Although the temperature is dropping and leaves are starting to change color, I still have summer on my mind! As this was my first camp season with VPCCM, this summer has been one of learning, rebuilding, and, in some ways, a trial by fire. Through the challenges of COVID-19 and staffing shortages, many parents and pastors reached out to offer encouragement and volunteered their time to help us get camp off its feet for 2021. I know many of you were praying fervently for the success of camp, and I am grateful for the support and the new relationships that have been established over the last few months.
The theme of our 2021 camp season was “Renewal.” After enduring a year of illness, isolation, and uncertainty, I felt it an important reminder that our strength and our ability to keep shining as a light to the world comes from our loving Savior. We focused on two key verses, Isaiah 40:31 and Isaiah 43:19, as well as other scriptures that focused on specific renewal areas such as body, mind, spirit, and the reasons that renewal is vital to our Christian health. There were many great conversations among campers, counselors, and pastoral staff during Bible studies, devotions, and Chapel services.
Although we only had two weeks of camp, we reached 57 campers. Among those, about 60% were first-time campers. We also ministered to 6 families by providing 12 campers with $2,402 in scholarships. It was a joy to see so many new campers become immersed in our camp community, making new friends and memories and learning about Jesus.
While our staff was small, we had a stellar group of individuals, some of whom were seasoned but most who were brand new! I look forward to many of them returning in 2021. There are a few camp staff positions that are absolutely necessary in order to open camp and provide our typical programming. These include Camp Director, Camp Nurse, Aquatics Director, and Lifeguards. If you aware of anyone who might be interested in serving as camp staff, please direct them to our Employment page, which will be updated in October.
In the next couple of months, we will have some exciting announcements regarding Pathfinder Lodge. My hope and prayer for 2022 is that we will be able to offer a complete summer of camping between the two camps. We have many needs, both financial and physical, and it is vital that we meet these needs in order to continue the Vick-Pathfinder camp legacy. Please prayerfully consider how you can be part of the ministry efforts- whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply adding us to your prayer list. Be sure to check out our Volunteer page, the Wish Lists for both Vick and Pathfinder, and our Donation Page. As always, please keep VPCCM in your prayers for God’s blessing and the continued success of the camps.
God Bless and Happy Trails!
Mandy Simons, CEO