2007 Camp Christian Committee Report
Reflections of 2007
New Staff
In April Steve Bentley reported to the Committee how the orientation and transition of Brenda Webster would take place for the upcoming CYF conferences. Steve explained that he would direct Hiram Conference and allow Brenda to observe while serving as well. Then they would co-direct Phyo and Lakeside, all in an effort to permit her to fly solo for Wilmington. The Committee was pleased with the process of easing Brenda into the CYF Director position by offering her a model of what the director does, and then slowly permitting her to get to the point of taking that role on by herself. Special thanks to Steve for his work and effort to make that transition as smooth as possible. And congratulations to Brenda for her effective and faithful leadership in what is no doubt a challenging transition.
Promotional Videos
This Spring also brought about the distribution of the CYF and Chi Rho promotional videos. I know the region facilitated their distribution, and the Committee was given the chance to receive copies as well to help with the promotional efforts of our camps. The Committee was very excited to hear that these wonderful videos were going out to churches.
Camp
Facility
Pricing
One of the goals for Camp Christian is to increase it use. A marketing campaign was implemented to increase the awareness to businesses and groups that Camp was available for all types of events. And with increase non-Disciples use of Camp Christian their came the need for clearly defined pricing.
In addition to broader camp use, the decision to open camp up for weddings was also agreed upon. A Wedding Policy was then of course needed, complete with prices for the use of the facilities.
Thanks to Duncan Draper the Committee was presented with a fair usage policy and pricing guide. The Committee agreed to adopt and implement these policies and pricings through 2008.
New Dock
The dock at Camp Christian was slowly sinking making for a rather precarious scenario for those who were going to be using it all summer long. A decision had to be made rather quickly about what to do to insure that there was a safe and secure dock for the summer and beyond.
Thanks to Al Chanell who was diligent in getting options for the new dock, helping all parties make an informed and faithful decision, and then getting the dock constructed. A new dock was constructed and in place before the May Camp Christian Open House.
Bricks and Trees
There has been increased desire for memorial opportunities at Camp Christian, and because of this increased desire the Committee was asked to create a policy guideline for such memorials. Bricks will cost $150, and will be installed once a year. Trees will cost $400 with pricing evaluated bi annually. It was also decided that a dedication of this bricks and trees would be done during the May open house that is held annually.
Vespers
One of the main issues that the Committee knew it would be focusing on this year pertains to the current Vesper spot. We are all well aware of this sensitive topic, and we are committed to faithfully discern how best to address this issue. The issue, of course, is what to do about Vespers?
When the vision for Camp Christian to be updated began nearly two decades ago, it was the planned goal that all of camp would be located on one side of Maple Dell Road. We all have witnessed the overwhelming success of the Keep the Fire Burning Campaign that has made that vision nearly complete. The remaining entities that have yet to be relocated are the pools and Vespers.
While the pool situation is a technical one, the Vespers situation is a technical situation as well as a faith issue.
The current Vespers spot has been Holy Ground for decades, and serves as
the sanctuary for each person who comes to camp. The thought of moving this holy sanctuary and creating a new one is difficult for many who consider the possibility.
There are, however, safety concerns that surround the current Vespers spot. Such concerns include the crossing of Maple Dell Road to get to Vespers, particularly at night; flooding that can quickly engulf the Vespers area, rendering it unusable until the waters recede and the ground dries to a certain degree; and finally, the deteriorating bridge that spans the creek. It is certain that a new bridge will be necessary in the very near future if the current spot is to be maintained.
So the question is: How do we faithfully and economically address the sanctity and safety of Vespers? Do we update the current Vespers or create a new one? The options and views of the Committee vary, but all are committed to finding a faithful means to address this important issue.
At our last two meetings new location ideas were presented to the Committee, but no one location seemed to be a front runner. It was decided that visual aids and additional information was needed to begin this process of finding a faithful means to address this important issue.
The committee therefore charged Al Channell to begin the process of securing any and all information possible that will help all of us address this important issue. Currently a study is being conducted that will begin to provide that information. The cost of this study is $8,500. This study will give us important information about options for the future, whether the results pertain to the current Vesper spot or a new one.
