CRM 2018 Spring Newsletter

Xenia News

the newsletter of Upper New York Annual Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries • The United Methodist Church xenia: Xenia is the Greek concept of hospitality - or generosity - and courtesy shown to those who are away from home. It is often translated as “guestfriendship” because the rituals of hospitality create and express a reciprocal relationship between guest and host.

Issue XiV SPRING 2018

A Special Note From Our Executive Assistant Joan Newlon Dear Friends and Supporters of Camp & Retreat Ministries, Mike has graciously offered me the space he would normally use in this newsletter so I could have the opportunity to send this greeting to you. It was on April 1st, 1998 that I was hired to be a part of the Camp & Retreat Ministries team in the North Central New York Conference. At that time, NCNY served two camp and retreat centers – Aldersgate and Casowasco. I learned so much in my early years and was blessed to have the opportunity to work with a number of camp professionals. On July 1st, 2010 four conferences united - Western, North Central, Wyoming and Troy - and I looked forward with great anticipation as my role expanded to supporting the ministries of six camp and retreat centers - each uniquely equipped where individual lives have been and continue to be transformed.

My job responsibilities have been varied and many, but two of the tasks I have greatly enjoyed have been (1) serving as editor of this newsletter, and (2) tracking and acknowledging the financial donations our supporters have so generously given to this ministry over the years. Some of you I have known personally since the time I first became a part of CRM. Some of you I have never met; but make no mistake, I know each of your names and have seen your faithfulness.

Thank you for the love and support you have given to Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Findley, Sky Lake and Skye Farm. Together we have upgraded facilities, built new facilities, expanded program and provided scholarships for youth to attend camp. Much change has taken place since I stepped into this role – some has brought great joy, some great pain. It was Heraclitus, the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, who said that “change is the only constant in life”. At times I need to remind myself of the truth written in the 40th chapter of Isaiah’s book: 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He [God] sits enthroned above the circle of the earth …” Our sovereign God, so much bigger than what we are able to comprehend, will have His way even when we don’t see or understand the “why” behind what He is doing. Perhaps at times our biggest challenge is to believe what God has said in His Word that “God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Rom. 8:28 And now it is time for another change. In doing the math, April 1st, 2018 marked 20 years I have been serving in this role. I have also marked another milestone this year when on February 8th, I celebrated my 70th birthday. And so, on June 30, 2018, I will officially join the ranks of the retired and turn my attention to new adventures.

There is much work to be done through Camp & Retreat Ministries and some very exciting plans yet to be revealed of which I hope each of you will choose to take part. We would not be where we are today without you … and we cannot do what needs to be done without you. I leave you in very capable hands as Betsy Schuessler steps into the role I have filled. I ask for your prayers for the Upper New York Annual Conference, especially the staff of Camp & Retreat Ministries as I will be praying for each of you.

Godspeed— Joan Newlon

Aldersgate Brantingham, NY 315-348-8833

asbury

casowasco

sky lake

skye farm

CRM Office

585-237-5262

315-364-8756

607-467-2750

518-494-7170

315-898-2000 Ext. 2025

Silver Lake, NY

Moravia, NY

Windsor, NY

Warrensburg, NY

Liverpool, NY

Staff Updates Dave Phillips takes on role as Maintenance Supervisor at Asbury

Camp & Retreat Ministries is pleased to introduce Dave Phillips as the new Maintenance Supervisor at Asbury Camp & Retreat Center.

Dave resides across Silver Lake in Silver Springs where he has lived all his life. Dave celebrates 20 years of marriage this year to his wife, Judy. They have 16 year old twin daughters, Morgan and Sarah. Dave comes to Asbury with experience from a farm business, a construction business with his dad, a spray foam insulation business, and working at Burt’s Lumber and Building Supply in Perry.

When not working at Asbury, Dave enjoys his beef animal farm, tractors, camping with his family, and can be seen driving his 1963 Mercury Meteor. Dave says, “Whatever my duties might be at Asbury, may they always be for the good Lord’s honor and glory.”

Asbury’s Director, Sue, says “Dave has introduced new life into the property. His eye for detail, energetic initiative, and servant heart will keep Asbury looking and offering its best.”

