experience 2011 programs & retreats
Founded by the H. E. Butt Foundation
table of contents The Beautiful Texas Hill Country. . . . . 2 Message from the Butt family – Our Mission and Purpose. . . . . . . . . 3-4 Foundation Free Camps. . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Laity Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 Laity Lodge Family Camp. . . . . . . . . 9-10 Laity Lodge Youth Camp. . . . . . . . 11-12 Laity Leadership Institute. . . . . . . . . . 13 TheHighCalling.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Quiet House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 -16 Partnerships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Scholarships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18
2011 Camps & Retreat Schedule Laity Lodge Family Camp Schedule . 9b Laity Lodge Retreat Schedule . . . . . . 9c Foundation Free Camp Schedule . . . 9d Laity Lodge Youth Camp Schedule. . 9d
welcome 1
The Beautiful Texas Hill Country 1900 acres of “Away” The Frio River is a Texas treasure. Frio is the Spanish word for cold. And cold, it is. And crystal clear too. The chilly temperature does not stop the intrepid camper, however, as Frio River destinations are highly valued during Texas summers! The limestone canyons of the Foundation Camps and Laity Lodge border the river, creating one of the most picturesque spots in the state. Wildlife and opportunity for leisurely pursuits abound on the Foundations’ sprawling 1900-acre property. The Foundation Camps are 12 miles from quaint Leakey, Texas, two hours west-northwest of San Antonio.
For more information,
LaityRenewal.org 2
core purpose To serve God by creating opportunities for people to encounter God for the transformation of daily life, work, and our world.
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from the family David Rogers, Executive Vice President and COO
Dear Friends, As the Foundations for Laity Renewal has grown, the variety of our programs expanded right along with it. Those of you who attend our adult retreats, family and youth camps, as well as free camps, are also taking advantage of our other retreat and camping experiences. Perhaps your family has only had a youth attending LLYC or were only aware of the Laity Lodge retreats for adults. This expanded brochure with schedules from each program shows the many opportunities that families and individuals have to participate in various retreat and camping experiences. Youth, adult, families, churches, and other nonprofit groups — all have retreat opportunities in the Texas Hill Country at the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp property. To assist in your planning for 2011 retreats, we hope this single-source schedule and information publication is helpful. It provides our best estimated dates of retreats and camping programs for the year. You will notice some programs where we could not give a full year’s schedule, particularly the Free Camp Program and the Quiet House, for these reservations are made on a first-comefirst-served basis. Deborah and I, as the next generation of the Butt family leadership, are honored and humbled to be entrusted with these transformational programs. The strong foundation built by Deborah’s grandparents and expanded by Barbara Dan and Howard has inspired all of us to continue to create opportunities for renewal and transformation in churches, families, and our own lives. Gratefully, David Rogers
our mission The renewal of society through the renewal of the Church. Church renewal through renewal of the family. Family renewal through renewed individuals. 4
changed lives in a natural setting... In 1954, the H. E. Butt Foundation acquired 1,900 acres north of Leakey, Texas, to fulfill a long-cherished dream of Howard E. Butt, Sr., to provide a place where boys and girls, men and women could further their knowledge of God and His creation while enjoying the freedom of camp life that had so appealed to him during his youth. Mary Holdsworth Butt joined her husband in this dream. They, and subsequent generations of the Butt family, developed retreat facilities along the beautiful Frio River. That vision continues today. Over the last half century, more than 750,000 campers have enjoyed our facilities for their retreats in an atmosphere conducive to healthy Christian character development. The Foundation Free Camp Program continues to provide free camping facilities for qualified church and community-service groups. In line with Howard E. Butt, Sr.’s dream, the program especially targets children and youth groups who would not otherwise be able to afford such an experience.
• At the headwaters of the clear Frio River • Four self-contained, well-equipped facilities • Individual, fully equipped kitchen and dining area for each site • Open-air meeting pavilion • Waterfront cabins with bunk beds For more information,
FdnFreeCamps.org
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• River-inspired recreational opportunities • On-staff Outdoor Education Coordinator to assist in designing specific objectives
renew
Foundation Free Camps
Outdoor Education Program Foundations for Laity Renewal has initiated
an
Outdoor
Education
Program designed specifically to serve school groups in Texas. This program is dedicated to providing students with
unique
multi-day
outdoor
experiences in the Frio River Canyon outside Leakey, Texas. Cross-curricular, TEKS-based programming focuses on environmental sciences and the promotion of healthy outdoor recreation, with instruction provided through a collaboration of attending teachers, parents, and Foundation staff. The Outdoor Education Program is a part of the Foundation Free Camp Program, meaning that camp facilities are provided to school groups free of charge. Please contact Erik Silvius, Outdoor Education Coordinator, at 830-792-1225 or esilvius@fdnfreecamps.org.