Based upon numerous conversations with Camp Christian Committee members, the CYF Youth Council, CYF Assistant Directors, CYF Counselors, Chi Rho counselors, Advance Conference Officers, Faculty and Conferees, numerous members of Ohio Disciples churches, and countless youth, the over whelming thoughts are to keep the current Vespers spot but also create a new one, and then, slowly, over a period of time, transition into the new Vespers spot.
Those who make up the Camp Christian Committee are all long time attendees of Camp Christian and its many programs. Each member is fully committed to working through this important task, all in an effort to continue to make the vision of what Camp Christian could be a reality, while preserving and sustaining its long history and tradition.
Looking Ahead to 2008
Camp
Christian
Homecoming
For the past several years a Camp Christian Open House was held in early May. This past May was no exception. Attendance for this event, however, has called into question the validity of the event. When Brenda Webster pitched her idea of holding a Camp Christian Revival/Reunion weekend, an idea was created to roll the Open House event into this new event. This would give opportunity for the same type of opportunity the Open House offered to be available in May, but during an event that would perhaps be a more appealing draw for people to attend. In addition, since it would be unlikely for people to travel to Camp Christian on two different weekends in May, the thought of combining the two events was well received because this would eliminate any sort of competition between the two events that would force people to choose which event they would attend.
At our next meeting the Committee will discuss how we can support this event.
Advance Conference
The 2007 Advance Conference Officers, along with some other Advance Conferees made an informative presentation at our August meeting regarding the work they are doing to enhance and grow Advance Conference. One of the main things this group has done is create an exploratory committee that will be intention about finding effective ways to attract and draw more young adults to Advance Conference. This committee will work for one year and then determine from their findings what is the best and most faithful approach to making Advance Conference a thriving ministry in Ohio.
One thing that all Advance Conference knows that is necessary is making available Advance to anyone who wants to attend regardless of their ability to pay. The cost to attend Advance Conference can be a deterrent for a young adult; and each year the scholarship fund to attend Advance is stretched. The current and past Advance Conference Officers understand that to make Advance Conference more appealing to young adults will require creating broader means to help anyone attend. One idea that is currently being worked on to help raise money for the scholarship fund is a concert to be held at Camp Christian Sunday August 17.
This group is committed to growing Advance Conference, while at the same time willing to reach out in broader ministries. In May a group of Advance Conferees went on a Mission trip to the Gulf Coast to help in hurricane relief efforts. In addition, following flooding in Western Ohio, a group went to the Disciples church in Findlay to help with the extensive clean up that was needed there.
Fourth of July Celebration
It has been the tradition during Phyo Conference to set off fireworks on the evening of July fourth. Due to some minor injuries that were a result of these fireworks being set off, the Committee will explore other options for the youth, counselors, and staff to celebrate the fourth of July holiday but in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Vespers Safety
In an effort to make going to Vespers as safe as possible, particularly during Consecration services that are often held after dark, the Committee will create a Safety Procedure that will be used during all camps in 2008. Initial ideas include the use of flares so that on coming traffic is made aware of road activity ahead, reflective vests, and powerful flashlights. The Committee wants all camps to be intentional and consistent in how campers safely cross Maple Dell Road to go to Vespers, particularly after dark.
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The Camp Christian Committee will continue to work on any and all issues that it is presented in an effort to help continue to make Camp Christian the thriving ministry that it is to Ohio Disciples as well as anyone else who comes to our grounds. It is the Committees desire to faithfully serve Camp Christian, the Ohio Region, the Ohio Disciples Churches, and God.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jonathan Rumburg, Chairperson, Camp Christian Committee.
Committee Members: Terry Bartlett, Chuck Bentley, Mary Jo Bray, Al Channel, Rick Hayden, Martha Everhard, Michelle Hardley, Pricilla Jackson, Bud Kraus, Mitch Maxed, Brad McBee, Carol Oetzel, Ryan Rupp, Jennie Stoddart, Bob Unger, Brenda Webster.
