of Oregon

    Dive in: Volunteer in 2012:
    “If you are interested in working as part of a dynamic team this summer then Camp Magruder is the place for you! Application materials are available now for anyone interested in serving as Summer Staff at Camp Magruder on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Summer Staff are responsible for lifeguarding, leading arts and crafts, K.P., facilitating challenge course, archery instruction, environmental activities, and other duties to be assigned.
    Applicants must be at least 19 with current lifeguard certification or the ability to become certified prior to employment in June. Please contact Amy Wood, Program Services Director, at Camp Magruder with questions or for more information:  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503-355-2310.”
    —Amy Wood, Program Service Director, Camp Magruder

    take the plunge/ volunteer this summerTo volunteer at Sawtooth Camp, Suttle Lake Camp, Camp Latgawa, and Wallowa Lake Camp please that site directly:
    Eva & Greg at Camp Latgawa
    Dave at Camp Sawtooth
    Jane at Suttle Lake
    David & Peggy at Wallowa Lake Camp

    Wish List:
    Prayers for the site and ministry directors as they meet this week to guide Camp & Retreat Ministry into 2012 and beyond!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

                 
  • December 26, 2011


       

      Nellie Watts Center:
    So much fun to watch Time to Grow projects come together at Suttle Lake Camp. Here is the latest photo!

    Upcoming adventures:
    Snow-loving teens, peace dreamers, life story writers, watercolor quilters,  green recyclers…..January brings exciting spirit-filled events for you. Visit the Gocamping.org calendar to learn more about the specific events and to register.

    Thank you, donors:
    We’ve had a warm and wonderful response to the Camp & Retreat Ministries 2011 Annual Campaign – and it’s certainly not too late to donate to camping and/or any of its ministries for 2011. Thank you, 2011 donors – you make these ministries possible and touch more people than you’ll probably ever know.

    Wish List:
    End of year donations, especially to the Joy Fund (for camp scholarships) or Creation Vacation (connecting local congregations to low-income families in their town through camp).

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • Monday, December 19, 2011


       

     

    Registration looks different this year:
    We know you just got used to a new looking on-line registration system last year, but it left us with lots of accounting problems, SO this year you get to experience another new on-line registration system. Read about the particulars of the new system here; scroll down to beneath the “register” button table. We love this new program!
    —Geneva Cook, Camp Registrar

    Last minute idea:
    Still looking for a last minute gift? Give the gift of camp.  It can be a gift certificate for the camp of their choice or a donation to camp given in their honor.  Contact Geneva by Thursday noon.  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503-802-9213.

    Tidbits from Magruder’s blog:
    Kickin' it at Magruder“I love camp. 9,000 people visit every year and it is a joy to make their acquaintance and to be their host in this remarkable ministry setting. I want people to know that a lot of people who they will probably never meet had a vision, reached deep into their pockets, and through no small effort worked to build this wonderful ministry site called Camp Magruder. People should know that hundreds of volunteers shape that vision for thousands of campers every year by serving as counselors, deans, event coordinators, chaperones, and seasonal staff. Still others reach into their pockets and give a portion of their resources to the ministry so that future generations may come to know and love Christ at Camp Magruder.”
    —Steve Rumage, Camp Magruder Director, from a recent “All Things Magruder” blog entry

    Letting go of stress:
    For many stressed-out families, spending more time in the natural world — a nature stimulus package — may be just what the doctor and the economist ordered.  Read NATURE’S OWN STIMULUS PACKAGE: 7 Ways to Improve Our Lives in Tough Economic Times  by Richard Louv.


