kids need adventure. challenges. direction. faith. SPRING NEWSLETTER 2014
IN THIS ISSUE + Letter from the President.......... 1 + Retreats....................................... 2 + Overnight Camps....................... 3 + Day Camps.................................. 5 + Giving .......................................... 6
SPRING NEWSLETTER:
PRESIDENT’S LETTER CELEBRATING 45 YEARS!
BY MICHAEL PERRY PRESIDENT OF SPRINGHILL CAMPS
I love history. I love reading it, studying it and immersing into it. I especially love the people who made history. I firmly believe their stories provide inspiration, instruction, warning, and encouragement for us today. My love of history isn’t just academic, it’s also theological. I believe that our God is the God of history. When we look at history we’re looking at the work of God who is moving every piece of history to a great and final climax where He, through His Son Jesus, will redeem and make all things new again. To study history is to study God. So it’s no wonder that we love and celebrate SpringHill’s 45 years of history. We sit here going into our 46th summer of creating lifetransforming experiences where young people can know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We see His mighty hand
orchestrating all the details—the people, facilities, campers, churches, and families needed to create a SpringHill Experience. From the 260 campers in that first summer in 1969 to the 30,000 summer campers and the nearly 60,000 total campers we expect this year, God has led the way. So as God brings SpringHill to mind over the next few months, pray we will be faithful in doing our part this summer in making history worth repeating.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO START 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.
LESS THAN 50 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!
Stay connected to SpringHill year-round. Join Facebook conversations, scroll our Twitter feed, or browse through our Instagram social networks. Learn about upcoming events, read camper testimonies, review Scripture, and see photographs of things ongoing at camp! Been to camp recently? Share your experience and/or pictures, and tag SpringHill Camps! facebook.com/springhillcamps
WHY USE ELECTRONIC CHECK FOR PAYMENT:
If everyone used electronic check as their payment method, we could build more fun activities for your child!
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SPRING NEWSLETTER:
RETREATS FAMILY FUN DAY IS HERE! FREE FUN ALL DAY
UPCOMING RETREATS CHECK OUT ALL THE DIFFERENT EVENTS HAPPENING AT SPRINGHILL!
Have you heard we have an overnight camp, but haven’t visited yet? Now is your chance!
INDIANA
Family Fun Day is an opportunity for families new to Overnight Camp to experience everything we have to offer! Activities include ziplines, climbing walls, horses, canoes, crafts and much more. Free for your family, this is a great opportunity to tour the camp, meet our staff, spend quality time with the directors that will be serving your campers, and see what Overnight Camp is all about!
FAMILY FUN DAY JULY 12
Indiana Overnight Camp: July 12 from 11 to 5 pm* Michigan Overnight Camp: May 3 and August 9 from 1 to 5 pm* Coming to Michigan Overnight in Evart and want to stay overnight? For $20 a person you can stay in one of our unique housing units with bathhouses nearby. Dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning is included in costs before your family hits the road again! Tent spots are available for $10 a person and meals as well. Children under 5 are free.
To register, or for more information, visit: SpringHillCamps.com/FamilyFunDay *Note: This is a come and go event. We suggest allotting at least 1 1⁄2 hours to get through the tour and some activities; however, if you stay for all the activities, your experience may be more like four hours.
MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY CAMP ZIPLINE WITH YOUR FAMILY!
Let us kickoff the summer with you and your family! Join us for Memorial Day Family Camp at both our Michigan and Indiana Overnight locations on May 23–26. Family Camp allows your family to spend quality time with Christ at the center, while also participating in high adventure and aquatic activities.
MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY CAMP MAY 23–26
Visit SpringHillCamps.com/IN/retreats
MICHIGAN MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY CAMP MAY 23–26 SUMMER FAMILY CAMP JULY 11–13 For more information, visit SpringHillCamps.com/MI/retreats
HIGHLIGHTING OUR WINTER RETREAT SEASON! middle and high school students and their leaders were served at Winter Teen Retreats this year.
• 8,658
• 9.1%
made a new commitment to Christ.
• 52.3%
recommitted their lives to Christ.
have a stronger relationship with their youth leaders.
MICHIGAN OVERNIGHT Guest speaker Mark Oestreicher For more information about the Michigan Overnight Family Camp, visit: SpringHillCamps.com/MI/retreats/family
• 86.3%
INDIANA OVERNIGHT Guest speaker Jason Miller For more information about Indiana Overnight Family Camp, visit: SpringHillCamps.com/IN/retreats/family
• 83.6%
believe people will notice a positive change in them.