Jessica Walczak named as Guest Services Coordinator at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Ministries is pleased to introduce Jessica Walczak as the new Guest Services Coordinator for Aldersgate and Casowasco.

Jessica resides on the south end of Lake Como in Summerhill State Forest where she has lived with her husband Ryan for 5 years. Jessica and Ryan celebrate 4 years of marriage this year. Jessica comes to CRM with a background in science and wet chemistry after working as an Analytical Scientist in Ithaca for many years. When not working at Casowasco, Jessica and her husband own and operate Walczak Excavation Company and Frozen Ocean Motorsports Facility. Jessica is also a recent graduate from the Finger Lakes School of Massage and practices massage in her ‘free time’.

Hired initially as the housekeeper for Casowasco in August 2017, Jessica was excited to take on the role of Guest Services Coordinator when it was offered to her. She remains very active in the housekeeping department and divides her time between the two roles. According to Jessica, she “couldn’t be happier”. “We’re excited to welcome Jessica”, says Mike Huber, director of CRM, “and look forward to utilizing the many skills she brings to the team.”

Siver Family Welcomes Micah

Congratulations to Ryan and Amanda Siver on the birth of their son, Micah Asher William, on January 15, 2018. Micah weighed in at 8 lbs 3.7 oz and was 21 inches long. Ryan is the director of Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center in Warrensburg, NY, where Grace, Noah and Toby welcomed their new brother home.

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Plan for Tomorrow, Today The Lakeview Columbarium at Casowasco was established to serve as a final resting place for those whose lives have been shaped and influenced by Casowasco. A columbarium is a structure that contains small compartments, called “niches”, which are designed to hold the cremated remains of loved ones. Cremation is an economical, theologically-sound, and environmentally-friendly alternative to burial.

The Lakeview Columbarium at Casowasco overlooks the main grounds and out to Owasco Lake and serves as a reminder that there is much more to life than can be seen, heard, or touched. For people of faith, the experience we call death is merely the passageway to everlasting life, which continues to blossom through the Grace of God. The Lakeview Columbarium is available to all people, regardless of religious affiliation. For further information, please contact Casowasco directly at 315-364-8756 or info@casowasco.org

Summer Camp 2018 Offers Something for Everyone Looking for an outpost experience?

• Check out You Can’t Do That in the Yurts at Aldersgate; or the popular Highlands programs at Casowasco such as The Edge, Survival Mode, Extreme Livin’, Master Chef: Highlands Edition, You Can’t Do That at Camp in the Highlands, and Mudapalooza.

• Sky Lake’s Water & Woods Week for Elementary and Junior High campers is dedicated to spending extra time in the great outdoors. Campers will spend time building forts, hanging out in the moveable hammock village, hiking to Outpost and more.

• For those who might get excited about exploring the Adirondack Park, Skye Farm offers Expedition Wilds, ADK Trails, ADK Adventures, and ADK Waters.

Ready to take on a leadership role?

• Casowasco’s Director’s Invitational (DI) is back by popular demand along with Sky Lake’s SNAP (Special Needs Assistant Personnel) program.

Shorter programs are available for those campers not ready to stay at camp for a full week.

• Aldersgate’s Beginnings or One Day Adventure programs, Casowasco’s Beginnings or Rookie Saddlers programs, Skye Farm’s Little Ones on the Farm, and Sky Lake’s Try Camp program give younger campers a taste of what it’s like to be a camp. Asbury also offers Asbury Express I, II, & III summer retreats for youth ages 7 – 18.

Brand • • • • • • • • •

new programs this year will give campers an opportunity among other things to: Test their cooking skills and participate in unique cooking challenges throughout the week.

Explore how and why things work by participating in different experiments and challenges.

Ride Digglers Become an artist-in-residence Join the cast and crew of the latest blockbuster film Learn the best techniques to get the most out of taking pictures along with editing them Have Bible study in a boat Be part of the very first class of super heroes to graduate from Super Hero Academy Blaze a trail through the woods

Don’t forget to check out our Family Programs as well. Log on to campsandretreats.org to see a listing of all our summer programs.