    Wish list:
    We wish you a
    Merry Christmas!!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • Weekly E-News


       

     

    Monday, December 12, 2011

    Winter Snow Retreat:
    We have two opportunites for youth groups to come to the Suttle Lake Winter Youth Retreat.  Space is still available the weekend of Jan 27 - 29.  Click here to read more and register ASAP These events fill quickly!
    —Geneva Cook, Camp & Retreat Registrar

    More upcoming events:
    Bookmark the camp calendar so you can check it regularly.  The 2012 events are all posted, but it seems we add a few more each week!  Here’s what’s coming right up:
    —Susan Delaney, CRMT Office Assistant

    Dreaming Peace: Women’s Dream Quest
        Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland OR   January 20 - January 21
    Write Your LIfe Story
        Alton L Collins Retreat Center, Eagle Creek OR   January 24 - January 25
    Watercolor Quilted Stole - making Retreat
        Alton L Collins Retreat Center, Eagle Creek OR   January 24 - January 26
    Go Green! Recycling Training for Churches 
        Alton L Collins Retreat Center, Eagle Creek OR   January 29


    Confirmation Retreat information:
    Dates for the Confirmation Retreat have been set: April 20-22, 2012 at Suttle Lake Camp.  Please contact me if you think this might be a good fit for your confirmation class, so that the retreat can be shaped to meet your needs. Read more about the specifics of the retreat on the website.
    —Jane Petke, Suttle Lake Camp Director

    Nellie Watts Welcome Center update:
    Nellie Watts centers walls and joistsHere’s a picture of the Welcome Center today. It’s exciting to see
    the log work. The entry has really changed the look of the building and gives a good glimpse of the welcoming presence the Nellie Watts Welcome Center will be for the camp.
    —Jane Petke, Suttle Lake Camp Director

    Remembering the saints:
    We may never fully know how camping ministry impacts the lives of those who are touched by it, or how many are drawn closer to Christ because they came; yet, as witness to the steady stream of visitors who come to renew memories of time spent at our camp and retreat centers, it is clear that the impacts are significant, meaningful, and lasting. Thanks to all who have gone before and to those who labor today to provide others such deep and meaningful experiences at these sacred sites.
    Remembering with gratitude
    the lives and ministries of Bob Burtner and Wayne Hill.
    —Lisa Jean Hoefner, CRMT Executive Director


    Wish List:
    As you are gathering just the right gifts for your family members this season, please consider giving a gift designated for Creation Vacation Ministries so that a very low income family can attend Creation Vacation Camp next summer. Read about the joy that CV ministry brings!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • This Week’s E-News


       

     

    Monday, December 5, 2011


    CyberSafety Webinar this afternoon:
    United Methodist Insurance is hosting a free webinar entitled Cyber Safety for Families this afternoon. This looks like a great one to pass along to your staff, volunteers and camp families. This will also be helpful for folks responsible for Cyber Safety for camps and retreat centers since many principles will overlap. Paul O’Briant led a national training I attended and did an excellent job. I can definitely recommend his leadership.

    A special thanks to Joy Melton from UM Insurance for extending the invitation for CR leaders and families to join in.
    Blessings:
    Kevin Witt, National Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries

    CyberSafety for Families
    December 5, 2011 4:00-5:00 pm EST (1:00 – 2:00 pm Pacific Standard Time)
    LOGIN
    Login for the visual portion at
    https://umpct.ilinc.com/join/zwfwshf
    Call in for the audio portion     1-800-598-7441     Code 5596370.
    Participants may join at 3:40 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (12:40 PST)

    2010 Birding CampBirding Camp dates:
    We are one step closer in getting things ready for the Birding Camp this year with Jim Monroe… a date has been set. May 6-11, 2012! I wanted to let you know right away. The next step is to establish a budget and set the fee. For now, save the dates & we hope to have registration up and running by the end of the week!
    —Jane Petke, Suttle Lake Camp Director

    Obituary: Marilyn Parrish
    Long time Camp & Retreat supporter, Magruder volunteer, and Creation Vacation family friend, Marilyn Parrish, passed away in Portland on Nov 18th at the age of 83. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec 10 at Tillamook United Methodist Church. Donations in her name are suggested for Camp Magruder, Tillamook United Methodist Church, or the Tillamook County Library System. We will greatly miss Marilyn and her kindness and enthusiasm.
    —Susan Delaney, Camp & Retreat Administrative Assistant

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • 11/18/11:  Latgawa newsletter /  Magruder’s cookies/ Suttle’s Watts Center framing ....


