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August 2017 E-News

August 1, 2017

Our Mission Statement

"To equip and support camp ministry professionals as they advance the kingdom of God"

Our Core Values

  1. Bible-based
  2. Community
  3. Excellence
  4. Christ-likeness
  5. Diversity
  6. Experiencing God in Nature

WHAT’S YOUR CHALLENGE?

Campers were asked the question, “What was your big challenge this week at camp?” The responses included being blobbed, jumping the wake, mosquitoes, homesickness, and a runaway horse. Then they were reminded that “you were successful. You made it!”

God gives us challenges, too. One is found in Hebrews 10:24 where Paul says ‘to provoke one another to good works’. In other words, God is giving us the challenge to find out how we can help each other to love one another more. Will you accept the challenge?


DIRECTOR’S CLIPBOARD for ALL STAFF

FLAG RAISING AND BIBLE READING

One camp has a unique way of involving camper groups in their morning flag raising. The cabin group raises the flag and then, from up front, they read a selected Bible story out of scripture (usually New Testament). Each camper has a part to read. Often it is a text with a short poem or story illustrating the scripture of the day.


B.O.B. TIME

What is BOB time? It’s a different name for ‘rest time’ or ‘quiet time’. It means, “Bottoms on Bunks”!


WANT TO SEE THE CAMP NURSE!

Once very creative camp nurse found that she has campers wanting to stop by the clinic, even if they are not sick! There is a round table in the main entry and waiting area with four chairs around it. When campers come in to be seen, they sit at the table waiting their turn. However, in the middle of the table are some very nice rock and mineral specimens…pyrite, amethyst crystals, agate, and petrified wood. The campers are free to hold these and inspect them. This keeps the campers busy while they are waiting and also fills one of the purposes of their camp…acquainting campers with the Creator God. She says the boys, especially, like to come and visit so they can see the rocks…a part of God’s handiwork!


A DIFFERENT WEEK’S VACATION

It was at Christ’s direction that for fifteen centuries the Hebrew people had left their homes for one week every year, and had dwelt in booths formed from the green branches “of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook.” Lev. 23:40


WHO IS WATCHING YOUR CAMPERS?

Proper supervision provided by trained individuals is crucial in keeping your campers safe. Having the proper number of supervising staff is important and can depend both on the activity’s level of risk and the needs of your campers. Special needs campers, high-energy campers, and younger campers require more supervision.

Camp activities can be divided into three classifications: High-Risk, Medium-Risk, and Low-Risk. Some high-risk activities are: archery, boating, canoeing, swimming, water-skiing and wave runners. Some medium-risk activities may include: organized sports, go-karts, mountain biking and using playground equipment. Low-risk activities include: arts and crafts, nature walks and watching planned programming. These classifications may not account for how your activity is conducted but can serve as a general guide.

Consider the following staff to camper ratios and keep in mind that other factors such as skill and qualifications of the supervisors, the age and abilities of the campers should be considered as well:

  • High-Risk Activity – 1:4
  • Medium-Risk Activity – 1:8
  • Low-Risk Activity – 1:12

In addition to adequate supervision, ensure that your staff members are clearly identified with name badges or certain colored clothing. This will help campers know who they can ask for help and for the entire camp group to recognize who should be onsite and who does not belong.

Adventist Risk Management, Inc. info@adventistrisk.org | AdventistRisk.org


2016 AACP CONVENTION AUDIO NOW AVAILABLE!

The audio from the Convention 2016 is up on the AACP website! Enjoy listening to them again…and bring a smile to your face! To access the audio recordings, go to AACP’s website: www.adventistcamps.org and click on “Resources” (will require log in information for users), and in the folders click on “Convention Recordings”. All of the recordings for 2016 are in there.


YOUR CAMP IS BEING REMEMBERED IN PRAYER

Theresa Stride wants you to know that Camp Kulaqua has been holding you and many other camps up in prayers each day and trusting that summer camp is going well for you. Join Theresa and many others in praying for our camps throughout North America. See http://www.adventistcamps.org/article/14/bulletin-board for our Prayer Initiative list of camps.


MUSIC – WHY DO WE SING AT CAMP?

Scripture says to “Shout joyfully to the LORD all the earth.  Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.”  Psalm 100: 1–2. Singing should be a big part of the camp experience…singing around the campfire, walking to and from activities, in the cabins, along the lakeshore, hiking the trails and, of course, before and after meals.

But why is it that we sing? Here are some great reasons that camps have shared in the past: to have fun, to gain a sense of accomplishment, to give a sense of belonging, to teach a love for music, to release pent-up energy, to allow expression of emotions, to develop a theme, to settle noisy campers, to teach biblical truth, to aid in bible memory, to set the tone for the next event, and to encourage worship.


