kids need adventure. challenges. direction. faith.
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2013
IN THIS ISSUE + Letter from the President ......... 1 + Retreats ...................................... 2 + Overnight Camps ...................... 3 + Day Camps ................................. 5 + Planned Giving .......................... 6
SPRING NEWSLETTER:
PRESIDENT’S LETTER REACHING MORE KIDS THIS YEAR! BY MICHAEL PERRY PRESIDENT OF SPRINGHILL CAMPS
I’ve never been more thrilled entering a new year at SpringHill than I am this year. My anticipation comes from the clear opportunities God’s giving us to serve more young people and their families than ever before in our history. But what’s even more exciting is that many of these opportunities are a result of the growing number of partnerships SpringHill is building with local churches and ministries all over the Midwest. The word about SpringHill continues to spread not just in the Midwest, but throughout the country. This winter, we had a church youth group from Florida attend one of our Winter Teen Retreat weekends and commit to bring other churches next year. In addition, we continue to have a growing number of summer campers and summer staff from states in every region of the country.
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Looking for direction? Come alongside friends of SpringHill as we read through the Old and New Testaments in one year. Start your journey by visiting www.michaelperry1.wordpress.com and click ”Reflections”. Devotional is compatible with your electronic reader.
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JOB OPENINGS YEAR-ROUND AND SEASONAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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+ To request the new 2013 brochure, visit springhillcamps.com/brochure. + To register for camp, visit: springhillcamps.com/registration.
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Thank you for your involvement in SpringHill. Please know it’s your prayers, your time and talents, your endorsement, and your gifts that provide the energy we need to serve more young people more effectively each and every year.
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Even as God provides us endless opportunities to serve more young people, our daily focus continues to remain the same—to create the most life-transforming SpringHill experiences possible. For this reason, we remain committed to reinvesting in our activities and facilities, continually improving our staff selection processes, and finding new and creative ways to provide not only the most exciting camp experiences in the world, but the safest ones as well.
For a list of our most recent job postings, please visit springhillcamps.com/experience. Marketing Director: SpringHill Camps is seeking qualified applicants. If you know someone with business or ministry marketing experience and a passion for reaching kids for Christ, please contact us. Join SpringHill, one of the top-rated Christian employers in the USA!* * Best Christian Workplaces Institute. www.bcwinstitute.org
SPRING NEWSLETTER:
RETREATS FLORIDA YOUTH GROUP EXPERIENCES FIRST SNOW! LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPERD, SEMINOLE, FLORIDA
UPCOMING RETREATS CHECK OUT ALL THE DIFFERENT EVENTS HAPPENING AT SPRINGHILL!
MICHIGAN WOMEN’S SPRING RETREAT MAY 3–5 A group of 13 youths and four adults made their way up to SpringHill Camps from Seminole, Florida, for their first Winter Teen Retreat. Many of the campers had their first snowball fight, made their first snow angel, and flew down their first snow tubing hill. They savored catching snowflakes in their mouth while embracing the cold of winter and experiencing the joy of a hot chocolate by the fire. Hilary Michalak, Director of Youth and Family Ministries at LCGS, previously attended a Winter Teen Retreat while working at a church in Michigan. She tells us about her experience bringing youth to SpringHill that have never experienced a winter in Michigan. Favorite part of the weekend: It was neat to be part of so many special moments and to see how openly they embraced all of these new experiences. I got to laugh (and scream) on the tubing hill with them and share nerves about stepping off the zipline platform. We got to share some pretty special moments together. Favorite memory over the weekend: The opportunity to break bread with my students on Sunday evening. This isn’t part of a standard retreat and it was a really special time with our group. To a church considering attending Winter Teen Retreats: Try it at least once! SpringHill is awesome about working with all groups (big or small) to meet their needs! Once you have experienced the way your students can explore new opportunities and grow in their own self-confidence while building their faith, you will understand how God works in this place.
Our youth group really bonded on this trip. They grew in their relationships with one another and with Christ, and I have seen a strength in their commitment to our church and congregation upon returning home. –Hilary, Director of Youth and Family Ministries
FAMILY CAMPS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: MAY 24–27 SUMMER FAMILY CAMP: JULY 12–14 For more information, visit springhillcamps.com/MI/retreats.