       

     

    Latgawa NewsletterExtra! Extra! Latgawa’s newsletter:
    Camp Latgawa’s newsletter is just out, and it gives a great history of the location and the camp as well as its many Time to Grow updates. Read all about it:  click here or click on the picure!
    —Eva LaBonty and Greg Clensy, Camp Latgawa Directors

    Magruder's cookie recipe!
    Chocolate chip cookie scoop:

    Just in time for your Christmas baking…Camp Magruder has released its Chocolate chip cookie recipe!  Of course it makes up to 550 cookies so you may have to do a little adjusting!
    Enjoy! (click on the photo to enlarge it)
    —Amy Woods, Camp Magruder, Program Director

    Nellie Watts Welcome Center update:
    Nellie Watts Center framingWe can really see progress on the welcome center. Our
    prayer is for decent weather as we continue. The rain was much
    lighter this weekend than expected and temperatures were managable. A
    blessing, especially for the framing crew.
    —Jane Petke,  Suttle Lake Camp Director

    Searching for the display board:
    If anyone’s seen the Camp & Retreat office’s table top display board with the blue background, please let Susan know. Thanks, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503-802-9212

    Time flies!
    The 2012 camp & retreat schedule is now online and ready for registration at gocamping.org.

    Wish List:
    A blessed Advent for all!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • Camp E-News: Giving Thanks!


       

     

    Monday, November 21, 2011

    Thank you, everyone!

    May the good things of life
    be yours in abundance
    not only at Thanksgiving
    but throughout the coming year.


    When we give thanks this year we remember with joy the experience shared at camp!

    Today’s news:  The 2012 camp schedule is now on the camp calendar at gocamping.org and ready for your registrations!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • E-New: Nellie Watts Center / Suttle Lake garden update / Recipe for African Root Soup


       

     

    Monday, November 7, 2011

    The Watts FamilyNellie Watts Center:
    Marilyn and Jack Watts with their three children (John, Susan, and Alan) recently joined others at Suttle Lake Camp for the blessing of the Nellie Watts Welcome Center.  I shared Ephesians 2:17-22 with thoughts of the call to Christian hospitality and welcoming ALL people with God’s love.  The family then shared stories of Nellie and the spirit of welcome, love, and strength she embodied. We closed with a prayer and continued to share stories over lunch.  We viewed articles we had found on Nellie and a photo album of Nellie’s that Alan had found (including some wonderful pictures of camp in the 20s-40s). The Watts let me borrow the photo album so I can scan the pictures and have a copy for our archives as well. A good day!
    —Jane Petke, Suttle Lake Director

    St Francis blesses the Suttle Lake garden

    Garden magic:
    …There is magic and love in our garden. And I want to personally thank everybody who donated plants, time, energy and funds to our garden! It doesn’t happen without your presence, presents and generosity.
    Thank YOU!!! And blessings in this season of harvest!
    -Wendy White, Food Service Manager at Suttle Lake Camp
    (read Wendy’s whole article here,
    and see her recipe for African Root Soup!)

    Wish List:
    There were some glitches with Suttle Lake’s new greenhouse this year. We learned a lot and will try again next year. Our compost area needs serious attention ... If anyone wants to do some dreaming with us this winter and help us next spring, I would be ever so grateful!!! Send me an email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you’d like to chat about ideas for this project. Thanks!
    —Wendy White

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • 10/31/11:  Fun & Games / Christmas Hymns / Thank you, volunteers!


       

    Monday, October 31, 2011

    Pumpkins at Collins!Tomorrow!