SUMMER CAMP EVANGELISM REPORT

Be sure to print this form as a convenient way to keep track of your summer camp attendance, those requesting baptism, and decisions made for Christ. You will want to send in your report to Tracy Wood on or before September 30th. Thanks for doing your part in making known the value of camp ministry throughout the North American Division!

2017 Summer Camp Evangelism Report Form
 


NEW CAMPFIRE BOWL BENCHES

Leoni Meadows needed to upgrade the benches at their campfire bowl…and add a few more to accommodate the 500 family campers. The benches are bolted onto metal posts which in turn are embedded in concrete. A new PA and lighting booth was also built at the rear of the bowl.


FRESH FOLLOW-UP ON DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

One of the challenges many summer camps have is the follow-up with those young people who have made decisions for Christ or for baptism. Craig Heinrich, Leoni Meadows’ Administrative Camp Director, shared a proposal with the conference evangelism committee to sponsor a young person to actively follow up those decisions. That proposal was approved and a person has been hired to fill that role.


AACP CONVENTION - PINE SPRINGS RANCH

As has already been announced, the AACP convention will be held at Pine Springs Ranch in the Southeastern California Conference. Check-in will begin sometime Wednesday afternoon, November 29 and conclude with Sunday breakfast on December 3, 2017. You might want to plan some vacation days before or after since there are plenty of attractions in Southern California. NOTE: The AACP Board will be meeting that same Wednesday morning at 9:00, so you might want to arrive Tuesday evening. More information will be shared as it becomes available. Hope to see you there!


TOP TEN BUSINESS PHRASES THAT SHOW YOU CARE!

Most businesses know these, and they apply to camps and to camp staff. Last month we shared # 6-10. Now, here are the top five phrases:
5. The FIVE most important words: “HOW MAY I SERVE YOU?” 
This question reinforces your role in the relationship. Play that role the best you can.
4. The FOUR most important words: “HOW DID WE DO?” 
Feedback is critical! Your customers have a unique perspective and they appreciate being asked.
3. The THREE most important words: “GLAD YOU’RE HERE!” 
Customers who feel welcome spend more time, more money and are more likely to return.
2. The TWO most important words: “THANK YOU.”
Basic manners…but how often do you get thanked when you’re the customer?
1. The ONE most important word: “YES.” 
Become a yes person.

A PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE WILL LIKELY BE SEEN FROM YOUR CAMP!


A solar eclipse is coming to America. Click on this. Here’s what you’ll see where you live.
Though the total solar eclipse will be a narrow band across North America stretching from Salem, Oregon to South Carolina, 50% or more of the total eclipse will be seen across much of the US and some of the very southern-most part of Canada. Don’t’ miss out on this solar event! But PLEASE BE SURE TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION, no matter what you are viewing!

 


QUOTES FOR CONTEMPLATION

  • We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. — Unknown
  • I cannot understand why men should be so eager after money. Wealth is simply a superfluity of what we don’t need. — Abraham Lincoln
  • Courage is what moves us to action in the face of tough times. — Angela Sebaly
  • Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. — Napoleon Hill
  • As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. — Nelson Mandela

TRADING POST

This is a section dedicated to those camps either looking for equipment or wanting to donate or sell one or more items. Send your list of needs or items you’d like to get to another camp (donating or selling) to terry@leonimeadows.org.


Résumé – SEEKING JOB POSITIONS

DO YOU HAVE JOB OPENINGS?

If you have a job opening for year-round staff, let us know and we can post it here. Or if you are having trouble finding someone to fill a particular position in summer camp, that can be posted here too. Contact terry@leonimeadows.org to get it published.

CAMP WAIANAE – ASSISTANT CAMP MANAGER

Here is a bit more on this position:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Must have completed high school or GED.
KNOWLEDGE: Must be a practicing member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Knowledge and compliance with the working polices of the Hawaii Conference of SDA. 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to see well, read, speak and hear. Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing.  Be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel for long periods of time. Must be able to carry and lift heavy items, etc. The job requires the frequent use of weed eaters and lawn mowers. 
WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment is in an outdoor setting with all noise levels. Volunteer hours fluctuate depending on the day and needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Must live on camp premises.

  2. Perform all tasks to the best of one’s ability and in a timely manner.

  3. If there are questions about how to accomplish a given assignment, ask questions.

  4. Cut lawns; trim and edge around walks, flower beds and walls.

  5. Prune shrubs and trees to shape and improve growth or remove damaged leaves, branches, or twigs.

  6. Plant grass, flowers, trees and shrubs.

  7. Weed and mulch flowerbeds and around trees; rakes and bags leaves.

  8. Water and fertilize flower beds and trees.

  9. Clean grounds and remove paper, trash and other litter.

  10. Check on and rotate water sprinklers to be sure lawn is properly watered.

  11. Make minor repairs on equipment, sprinklers, etc.

  12. Transport trash and waste to disposal area.

  13. Keep stock of adequate maintenance supplies and tools.

  14. Maintain utility shed in an organized manner and good appearance.

  15. Maintain and clean front road sign.

  16. Perform other tasks that may include but are not limited to: occasional weekend rotation camp supervision, clean cabins, bathhouse, and kitchen facilities, electrical work of all sorts, change batteries in such items as smoke detectors, put fuel in gas tanks, blow off the roads and sidewalks, haul trash to dumpster, help with pool maintenance, clean and organize the shop and shop area, replace window screens, set out wasp traps, make repairs to structures (wood working, sheetrock, concrete, windows, roofing, painting, plumbing, electrical, foundations, etc.).