INDIANA THE UPRISING MEN’S SPRING RETREAT APRIL 18 –21 FATHER/SON RETREAT MAY 17–19 For more information, visit springhillcamps.com/IN/retreats.
VOLUNTEER TODAY! COME MAKE A DIFFERENCE SpringHill’s volunteers are an integral part of camp. Our volunteers span from young to old, and depending on interests and expertise, perform a variety of work including activities, medical staff, maintenance, and administration. Top Overnight Camp needs: Nurse Practitioners and Doctors during the summer months. For more information on what volunteer projects you can be a part of, visit: Michigan: springhillcamps.com/mi/volunteer Contact: Joel Hamilton at 231.836.1039 or jhamilton@springhillcamps.com Indiana: springhillcamps.com/in/volunteer Contact: Amanda Wolf at 812.497.0008 x.111 or awolf@springhillcamps.com
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OVERNIGHT CAMP:
MICHIGAN
52%
OF MICHIGAN OVERNIGHT CAMPERS COMMITTED OR RECOMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST LAST SUMMER.
SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM
LOOKING BACK
FOUR MIRACLES ATTEND CAMP THIS SUMMER
HISTORY ABOUT OUR WAR PLANE
The Provider has been one of our most sought-after housing units for almost 20 years. The idea of sleeping in a retired and preserved war plane has brought excitement and thrill to thousands of campers and guests.
Laura and her husband, Peter, were blessed with four surviving quintuplets. Three of the four children have Cerebral Palsy, but all four are excited to attend summer camp at Michigan Overnight. Laura tells us about why she’s sending her kids to SpringHill for the first time. What interests you the most about camp: I love that the camp is Christian-based and that the gospel message is presented clearly, and that a love for Jesus is a priority. I like the beautiful grounds and all the fun activities that the children can try. What’s different about SpringHill: Our kids have tried a different summer camp, which they enjoyed, but SpringHill is really working with us to include all of our children. It is very rare to find a place that will accept Caterina, and her differences, and include her with everyone else. She asked specifically if she could go to camp with her siblings. What would you say to a parent considering SpringHill: I always recommend praying about your decisions! Going to camp for a whole week can have a profound effect on your children and their self-esteem… for better or worse! Going to a camp where they can learn how much Jesus loves them, and where they are accepted just as they are, can set them up for a strong faith walk for their whole lives. I am excited to send my children to SpringHill! SpringHill believes that every child is created in the image of God. We have a calling to welcome every child who would like to come to camp, including children with special needs. Each child with special needs receives a one-on-one counselor and is integrated into cabin groups with all other campers. Learn more about our Special Needs Program by visiting www.youtube.com/springhillvideos. Search “Josh’s Story”.
VOLUNTEER WEEKEND Interested? Bring materials and groups! Volunteer for a day or for the whole weekend as we tackle the many projects scattered throughout camp. WHO: Families, friends, coworkers, and churches WHAT: Clean around camp WHERE: Michigan Overnight Camp WHEN: April 12–14 WORK DAY: April 13, 9am–5pm For more information, please contact Joel Hamilton at 231.836.1039 or email jhamilton@springhillcamps.com. 3
Through the Paul Giles Family Memorial Fund, we had the opportunity to renovate the Provider where we uncovered markings, original stenciling, and the identification plate. These findings have helped us learn more about this unique housing unit. FACTS ABOUT THE PROVIDER: + Tail Number: 692 + Serial Number 54-692 (54: fiscal year the government had the finances to build the airplane; 692: 692nd airplane that was ordered that year) + Completed and accepted into the Air Force on August 30, 1956 + Flew in the Vietnam War + Used as a cargo airplane + The Provider was a C-123B, but was renamed a C-123K because the engines were changed WHAT WE LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER: + Original pictures of the Provider showcased in the airplane + Preserved artifacts from when the airplane flew in the war + A glimpse into the cockpit + Newly painted and renovated Legend says… the Provider was purchased in 1993 from the Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Enoch Olson, Founder of SpringHill Camps, went to the base to bid on the airplane. After being outbid, he approached the man that purchased the Provider and expressed his interest in repurposing the Provider into a housing unit at SpringHill Camps. Through the discussion, Enoch learned the man only wanted the engines in the airplane. In the end, the man sold Enoch the Provider and kept the engines. The Provider was split into three pieces and brought up to Michigan Overnight, where it was remodeled and turned into one of Overnight’s most unique housing units. We are currently looking through pictures to find the Provider in action during the Vietnam War.