    Playing in God’s Presence: Fun and Games for the Childlike Spirit at Collins Retreat Center
    Human beings are made in the image of God, which means the same creativity that brought forth the beauty and majesty of the world resides in each one of us. Using a variety of theatre games, improvisation exercises, and simple movements, we’ll send our poor overworked left brains “on retreat,” and let our playful right brains out for a romp! Experience fun, teamwork and laughter as we release our spontaneous, God-given creativity. This evening of play will begin at 7:15 pm November 1 in the Chapel at the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center. Leaders are Pamela Abbey and Rosalie Branigan, who will be leading the Liturgical Arts Renewal@Collins event on Nov. 2—but the Tuesday evening program is completely free and open to anyone. No registration necessary, just drop by and join in the fun!
    —Laura Jaquith Bartlett

    Great Hymns of the faith: Christmas edition:
    Reserve your spot for Great Hymns of the Faith: Bonus Christmas Edition on December 8th at Alton L. Collins Retreat Center. It begins at 10:30 am in the chapel with a morning of singing classic hymns both old and new. Learn the stories behind your favorites, and explore what it is that makes a hymn “great.” Enjoy a delicious holiday luncheon prepared by the Center’s Chef Guillermo. The afternoon is available for tours of the Center, relaxing in the library, or browsing the Christmas items in the gift shop.
    —Laura Jaquith Bartlett

    Magruder's workers!Thank you, Volunteers!
    “Guests of Camp Magruder have participated in several service projects over the years. They have maintained trails, worked in local soup kitchens, facilitated Vacation Bible School in local communiies, chopped and cleared storm debris, built a community garden, built a compost center, re-built and maintained our fleet of boats, and donated their skills in carpentry and electrical work to various projects. Each summer 200-250 people volunteer their time as counselors, deans, resource staff, and theologians to our ministry here. Week after week campers join staff efforts to complete service projects on site. I can’t even begin to imagine the number of people who have volunteered here over the years to make Camp Magruder the place it is today. We graciously thank all of you who help us fulfill our ministry.”
    —Steve & Amy, from their “All Things Magruder” blog site.

    What’s true at Magruder is true at all our sites.
    Volunteers are at the heart of what makes Camp & Retreat Ministries so vibrant. Thank you so much for all you do!
    —Susan

    Find this E-News on line, too:
    The weekly E-News is available on the gocamping website every week, so if you missed one or want friends to see it, please visit http://gocamping.org/newsletter/past/

    All Saints' DayWish List:
    Today is Halloween, the eve of All Saints Day. We invite you this week to send a “treat” to each of our site directors by saying a prayer for them, their ministries, and their families, and saying prayers of thanks for all the camp saints who have touched our lives.

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • 10-24-11:  Oar history / Southridge choir / Camp presentations available


       

    Monday, October 24, 2011

    the sculling oar on Magruder's boathouse
    Do you know the history of this oar?
    Former Director Ted Hulbert, his wife Rosalie, and their friends Lee & Charlotte Sutton, visited Camp Magruder on October 18th. It was the first time that they had been to camp in awhile. They were incredibly impressed by all of the improvements that have been made in the camp since then. During their walkabout, Rosalie commented on the sculling oar that adorns the entrance of the Boathouse. She recalled that Ted had purchased it at a Stanford University auction because he had been a member of the University sculling team back in the day.
    —Steve Rumage, Magruder Director

    Building community within the church and beyond:
    The Southridge High School Choir conducted their fall retreat at Camp Magruder last week. Members of Montavilla UMC who were at Camp Magruder for their church family camp asked the choir to sing for them following breakfast on Saturday morning. They did and it was fantastic! Choir Director Robert Hawthorne took a moment to praise the camp for helping him achieve his goal of building community within his choir.
    —Steve Rumage, Magruder Director

    squirrel at the podium!Would You Like A Camp Presentation in Your Church?
    The following Sundays are now available for Camp/Retreat Ministry interpretation by Executive Director, Rev Lisa Jean Hoefner – whether for preaching, children’s time, meeting with Sunday School or parents, fellowship groups, etc: February Feb 5, 26; March 4, 11, 18, or 25; April 15, 29; May 6,13,20.

    These and other dates may be possible by contacting Lisa Jean at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or the sites directly to see if a staff person or volunteer from their team could join you.
    —Lisa Jean Hoefner, Executive Director

    Wish List:
    Donations marked to “where most needed” are most welcomed. They provide the most flexibility to be responsive to changing needs. Consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor.