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aldersgate

Hamer Lodge Renovations Continue Hamer Lodge has served many functions throughout the years, from office to community library to guest and staff sleeping space. The building itself is named for long-time Family Life Weekend participants Ernie and Mary Hamer.

Recognizing the need for additional retreat space, the leadership of Camp & Retreat Ministries made the decision to upgrade Hamer Lodge. With the help of volunteers and others, renovations to the lower level are nearly finished— expanding bedroom space to accommodate six additional guests. New beds are scheduled to be delivered this spring. Outside bathrooms attached to the building will be renovated to include a new accessible toilet and shower.

Hamer Lodge is a facility where a group of 14 will find comfortable accommodations as well as a gathering area complete with full-size kitchen and lounge area. If you are looking for a unique spot for your group to enjoy, why not schedule a tour of this pleasant spot located just inside the western edge of the Adirondack Park.

ASBURY

Teens Learn About Pursuing God at Asbury’s Winter Youth Weekend Asbury’s Youth Winter Weekend was three days packed full of excitement for 60 youth and adults! This year’s theme was Youth in Pursuit! Each worship session was an opportunity for the teens to learn different aspects of pursuing God. If God is pursuing us and wanting us, shouldn’t we be pursuing him, and if so how do we do that? All in attendance had the opportunity to learn about how God gives us choices every day, how there is a difference between joy and happiness, ways to deal with fear in the pursuit, the necessity of prayer and discipline, and the importance of Christian friendship. The Lord’s presence was felt and made known throughout the weekend. A night of gametivities proved to be a shining example! Teams made the choice to cheer for the opposing team in Ball Mania. They were helping hands to each other as they wrapped a gift using only one hand. Each member of the team had to use the gift of patience as their teammate used their best artistic skill to draw a silly object in pudding only using their tongue. Sledapalooza was faster than ever as teams raced to the finish completing each task one by one in their very stylish sleds.

Teamwork was needed for this event from building the sled, to competing. We are proud to say the teams all did well! We are already excited about planning for next year!

CASOWASCO

Galilee Lodge Gets a Fresh Look Bedrooms in the main wing of Casowasco’s historic Galilee Lodge recently received a facelift with new bedspreads, curtain and curtain rods, and a fresh coat of paint from top to bottom. New outlet covers, light switch covers, and wall décor help bring the classic charm of the original hand-carved woodwork on the first floor into the bedrooms upstairs as well. Upgrades will continue in Galilee throughout the spring and will include new carpeting and updates to bathroom fixtures. All of this is part of an ongoing process of reviewing our facilities and upgrading to consistently offer a quality and comfortable experience for all our guests. Looking for a unique place to hold a meeting or other gathering? Give Jessica at Casowasco a call at 315-364-8756 or send her an email at jessica@ campsandretreats.org.

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FINDLEY

Findley Camp & Retreat Center Becomes The Camp at Findley The ministry known as Findley Camp & Retreat Center will now be known as The Camp at Findley. After the UNY Annual Conference passed a resolution to sell the site and allowed Findley supporters an opportunity to raise funds to purchase the camp - and with negotiations taking place over the past two years, Fit4Life Ministries, Inc. d/b/a The Camp at Findley has purchased the property.

Findley was the oldest of the six camps in the Upper New York Conference, beginning as an Evangelical United Brethren site where families gathered to fellowship with one another, learn about God and grow in their faith. Family Bible Camp was there at the beginning and our understanding is that it will continue to be a part of The Camp at Findley.

We thank the UNYAC Trustees, the CCRM Committee and all involved in the negotiations that helped in making this transition possible. A special “thank you” goes out to Cindy Treacle who remained on staff at Findley to care for the site during this process.