• 76.7%
want to get more involved with their church or youth group. 2
OVERNIGHT CAMP:
MICHIGAN HIGHLIGHTING 45 YEARS
8%
OF FIRST TIME MICHIGAN OVERNIGHT CAMPERS HAVE ATTENDED A DAY CAMP.
UPDATING AND ADDING NEW PROGRAMS
WHAT COULD YOUR CHILD BE DOING THIS SUMMER?
From 256 summer campers in 1969 to nearly 52,000 campers in 2013, SpringHill has experienced exponential growth over the past 45 years. Learn how it all started! 1969 • First summer camp (Evart, Michigan. 256 campers) • Enoch Olson accepts call to head up the camp 1972 • Cabooses arrive at Evart 1975 • New Frontiers dining hall opens 1980 • 12,000 campers 1985 • Teen Service Team (TST) program begins • Started weekend family camping 1986 • Became member of the Evangelical Counsel for Financial Accountability • 38 acres donated – becomes Storybrook Camp Center 1988 • Special needs registration doubles to 60 1990 • 22,000 campers • Accredited with American Camping Association 1991 • Marquette Iron Camp Hilltoppers 1992 • Indoor pool and game room added 1993 • Mt. Raider built (Copper Country Climbing wall) 1994 • Launched Inclusion Program for campers with special needs • “Provider” airplane acquired for housing unit 1995 • Crossroads Ranch • Enoch Olson retires – Mark Olson becomes President/Executive Director 1996 • Copper Country dining hall 1997 • New Frontiers Peaks housing completed • Copper Country Zipline built 1998 • Norway Cabins 1999 • Copper Country waterslide
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We have renovated many of our programs to create a better experience for your camper this summer. Many of our programs have new activities, higher quality curriculum, and well-equipped staff to carry out lessons day-to-day. New Addition: This summer an Activity Specialist has been added to programming. This position will insure a more standardized teaching for each camper in our programs and will bring previous knowledge and experience to our existing programs. Activity Specialists will be trained on the curriculums that have been created for each program offered. Big Changes are taking place in New Frontiers. Climbing Camp: Campers taking part in this program will learn the “ins and outs” of climbing including tying knots, different climbing moves, and climbing safety. They will also take a day trip to Grand Ledge to climb on real rock! Outdoor Sportsmen: Campers will have a choice to participate in a land or water based week at camp. Land based campers will learn to be successful in camping and backpacking. Those participating in the water based week will spend their time in a canoe paddling our lakes on property and on a day trip going down the Muskegon River.
TARGET SPORTS PROGRAM WHAT’S COMING THIS SUMMER?
“ Our Target Sports Program is going to see significant improvement for this summer. Along with new, updated and improved curriculums being written for the Outdoor Sportsman and Outdoor Adventure Programs, we have an NRA professional who is going to donate time, training materials, and additional staff.” – Sarah, Activities Director Program updates will result in more confident, highly trained summer staff who will be excited about sharing what they have learned with our campers and making our Target Sport Program educational, safe, and fun. Training for all of our summer target staff will include: NRA Range Officers, Riflery Instructors and Trap Instructors.
80%
OVERNIGHT CAMP:
AT CAPACITY FOR SUMMER CAMP AT INDIANA OVERNIGHT.
A GIRL NAMED AFRICA
A SPRINGHILL SCHOLARSHIP STORY THAT BEGAN IN SPAIN
INDIANA STAFF ALUM SPOTLIGHT
Africa was a SpringHill camper that would travel from Spain to enjoy her summer camping experiences. Her summer highlight would be spending weeks with her aunt and uncle, Pica and Paul, and cousin Will, in Columbus, Indiana. Africa was 21 years old when she died in a plane crash. On October 14, 2012 Africa was returning to Madrid, Spain after a wedding celebration when she was invited by a trusted family friend who was a seasoned commercial and private plane pilot to fly home. During the flight, they encounter unexpected bad weather very close to a mountain range as they approached Madrid. Pica and Paul have started a Named Scholarship in memory of Africa. Africa’s love for SpringHill skyrocketed when she was introduced to the Teen Service Team (TST) program. Africa could not wait to come to the U.S. every summer to work and serve alongside others. Africa would always say, “I wish the world was like SpringHill.” She knew that we were called to be ‘in the world, but not of the world’. “ Words cannot express the heartache and grief we felt as we learned of her death. Nothing prepares you. Today, almost 1 1/2 years later, the world still feels different because she is not here, physically with us,” said Pica. Africa’s spirit, legacy of loving and living life to the fullest has inspired numerous people to be better, and to live better lives. With this Named Scholarship her family hopes to make the gift of Africa’s life a gift to others. “ One way we know Africa would love to be remembered would be by abiding in God’s love as it covers SpringHill. Making it possible for a number of children to attend each summer and enjoy a little bit of heaven on Earth, just like she did...” START A NAMED SCHOLARSHIP TODAY You can start a Named Scholarship that will sponsor a deserving group of kids to attend a SpringHill day or overnight camp. We will track the experience of your sponsored campers and share their pictures and testimonies with you at the end of the summer. Invest in some kids today! For more information, or to start a Named Scholarship contact Lynn Bringold at lbringold@springhillcamps.com or 231.836.1043.