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

                 
  • October 10, 2011:  Youth worker training opportunity / Stories from camp /


       

    Mark YaconelliENGAGE: Youth Workers’ Training opportunity:
    Join us December 2nd at Tigard UMC for ENGAGE: a time of training and connection.  Author Mark Yaconelli will share his insights on the purpose of youth ministry and how we can develop our approach to it.
    This training is open to volunteers, parents, pastors, youth workers, and anyone interested or involved in youth ministry! We hope that you will come away from this training with a rekindled sense of purpose, a new or renewed vision for youth ministry in your setting, and a plan to recruit and equip people to bring that vision into reality. Click here to read more about the Oregon ENGAGE event on the GoCamping calendar.


    Stories from camp this year:
    “Creating community where lives are transformed in Christ.”

    Over one hundred special needs adults came to Wallowa Lake Camp in September for a three day conference. This is an annual vacation for them where they renew friendships and enjoy the freedom of being together. The adults come with their foster care providers and social workers from all over Eastern Oregon. During the three day gathering there are educational workshops on daily living skills. They have fun dancing each evening and end their time at camp with a talent show. Social workers have shared that this is always a very meaningful time for these adults. They grow in self esteem as they interact with new friends and try new experiences. Wallowa Lake Camp offers a safe place where they can “be on their own,” with their peers. As they leave each year they ask, “When are we coming back?”

    Also in September fifteen graduate students from Oregon State University came to camp for five days as part of their class on Rural Community Studies. They gleaned information from Wallowa Resources, visited the Carman Ranch, heard from local officials about current issues, and learned about local food production. David shared with them about the church garden, our work with the Joseph School children, and our focus of teaching children to grow and enjoy vegetables. It was another “magical day” at the Magic Garden.
    —Dave & Ingrid Cook, Wallowa Lake Directors

    Wish List:
    Campership contributions for special needs adults and/or their aides are always needed and will bring joy to all!

         

         

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • October 3, 2011:  Directors / Thank you / Transformation Prayer Retreat


       

    Monday, October 3, 2011

    Meet your Leadership Team:
    The Directors’ fall meeting took place at Sawtooth Camp last week.
    In the photo, from left to right:

       
    • Front row:
    •  
    • Todd Bartlett, A.L. Collins Retreat Center Director
    •  
    • Lisa Jean Hoefner, Executive Director
    •  
    • Jane Petke, Suttle Lake Camp Director
    •  
    • Eva LaBonty, Camp Latgawa Director
    •  
    • Middle row:
    •  
    • Daniel Petke, Suttle Lake Camp Director
    •  
    • Steve Rumage, Camp Magruder Director
    •  
    • Geneva Cook, Camp & Retreat Ministry Registrar
    •  
    • Peggy Lovegren, Wallowa Lake Camp Director (starting January 2012) 
    •  
    • Back row:  
    •  
    • Dave Hargreaves, Sawtooth Camp Director  
    •  
    • Bill Gates, Chair of the Board of Camp & Retreat Ministry
    •  
    • David Lovegren, Wallowa Lake Director (starting January 2012) 
    •  
    • Greg Clensy, Camp Latgawa Director<
         

    Thank you!
    Some of the campers at adult events like to further support camping ministries. Recent gifts have been received from the 2011 Magruder Needlework camp which raised $1,900 for Edwards Lodge tables & lighting and the 2011 Magruder Handbell Camp which raised $3,478.00 for Creation Vacation. Thank you for your generosity and passion for camping!


    Stories from camp this year:
    Creating community where lives are transformed in Christ.”

    Rev. Janine DeLaunay in the Metzger UMC Newsletter gave witness to her time at Transformation Prayer Retreat at Suttle Lake last week. Here is part of her article:

    As I reflect back on this past week, I’m amazed at the countless ways I experienced God’s presence. One of the confirmations I experienced was the importance and power of being in community. Even when we were involved in different activities—the jigsaw puzzle group, those reading or drawing, a couple folks playing the guitar and singing, and others just listening, the sense of community was strong. We hiked, too, in community—some went ahead, and some took the hikes at a more measured pace. Yet we were aware of each other’s needs and made sure all who wanted to could participate. For me to participate on some of the more difficult hikes, several people provided assistance.  Read the rest of Rev. DeLaunay’s inspiring article here.
    —Rev. Janine DeLaunay


    Wish List:
    Did you know it took 8 buses to get all the families from Salem and Dallas to Creation Vacation events this year – some equipped with child safety seats for the families with preschoolers? Any contribution to offset the cost would be much appreciated by all!  Thanks!