OVERNIGHT CAMP:
95%
OF INDIANA OVERNIGHT CAMPERS SAID THEY WANT TO GROW MORE IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
RACE FOR SPRINGHILL! PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS CAMPER SCHOLARSHIPS
Grab a running partner, save the date, and spread the word! Join the fun as friends of SpringHill come together with runners from 5 other ministries on Saturday, April 13th for the Northview Cares 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds from our sponsored runners will go towards camper scholarships. DATE: Saturday, April 13th START TIME: 9:00 am LOCATION: Northview Church Carmel Campus 12900 Hazel Dell Parkway Carmel, IN 46033 COST: $20 (additional $10 for a SpringHill tie-dye t-shirt) Spaces are limited! To register, visit northviewcares5k.com.
INDIANA WHO’S BEHIND THE SCENES? GET TO KNOW THE STAFF HELPING YOU
AMANDA WOLF BUSINESS SERVICES MANAGER
SUMMERS WORKING HERE: Going on 8 ORIGINALLY FROM: Shreve, Ohio FAVORITE CAMP SONG: “I Went Down to the River”
NEW BATHHOUSES! COMING THIS SUMMER!
FAVORITE CAMP MEAL: Taco Day MY QUIRK: When I laugh really hard, I don’t make a noise. WHY SPRINGHILL: I love the environment that SpringHill offers and that our mission is to reach more young people. It is such a great joy to know that we are ministering to kids that need to know Christ. I also love that because of our generous donors, we are able to reach out to campers that are not able to afford camp, so all kids can hear and experience the love of Christ. WHAT CAMPERS SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR WHEN THEY COME ON: Watch out for “Derek” the swan. She loves to show off for our guests. MAKE SURE YOU BRING: A water bottle
Expect to see two new bathhouses this summer! We are expanding to accommodate the needs of campers and guests. The bathhouses will be located in the Grouseland Housing Area and the White Water Valley Wigwams. They will also be used as additional storm shelter locations.
ADVICE TO A CAMPER PARENT: We understand that it takes a lot to send your camper to a week of summer camp. Feel free to call our office to ask any questions that will ease your mind. Safety and care for the campers is our number one concern.
“By building these new bathhouses we are responding to the desire of our customers. Parents are comforted in knowing their child has a clean area to shower and get ready in, campers are excited that their travel time is cut down, and our retreat guests can enjoy modern facilities that they are more accustomed to. The new bathhouses will improve the overall experience for all of our guests.” – Amanda Wolf, SpringHill Business Services Manager
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SPRING NEWSLETTER:
Serving over 10,000 Day Campers within four states!
DAY CAMPS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
WHY DAY CAMPS?
LAURA BERRY GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
Special Needs Counselor (2011) Day Camps Area Director (2012) WHY SPRINGHILL: SpringHill is unanimous for evoking passion out of any and every age group. I wanted to be part of SpringHill’s Detroit Day Camps because I felt God’s call loud and clear. He blessed the summers I worked there, building an unbreakable bond between staff and spreading His love to children all over Detroit, Michigan, whether they could afford camp or not! HOW DID SPRINGHILL IMPACT YOU: It made me sillier. SpringHill lets your inner weird come out and be embraced to no end. I now dance like a child in malls, super markets, bowling alleys, at home, in the bathroom, and really anywhere with a floor. ADVICE FOR FUTURE SUMMER STAFF: The best advice I can give is to pray often in the approaching weeks to summer. Ask God to break your heart for the children and staff you will experience life with for the next three months. Entering into summer with an intentional God-centered mindset naturally rids self-centered motives and allows us to recognize God’s mission. Training can be overwhelming; lots of screaming, dancing, experiencing life in close proximity with strangers, but those strangers will become your best friends. Take hope in being hired to love God’s children. ADVICE FOR CAMPER PARENTS: Sunscreen. Don’t let your child wear nice clothes (we tie-dye, and grass stains are a clothing staple). Your child’s counselor knows your child very well after the week, take time to talk to their counselor about their growth. Bring the SpringHill Experience home through kitchen dance parties and camp song sing-a-longs. There is a statistic that the average child spends 30 minutes per week in meaningful conversation with their parents. Beat the statistic. Last of all; let your child teach you. I learned more from their childlike faith than I ever thought possible. WHERE YOU ARE NOW: I currently work at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services as a Patient Care Provider and at MOKA as a Community Living Support Staff member for adults with developmental disabilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 5