Erik Silvius, Outdoor Education Coordinator
esilvius@fdnfreecamps.org 6
Laity Lodge Rest and Reflection Since 1961, Laity Lodge has been creating opportunities for people to encounter God. For many people, this happens through exposure to the extraordinary beauty of the Frio River Canyon. For others, it occurs in conversation with a friend, through the words of a speaker, or while engaged in a creative activity. Topics vary from one retreat to the next, but every Laity Lodge experience encourages thoughtful reflection on the relationship between one’s faith and daily life.
• Acclaimed speakers and musicians of national and international reputation • Hotel style, double occupancy individual accommodations, with bath • Chef-prepared cuisine served in a glorious dining room overlooking the river • Fully equipped arts center and workshops • Curated art gallery featuring excellent exhibits • Built-in free time for wandering, resting, creating, and recreating • Hiking and biking trails • Paddle boating, tennis, kayaking, and ping-pong For more information,
LaityLodge.org
For specific retreat information, consult the calendar online or in the center spread. 7
relax
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recreate
Laity Lodge Family Camp Families of all ages and generations!
In the fast-paced, achievement-oriented world of American families, children and parents are often pulled in separate directions by work, school, and a constant whirlwind of activities. Relaxed time together is scarce; time to talk and laugh together, elusive. With family renewal in mind, we invite you and your family (all ages, including infants and grandparents) to Laity Lodge Family Camp! Camp is structured to allow individual families plenty of time to enjoy the Frio River Canyon and speakers sessions is always a treat!
• Private cabin for each family • Private showers/toilets • All meals provided — Lots of snacks • Linens and towels provided • Air conditioning and central heat • All ages, including infants and grandparents • Family devotionals • FUN is always on the agenda! Climbing/ rappelling, hiking, mountain biking, ropes course, basketball, tennis, fishing, canoeing, crafts, Roundup, horseshoes, swimming in the Frio River, outdoor BBQ, “Canyon Club” Children’s Program, a jumping castle, volleyball, riflery, and much, much more • Family photos For more information,
LLFamilyCamp.org
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For specific camp information, consult the calendar online or in the center spread.
rebuild
together. Joining others during meals, devotion,
reunite
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Laity Lodge Youth Camp A place of boundless energy! Laity Lodge Youth Camp is an interdenominational Christian summer youth camp. The coed program focuses on spontaneity, fun, and relationships to show kids (grades 1-10) the best two weeks of their lives! Central to the experience is our desire to love kids unconditionally and accept them for who they are. Laity Lodge Youth Camp is dedicated to providing campers with a fun, healthy, exciting, emotionally safe, learning environment. Campers find, in each counselor, someone who is dedicated to listening and caring about their needs. Lofty cliffs, canyon breezes, and the crystal-clear, spring-fed Frio River offer the perfect setting for adventurous activities and exceptional programming. No two days are alike!
• One- and two-week sessions • Kid-friendly balance between structured programming and free time • Activities that build relationships as well as excitement • Terrific role models who genuinely love the campers • Safe place where kids can be themselves • Field sports, mountain biking, arts and crafts, water sports, and adventure recreation For more information,
LLYC.org
For specific camp information, consult the calendar online or in the center spread. 11
rejoice
revel 12
Laity Leadership Institute Helping leaders integrate their faith into all they do. Leaders today face complex challenges— personally, relationally, and institutionally. In response to these needs, the Laity Leadership Institute is conducting research to develop programs using thoughtful resources, relationships, and experiences. We encourage one another to imagine how leadership contributes to the wellbeing of the community and our society. Our efforts are grounded in key insights from the fields of the behavioral and social sciences and theology. The objective is always to “Grow in Christ� and to integrate our faith for the common good. Key leaders in business, theology, and the behavioral and social sciences are helping us as we establish the institute.