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To me, Africa was more than a niece, almost a beautiful daughter who willingly received all the love and attention I would pour on her. To my husband, Paul, Afri[ca] was the perfect niece, girl and later on perfect young woman. She was so beautiful, goofy, funny, and brave. She was trusting and fearless but not reckless. She was very intelligent, but never condescending. Privileged but with big heart and great compassion.
RHETT MOREHOUSE I served on staff at Indiana [Overnight] from 2005–2008 in four different roles; InPursuit Counselor, InPursuit Lead Counselor, Teen Service Team Lead, and Activities. I was saved right before I started college at Purdue, two years before working at SpringHill. I didn’t grow up in the church and upon hearing the gospel my life was changed in actions, language, and desires. After working at SpringHill I knew that God had put a call to full-time ministry on my heart— SpringHill grew my skills and desires to fulfill that calling. My most memorable moments were seeing campers come to Christ on a weekly basis. These moments showed me the power of prayer and the importance of opening myself to be a worker in God’s Kingdom. Men like Carey Edgren and Bill Dinsmore showed me how Biblical leadership could and should happen in the world—their impact has been huge on me! Staying focused on what matters, they were able live the skills of great leadership and Godliness. SpringHill equipped and gave me confidence to pursue ministry and live a life centered on lifting Jesus and Him alone. Since camp, Rhett has been able to lead worship and do events and shows around the country. God has continued to lead him in living out this call to ministry through full-time worship ministry and graduate school. He works for a church in Indianapolis as a worship pastor and completed his Masters of Divinity. He recently began a PhD program and continues pursuing his music fully open to what God has next in any area.
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SPRING NEWSLETTER:
18,000
DAY CAMPS HIGHLIGHTING 45 YEARS (continued) 2000 • 30,000 campers ministry wide • Indiana Overnight Camp starts with 1,483 campers • New energy logo • High Adventure Park built (Indiana Overnight)
DAY CAMPERS WE HOPE TO SERVE IN 2014.
SPRING BREAK! DAY CAMP IN APRIL
2001 • Western Town built (Indiana Overnight) • Tubing hill completed in New Frontiers (Michigan Overnight) • Michael
Perry becomes President and CEO
2002 • Red Brush dining hall built (Indiana Overnight) • New Frontiers zipline built (Michigan Overnight) 2003 • Storybook Camp Center opens (Michigan Overnight) 2004 • Founders’ House dedication (Michigan Overnight) 2006 • 33,000+ campers and guests • Day Camp launch (1st location- 3 weeks; 279 campers) • Guest House built (Indiana Overnight) • 185ft “Gusher” waterslide built (Indiana Overnight) • Red Brush Lake completed (Indiana Overnight) 2007 • Pioneer Village built in Copper Country (Michigan Overnight)
2008 • 37,000+ campers and guests 2010 • 40,000 campers and guests • Day Camp Scholarship Weeks begin (83 campers in Detroit; 150 campers in Indianapolis) • 2,300
camper scholarships distributed • Day Camps offers 25 weeks in 24 locations 2011 • SpringHill becomes two regions and spreads into the Midwest 2012 • 10,000+ day campers • 1,300+ kids served through Scholarship Weeks at over 12 partnering churches • First Day Camp team in Chicago (1,000+ campers) • 3,500+ camper scholarships distributed • Party Barge remodel in InPursuit beachfront (Indiana Overnight)
2013 • 52,000 campers and guests • 15,000+ day campers • 4,500+ camper scholarships distributed • Indoor high ropes course (Michigan Overnight) 2014 • We hope to serve 57,500+ campers and guests • Reach out to 18,000+ day campers • Give 6,000+ camper scholarships
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125 students from Rogers Elementary attended a SpringHill Day Camp during Spring Break! This was the second year that SpringHill has partnered with Orion and Troy Edge students. Thirty-five high school students were specialty trained and took the role as counselors for the week. “Teaching the word of God at a younger age is cool. I enjoy seeing children encounter God. I have learned that I work really well with kids and I want to do that as an adult. It’s important for me that kids have a great foundation and have fun.” – Jalin, high school student & counselor The school is located in a low-income neighborhood and is a partner with Kensington Church. Through this partnership, children from the community come and experience adventure, challenges, and direction. High school students also have the opportunity to lead, share their faith, and pour into the next generation. “We are able to bring Jesus into the school and let kids hear about Him in a relevant way. We can give them hope and vision for their future and a week that they will remember for life.” – Laurie, School Partnership Coordinator at Kensington Church