  17. Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Manager.

  18. Report facility and equipment problems to the Manager for direction and procedures as needed.

  19. Perform tasks as may be assigned by the Camp Manager and Camp Director.

  20. Immediately report any on-the-job injury to the Manager and business office.

LIVING ALLOWANCE AND INSURANCE COVERAGE: Housing Provided, Transportation Provided, $650 Living Allowance, Accident Insurance Provided

CONTACT: Dennis Anderson, Manager. Camp Waianae, Hawaii Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, danderson@hawaiisda.com,www.campwaianae.org, Office (808) 696-1717, Mobile (808) 282-2921

CAMP WINNEKEAG - JOB OPENING - ASSISTANT CAMP RANGER

Camp Winnekeag is looking for an Assistant Camp Ranger. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass this information along. Below are all of the pertinent details. The camp would be grateful if you would keep this search in your prayers. Thank you!!


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

AACP Convention

Nov. 29 – Dec. 3, 2017

Pine Springs Ranch, Mountain Center, CA

CCCA Convention

December 4-7, 2017

Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, CO

ACA Convention

February 20 - 23, 2018

Disney Coronado Resort - Orlando, FL


AACP OFFICERS & UNION REPS

The dates for the AACP board meetings via conference calls are posted here once they are finalized. You will also be notified by email and/or phone call prior to the meeting, along with agendas when possible. Meetings begin at 2:00 Eastern Time, unless otherwise specified.

2017 Dates
  • September 12
  • October 10
  • November 14, if needed
  • November 29 - 9:00 – 3:00 before AACP Convention at convention site
  • December 3 - 9:00 to noon after AACP Convention at convention site

COOK’S NOOK

NORWEGIAN ALMOND CAKE

INGREDIENTS
1 cup               Butter
1 1/3 cups       Flour, all-purpose
5                      Eggs
1 1/3 cups       Sugar
1 1/2 tsp          Baking powder
1/2 tsp             Salt
1/2 tsp             Almond extract
 
DIRECTIONS
1. Place butter and flour in a mixing bowl and mix for 5 minutes on low speed.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, blending each egg on low speed.
3. Sift together the sugar, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture.
4. Add extract to creamed mixture and mix for 2 minutes.
5. Turn into a greased and floured 10" tube pan and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.
6. Invert on cake rack to cool thoroughly.


PRAYER & PRAISES

If you know of a special need or praise that should be lifted up in prayer by your fellow encouragers, please send an email with that request to terry@leonimeadows.org. Be sure to mention if it is URGENT. Special E-messages can be sent out quickly rather than waiting for the next E-News edition to be sent out. We serve a God who listens AND answers.
 
Each month camps in specific unions are invited to share their special prayer requests and praises (although they can be shared at any time). Here is the list of the E-News Issues and which union is featured that month: 

  • January - Mid-America
  • February - Southern
  • March - Pacific
  • April - Southwestern
  • May - Columbia
  • June - Atlantic
  • September - North Pacific
  • October - SDA Church in Canada
  • November - Lake

1. Camp Akita…funding for a new auditorium (for those rainy days)
2. Erik VanDenburgh (Camp Waianae) – continued healing
3. Lone Star Camp…continued work on the building projects
4. Follow through on the many decisions for Christ
5. Provide needed help (labor and funding) with various camp projects throughout the NAD
6. Sheryl Bolton (Leoni Meadows) for continued health improvement
7. Plans for the AACP Convention


INSPIRATION, ENCOURAGEMENT & COUNSEL 

THE STORY BEHIND AMAZING GRACE

A well-done fifteen-minute story of John Newton and the story behind each verse of the song ‘Amazing Grace’ can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVhUP7OVnXY.  As someone said, “When you understand why those specific words were written, the meaning becomes more powerful.” This would be great viewing by camp staff and even teen campers!


AACP E-NEWS is the regular communication to all of our AACP members. This message is sent to you because you or your camp is a member of AACP. Its purpose is to provide news, announcements, reminders, and ideas on a regular basis. If you have any items you would like to include in E-NEWS, please email them to terry@leonimeadows.org and list the subject as ‘AACP’. Please include your name and camp name in the email and any contact information as appropriate. For email address corrections or additions, or to unsubscribe, please contact Norm Middag at bnmiddag@gmail.com. We do not hold any responsibility/liability for the excerpts/announcements/articles.