               

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • 9/26/11—Weekend of Service / Mark Bosworth / All Things Magruder / Kudos


       

           

    Oregon Food Bank ShelvesYouth Weekend-Of-Service coming up:
    Sierra Service Project is piloting a Weekend of Service project for Jr and Sr High Youth Groups in Portland, Oregon, November 4 - 6, 2011. The cost for this project is only $55 per participant. The deadline for registration is October 10th, 2011. The weekend will include working at the Northeast Emergency Food Program building a garden that will supply produce to the food program. Find out more on the GoCamping website calendar entry for Weekend of Service.

    Missing person alert:
    Mark Bosworth has been missing since the Cycle Oregon event in Southern Oregon, and a friend of his at Christ UMC in Portland has asked that as many Methodist publications as possible spread his photo and information to as many people as possible in hopes that someone will see him. There is a missing person poster and up-to-date information about Mark at http://findmarkbosworth.blogspot.com/.

    Magruder's community garden All things Magruder:
    If you’re a fan of Camp Magruder, you’ve got to check out their weekly blog spot “All things Magruder.” “It’s filled with fun articles and cool pictures that will keep you up to date on what’s happening here. Magruder also has a new Facebook page run by Magruder’s staff . Check out the Facebook page with the picture of the big cross down on the beach, and “like” us.”
    —Amy Wood, Magruder’s Program Director

    Kudos:
    Amy Wood from Camp Magruder sent me a note about their new blog. For those of you interested in seeing a good example of an effective blog, I recommend checking this out.

    I want to also highlight the collaboration they have developed with a pastor in the conference [Rev. John Pitney, Eugene First UMC] who helps them with many environmental care projects at the site. Check out the blog and pictures of the community garden for example.  John does a lot with his local church creation care team.  It is a nice blending of two of the core foundations of faith based camp and retreat ministry – teaching earth care and appreciation and collaborating with faith community leaders.

    Thanks, Amy, for sharing this new dimension of what you and your team are doing.
    —Kevin Witt, National Director, Camp/Retreat Ministries

     


    Wish List:

    Prayers for all of the OR-ID Conference’s Camp & Retreat Site Directors who are meeting this week to make plans for 2012!

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

     

  • 9/19/11 - Rights / Upcoming events / Stories from camp


     
      a great day for a hike


    I was reading an article about hiking with your grandchildren and came across this information – it’s the “Oregon Outdoor Children’s Bill of Rights” initiated by Oregon Recreation & Park Association. Very cool …(and fits right in with Camping Ministry!)  Click here to visit the link.
    —Marilyn, Lebanon UMC


    Cooking togetherUpcoming Events:
    Quilts, Crafts, & More Fall Midweek
    October 9 - October 14
    From Our Table to Yours—Thanksgiving Cooking
    October 24 - October 26
    Food and Fix-it Retreat - ALCRC
    October 24 - October 26


    Stories from camp this year:
    “Creating community where lives are transformed in Christ.”

       
    • Just wanted you to know that the Whitney UMC weekend at Sawtooth was absolutely awesome! The weather was perfect, there were 72 people there, the fellowship, fun and worship were great. Whitney has been going there for 37 years and it just gets better. Some of the guys worked on the roof, others hiked, biked or took nature walks and others just enjoyed relaxing.We are all looking forward to next year.  —Whitney UMC camper
    •  
    • Thank you for helping me and my grandma go to Grandcamp this summer and for me to go to Superkids Camp. I loved swimming and being at the campfires.  —J.A.

    Wish List:
    We invite you to contribute to Strength for the Journey, a retreat program for individuals and families living with HIV+/AIDS.  Your gift of any amount will help someone in need attend this amazing, healing retreat.