FUNDRAISING FOR WEST MICHIGAN SCHOLARSHIPS This summer nearly 900 campers from West Michigan are coming to camp on scholarship; however, we are short funding. In fact, $150,000 is still needed. Please join us in sharing the message of Jesus Christ to these young people by providing a scholarship that will change their life forever. Campers will not only hear the word of God spoken, but will see it first hand, lived out. With God’s blessing and guidance we expect that over 360 of these 900 campers will make a new or renewed decision for Jesus Christ. To join us in creating this experience, please go to SpringHillCamps.com/Donate and select the West Michigan Scholarships. Thank you for supporting our commitment of advancing God’s Kingdom.
SPRING NEWSLETTER:
GIVING SUPPORTING SPRINGHILL FOR 45 YEARS! JOYCE AND LAMBERT HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING SPRINGHILL SINCE 1969!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO SUPPORT SPRINGHILL CAMPS? WHAT DONORS ARE SAYING ABOUT SPRINGHILL
“ Love what they do. Good people, doing good things for kids.” – Mary Elise, SpringHill Camps supporter for two years “ … Through the years we have seen how the Lord works and how many kids are saved. Both my husband and I were mission-minded and some doors never opened for us… I really wanted to go to India; my mother prayed real hard and closed those doors. SpringHill Camps just became our mission field.” – Gertrude, SpringHill supporter for 23+ years
When Joyce was asked, “What inspires you to support SpringHill Camps?” she was quick to say, “For what it has done for our family. Time spent at SpringHill Camps changes lives and encourages young people to walk with the Lord through life.” Their seven kids attended camp for years and five of them retuned to be on summer staff. Joyce said, “To be on staff is an awesome thing.” Interestingly, most of their children have occupations within school systems allowing them to continue to enjoy their summers to the fullest; possibly a value established during their summers at camp.
“ My relationship with God inspires me to give. I am very blessed and want to pass on blessings to others. SpringHill Camps does a great job of spreading the news of Jesus with thousands of young people… who knows the impact that those thousands will have on others. Giving to SpringHill is easy.” – Richard, SpringHill supporter for 20+ years You can make an impact, too. Donate today and be a part of changing lives.
Many of the friendships that were formed of years of serving on camp still flourish in their children’s lives today.
During the summertime Joyce volunteers at Storybrook registration where she soaks in the excitement of the younger kids coming to camp for the first time. Through a planned gift to SpringHill Camps, set up with PhilanthroCorp, Joyce and Lambert will continue to follow the values and work ethic the Lord instilled in them over their lifetime.
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At SpringHill the message of Jesus really hit me. For the first time, I truly felt committed to telling God’s story and sharing His word. – Nick, summer camper
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After Lambert retired 16 years ago, he followed God’s calling to move closer to camp and become a full-time volunteer. While serving over 40 hours a week, Lambert felt privileged to help build most of the buildings that are at Michigan Overnight Camp. Till this day you will find Lambert helping around camp. Joyce explained, “He will probably continue to do so as long as he can put one foot in front of the other.”
Learn more about PhilanthroCorp, a Christ-centered estate planning firm and our trusted partner. To ensure that your estate plan is following your wishes or to take the first step in creating your will or trust, visit SpringHillCamps.com/PlannedGiving or contact PhilanthroCorp at 800.876.7958. 6
SpringHill Camps | P.O. Box 100 | Evart, MI 49631 | 231.734.2616
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