Day Camps is all about impacting kids and supporting the local church. SpringHill brings a highly-visible event to a church campus that allows families in the community to become familiar and comfortable with the church. In turn, churches are able to reach out to kids and families throughout the year and offer new ministry opportunities. When SpringHill started the Day Camp Program in 2006, our desire was to give our day campers the same SpringHill Experience we deliver at our overnight camps and “create life-impacting experiences”. We do this through fun activities like the climbing wall, giant’s swing, bungee trampolines, water slides, crafts, skits, and small group times. These are all combined into one amazing week for a child who might not otherwise come to camp. WE LOOK TO... + Reach the lost. + Connect to the community. + Implement innovative, fun, and energetic outreach programs. + Share the Gospel. + Be seen as a community asset. + Create opportunities for follow-up and outreach. WE DO THIS BY... + Bringing innovative activities and relevant programs. + Targeting a specific age group (grades K-4). + Creating a high-energy/high-impact ministry touch-point during summer when there is typically a break in ministry. + Training and leading high school volunteers (C.I.T Program). + Having highly-trained, highly-motivated, fun, and engaging summer staff. + Embracing kids of all social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. + Maintaining a low price point for families. To learn more about Day Camps near you, visit springhillcamps.com. Learn more about our urban Day Camps by watching our highlight video: visit www.youtube.com/springhillvideos.
SPRING NEWSLETTER:
PLANNED GIVING WHY KIDS NEED CAMP
PHILANTHROCORP HEAR WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT PHILANTHROCORP Bruce and Sue have been involved with PhilanthroCorp for almost 15 years and for many years with SpringHill Camps. Married for nearly 26 years with four children and eight grandchildren, they understood early on the importance of estate planning and leaving a legacy for their family and the charities they are involved with. “ I’ve heard a lot of the stories about a thousand times before, but it is so good to hear them again. I had never thought about how much faith Moses’ mom must have had in God to send him down the river. I committed myself to Jesus here a few years ago. I want to treat my brothers better when I get home because I don’t treat them very well now. SpringHill has helped me realize that you need to respect what God’s plan is for you and you need to follow God, not make up your own plans.” –Paisley, summer camper
DURING ONE WEEK AT SPRINGHILL CAMPS...
78% 68% 79%
OF CAMPERS WERE CHANGED BY THE MESSAGE OF JESUS. ARE MORE COMFORTABLE SHARING THEIR FAITH. ARE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH PRAYER.
HELP WRITE THEIR STORY
PhilanthroCorp, a Christian-centered estate planning and design firm, helped Bruce and Sue focus on one question: where does the Kingdom fit into your estate plan? After discussing their philosophy on money and giving, they were able to work with PhilanthroCorp to effectively articulate their wishes and goals for their family and the charities they love. “ I personally liked the fact that I was dealing with someone a thousand miles away that didn’t know me or my friends… it gave me a comfort level. You’re revealing everything to them and it’s completely confidential.” – Bruce With a Kingdom perspective, PhilanthroCorp comes alongside you to guide you from start to finish. Regardless of if you are in your twenties or sixties, a will and/or trust will benefit you and your family. As a free service to the friends of SpringHill, we have retained the services of PhilanthroCorp. With professional expertise and a servant’s heart, they can help you design your will and/or trust in a way that most effectively transfers your assets to loved ones and the ministries you care about. To start planning your estate, call PhilanthroCorp at 800-876-7958 or visit www.springhillcamps.com/ support/plannedgiving. To learn more about planned giving, watch: www.aboutplannedgiving.com/tmv
Every camper has a story. Help more kids come to camp and write theirs. Camp allows kids to see themselves as God made them to be. Camp brings life-change. We look to offer over 3,500 scholarships this year. Donate today and give a life-transforming experience. To donate or for more information, visit www.kidsneedcamp.com.
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SpringHill Camps | P.O. Box 100 | Evart, MI 49631 | 231.734.2616
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Flying down the zipline is better with a friend. Bring one. GOING GREEN? Would you like to receive the newsletter via email? If so, please email: mbeggs@springhillcamps.com
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