Ministry will continue at The Camp at Findley; and the site can be reached via the same phone number: 716-769-7146. Our prayers are with the new leadership.

sky lake

Freshening Up East Shore Cabins at Sky Lake Over the last few years, Sky Lake has been moving beyond the former tradition of allowing campers to leave their mark on the walls of camper cabins. Last autumn, the Sky Lake Maintenance Team embarked on a project to fully paint the interiors of both North Cabins on the East Shore from top to bottom. The team made great headway in getting primer and the first coat of paint on before winter set in. Once Spring fully arrives, the team will be back in to apply additional paint to the walls and bunk beds as well as to lay new flooring. “Even with just the base layers on, the cabins are already looking lighter and more inviting,” said Director Matt Williams, “and we’ll be adding a new tradition of having campers sign a yearly plaque to be mounted in each cabin.” The cabins will be open for viewing during Sky Lake’s Open House on Sunday, May 20th.

skye farm

Skye Farm Upgrades Cabins As we look forward to updating spaces to be more adult friendly and to be usable during summer programming, West and Southeast Cabins are in the process of being renovated. Our hope is to have the project finished for Family Camp in May. Our volunteers are hard at work finishing the walls and floor, putting in new doors and windows, replacing and hanging new lights and installing a full bathroom. A new roof and deck will be added once the weather warms up.

These cabins will initially be for three-season use with a plan to winterize them as needed, once the water system on the main side of camp is winterized. At that time they will be available year round.

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United Methodist Men Provide Much Appreciated Service to CRM On March 24th, twenty-three United Methodist Men from the Genesee Valley, Niagara Frontier, and Cornerstone Districts offered much appreciated help to spruce up Asbury. Despite the snow still on the ground, the men worked inside painting benches, staining deck sections to docks, and painting walls in Batavia and Mabuce cabins.

Some of the men braved the cold and split many loads of firewood to refill our stock for the coming months of campfires. This was the start of what they hope many UMM hands and feet can offer periodically to Asbury and all our CRM sites. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Training Opportunities for Adults Working With Youth If you are an adult working with youth, or an adult who would like to work with youth, Camp & Retreat Ministries is offering two training opportunities that will help equip you for service.

YOUTH WORKER’S TRAINING DAY @ CASOWASCO - SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 Youth ministry is one of the most vital elements to a healthy congregation, and it takes skilled and dedicated people to make it happen. This event is open to all adults currently working in youth ministry in their local church or community, or who are actively interested and pursuing a role in youth ministry. The day will include guest speakers, trainings, workshops and more. We know the work you do is important, and we want to be a resource to you on your journey, so come join us for this day of learning and fellowship. Adults!

LEADERSHIP ENRICHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (LEAD) RETREAT @ SKY LAKE - NOVEMBER 8-10, 2018 Foundations of Our Faith A recent study found that young adults who remained in church long after high school graduation had one thing in common: at least five unrelated adults had spent quality time helping them develop their faith in their adolescence. This retreat is designed to help better equip the caregivers of youth (parents, grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, camp leaders, confirmation mentors, etc.) to think more intentionally about God, the Bible, and how to apply this knowledge in their unique ministry settings. Please note that our schedule will be intense but is designed to get you back home in time to put what you learn into action that very Sunday. Led by Rev. Corey Turnpenny and Matthew Williams, Sky Lake Director. Adults!

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE! Visiting one of Upper New York’s camp and retreat centers during an Open House event is a great way to introduce new families to the summer camp experience, tour the sites, take part in some recreational activities and meet staff. These events are also popular with returning campers, retreat guests, and those who haven’t visited in a while. Some of our alumni even come back to reconnect with their favorite places! The events are free but there is a modest cost for the meal. Come out and enjoy a FREE day of fun!

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Sky Lake Skye Farm

May 20 May 26

Casowasco June 10 Aldersgate June 16

Asbury

July 1

CAMP & RETREAT MINISTRIES SCHOLARSHIP FUND ___$1,000

___$500

___$250

___$150

___$75

___$50

___$25 Other $_______

___I’d like to sponsor a camper for a week of camp ($470) Please use my gift for ____Sky Lake

____Aldersgate ____Skye Farm

____Asbury

____Casowasco

____Where Needed Most

Name____________________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip____________________________________________ Email_________________________________________ Method of Payment ________Check Number ___Visa ___MasterCard Expiration Date_______ CVC______ Card Number ___________________________________________ Name on Card (print)__________________________ Cardholder’s Signature___________________________________________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to “UNYAC-CRM” and mail to 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088 or give online at campsandretreats.org *gifts to Asbury will be used for Asbury’s General Fund

Registered for Summer Camp Yet? Summer Camp Brochures are out in the mail and campers are registering for their favorite programs. Perhaps you know of a young person who would benefit from spending a week of their summer living in Christian community with others his/her age. This is an opportunity for campers to experience team work, learn responsibility, explore God’s creation in beautiful outdoor settings, and make new friends from similar backgrounds and from cultures unlike their own…the benefits are endless.