             

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

  • Camp E-News: Rolf & Claudia/ Prayers for Big Lake / Camp Stories / New Pavilion at Suttle Lake


     

    News of Rolf and Claudia:
    Rolf and Claudia have helped with endless tasks at camp. They are a joyous and adventurous Christian couple with two delightful daughters. They were truly a God-send to us!  Read Ingrid’s whole article here.
    —Ingrid Cook

    Prayer request for Big Lake:
    Please keep the Big Lake Youth Camp (the 7th Day Adventist camp) in your prayers as the Shadow Lake Fire in Central Oregon continues to threaten the facilities there. Several of our sites have been threatened by fire over the years, and it was not too many fire seasons ago that Suttle Lake was in the same position as Big Lake Youth Camp is now, with fire on all sides; we know how frightening it is. Many prayers for all affected by forest fires this season. The Camp Latgawa staff are back in and operating camp as usual after being evacuated during the Little Butte Fire.

    Stories from camp this year:
    “Creating community where lives are transformed in Christ.”

    Palmer Guest Cabin

    Sure had a beautiful weekend:  screwed in sub roof, pulled tin roofing around, held screw driver, screws, nails, brought water, varnished base boards, swept and of course helped with the dishes of a group of about 40 people from Rupert UMC, babies to 80 year olds. Fun times at camp. Don’t forget singing and pretzel making. All recorded in the memories of another Labor Day weekend at Sawtooth Camp! 
    —Denise Smithers
    (photo:  the new addition on Palmer Guest Cabin at Sawtooth)

    Sunset from the family train ride -

     

    Here’s a great photo from Magruder Labor Day Weekend Family Camp – taken from the train ride on Sat evening.
    —Rev. Rinya Frisbie, Albany UMC
    (photo: sunset from the train)

     

     

    Wish List:
    The first Pavilion at Suttle Lake is now in use! One of two.
    Still needed: $6,000 to complete the second one which will be located outside of the new Shower House. 
    —Lisa Jean Hoefner
    (photo: the first new pavilion at Suttle Lake)

         

      DonateToday
    ...to Camp & Retreat Ministry! Thank You!

                 

         

  • Aug 29, 2011: Winter Youth Retreat / Quilts for Minot / Hurricane Irene update


    Winter Youth Retreat 2011Save the dates for snow fun:
    Youth leaders and youth groups—make a note on your calendars that the popular winter youth retreat at Suttle Lake will be held over Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend this coming January (2012). More info coming as soon as it’s in!

    We’re here for each other:
    Here’s a note from the Cattle Country Quilt Shop in Joseph, OR, which holds quilt retreats at Wallowa Lake Camp. They are appealing to their constituents to join the camp and Joseph UMC in the following effort in disaster response – a great example of how church and community work together to transform the world.
    —Lisa Jean

    You may recall that a couple of months ago, over 4,000 homes (and a Methodist Church in Minot, North Dakota) were destroyed by massive flooding. There’s a call out for HELP. We can help those unfortunate folks by DONATING QUILTS. The local Methodist Church here in Joseph is collecting QUILTS and will deliver them to those most in need at Minot. So….bring quilts that you are able to donate to the shop within the next couple of weeks and we will see that they get to the Methodist Church people!  (For location and contact information, visit this link to Cattle Country Quilt Shop , or this link for Joseph United Methodist Church.)

    Hurricane Irene goes to camp:
    Hurricane Irene has definitely made her mark throughout The Bahamas and we have already responded in the preparation for her arrival, keeping families safe at Camp Symonette during her presence as well as being prepared in our response efforts after she leaves our great country. Thankfully we have heard of no reported deaths and pray that it stays that way.
    —Rev. Kenya Lovell, Central Eleuthera Island pastor.
    the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church,

    Many camp and retreat centers in the Northeast U.S. have made preparations to serve as disaster response locations for people displaced by Hurricane Irene. Please, keep all these colleagues close in your prayers this week. Thanks everyone! It is good to be a part of a community that cares for one another.
    —Kevin Witt

    Wish list:
    Wishing YOU a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!