For more information,
LaityLeadershipInstitute.org
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transfor
orm
TheHighCalling.org Encountering God through New Media One doesn’t have to look very far for news about corporations, organizations, and individuals behaving badly or with apathy. People are hungry for encouraging stories of integrity and purpose. TheHighCalling.org was launched in 2002 as a way to expand the reach of Howard Butt, Jr.’s radio spots, “The High Calling of Our Daily Work,” that air on over 2,000 stations across the country. Butt is a wellknown business leader, spiritual reformer, and author whose family founded the H. E. Butt Grocery Company in Texas. TheHighCalling.org features uplifting anecdotes and personal reflections on current topics: workplace values, ethics, and balancing family and profession. Authors include business executives, published authors, poets, teachers and university professors, pastors, playwrights, and public speakers.
• Thought-provoking posts on daily life, work, and faith • Updated several times daily • Formats include: audio messages, interviews, articles, and blog posts • Daily Bible reflections • More than 9,000 different resources
For more information,
TheHighCalling.org
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The Quiet House Wayfarer’s Cottage The speed of life seems to increase with each passing year. Multitasking, rapid decisionmaking, deadlines, and family pressures swirl around us all daily. Yet even in biblical times, presumably slower paced, people needed to get away, be alone somewhere, and recuperate, reorganize, and renew. “Get away with me and you’ll recover your life,” says Jesus. “I’ll show you how to take a real rest.… Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.…Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matt. 11:28, The Message). There is a place in the Hill Country of Texas where you can step away from life’s everyday traffic—alone or with your spouse— to rest, reflect, contemplate, journal, pray, create — whatever the nature of personal spiritual retreat is needed. Known as the Quiet House at Laity Lodge, the one-bedroom stone cabin sits in a secluded clearing on a rugged hillside, sheltered by cedars and live oaks—privacy guaranteed by a chain across the bottom of the driveway. Originating through the vision of Bill Cody, director of Laity Lodge at the time, the Quiet House was built to provide individual retreats in addition to the group retreats for which Laity Lodge is known.
For more information or reservations, call
830-792-1210
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• Secluded • Self-standing stone cottage: living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, loft • Spectacular views • Queen-size bed • Bathroom with shower and tub • Linens provided • Full kitchen: stove, pantry, refrigerator – bring your own food to cook • Central heat and air conditioning • Hammock & picnic table
recline
• Bird seed provided!
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Scholarship Programs at Foundations for Laity Renewal It has been important through the years to provide opportunities for people to encounter God for the transformation of daily life regardless of their financial situations. Each of our Canyon programs, through an application process, awards financial assistance based on self-reported need. With exception to Free Camp Group stipends, each recipient or recipient family is asked, at a minimum, to cover the required deposit for the particular retreat that is being attended. For Free Camp groups, program bridge funding is available on a very limited basis to help with transportation, food, insurance, staffing, etc.
Partnerships ...into the Future At Foundations for Laity Renewal, we view giving as an essential part of transformation and renewal. When someone makes a contribution, we hope it is a thoughtful, prayerful, and joyful experience. From assistance for camp and retreat scholarships, provision for program excellence, or support for maintaining the quality of our facilities, your gifts, without a doubt, help touch and change lives. Exponential growth over the last two decades has made it challenging for one family to provide the depth of support needed to meet the needs of those we serve. We count on people like you to come alongside us in this essential aspect of our work. If you would like more information on how you can support Laity Renewal, please contact a member of our Development staff at 830-792-1206 or by email at info@LaityRenewal.org or visit the “Give� section at www.LaityRenewal.org. 17
reward
Laity Lodge Youth Camp Scholarships Application Timeframe: Depends upon camp registration dates; usually Oct. or Nov. Application Process: Online application form How to Request Application: Visit www.LLYC.org/dates-registration/scholarship-info/ Award Notification: Usually at the end of Dec.
Laity Lodge Family Camp Scholarships Application Timeframe: At the time of registration preferred Application Process: By phone How to Request Application: Call Dana Williams at 830-792-7571 Award Notification: Within two weeks of request
Laity Lodge Retreat Center Scholarships Application Timeframe: At the time of registration preferred Application Process: Online application form How to Request Application: visit www.LaityLodge.org/make-a-reservation/ Award Notification: Within one week of request
Foundation Free Camp Group Stipends Application Timeframe: At the time of group application processing preferred Application Process: By phone How to Request Application: Contact Free Camp Director at 830-258-5600 Award Notification: Within one week of request
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Foundation Camps are 12 miles from quaint Leakey, Texas, two hours west-northwest of San Antonio.
return For more information, please call 830-792-1200 or visit our website at LaityRenewal.org.
Founded by the H. E. Butt Foundation