There are three specific ways a family can reduce the amount they pay for their child to attend a week of summer camp.

1. Registering on or before May 1st entitles a camper to an Early Bird Discount of $10.00 2. Campers who have a sibling attending camp are eligible for a $20 (up from $15 last year) Sibling Discount (one allowed per camper). Note: Sibling discount does not apply to site retreats/events, family-style programming or two-week camp programs.

3. When we receive the registration of a NEW paying camper referred by your child, your child will receive a $40 (up from $25) Refer-A-Friend discount off their camp fee. The number of Refer-A-Friend discounts the referring camper is eligible to receive is unlimited up to the cost of that camper’s fee. Note: Refera-Friend discount does NOT apply to site retreats/events or family-style programming. ...AND...

Especially for churches in the Upper New York Annual Conference: If it has been 5 years since anyone from your church has attended summer camp, your church is eligible for a First Time Camper Scholarship which makes it possible for the first camper from your church to attend summer camp FREE! Contact Betsy at 315-898-2026 or betsyschuessler@unyumc.org for a First Camper Scholarship Form. This must be filled out and signed by the pastor.

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Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage

Camp & Retreat Ministries

7481 Henry Clay Boulevard Liverpool, NY 13088

PAID Rochester, N.Y. Permit No. 944

Aldersgate

Brantingham, NY

Asbury

Silver Lake, NY

Casowasco Moravia, NY

Sky Lake Windsor, NY

Skye Farm

Warrensburg, NY

VISIT US ONLINE AT CAMPSANDRETREATS.ORG

Transforming lives

Upper New York Annual Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries

JOIN US FOR ONE OF OUR EVENTS! May 13 May 20 May 25-28 May 26-28 July 13-15 July 15-19 July 22-25 July 22-25 July 29-August 1 August 5-7 August 5-8 August 5-9 August 10-13 August 12-15 August 12-15 August 12-15 August 12-15 August 19-21 August 31-September 3 September 1 September 20-23 September 28-30 October 5-7 October 13 October 21 November 8-10 December 5-7

Mother’s Day Brunch 5K Trail Run & Walk Spring Fling Family Weekend Family Camp Family Life Weekend Reach Out: Community Mission Experience Asbury Express I Asbury Express II Asbury Express III Together Time: A Family Retreat Family Adventure Camp Director’s Invitational Alumni Reunion Father-Son Adventure Mother-Daughter Adv Family Camp Intergenerational Camp Welcome to the Table: A Women’s Retreat Labor Day Family Weekend Youth Worker’s Training Day Quilt By Faith Fall Retreat Craft & Quilt Retreat Ladies of the Lake Volunteer Work Day S’more Time Gathering LEAD: Foundations of Our Faith Be Still {a silent retreat}

All Ages All Ages Families & Adults Families & Adults Families & Adults Youth & Adults Children, Ages 7-9 Children, Ages 10-12 Youth, Ages 13-18 Families & Adults Families & Adults Youth, Ages 14-18 Families & Adults Adults & Children 4+ Adults & Children 4+ All Ages Families & Adults Women Families & Adults Adults Women Women Women All Ages Youth, Grades 6-12 Adults Adults

Casowasco Sky Lake Sky Lake Skye Farm Aldersgate Asbury Asbury Asbury Asbury Asbury Skye Farm Casowasco Skye Farm Casowasco Casowasco Casowasco Sky Lake Asbury Sky Lake Casowasco Casowasco Asbury Sky Lake Aldersgate Sky Lake Sky Lake Casowasco