|
"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds." - Psalm 75:1
|
|
|
Greetings!
We had an amazing summer at Solid Rock Day Camp and saw God work in so many awesome ways in the hearts of campers, parents, staff and even state inspectors.
I had the opportunity to share the gospel with both of the state officials that inspected camp this summer and several weeks later I was informed that one of these individuals had placed their faith in Jesus Christ! Praise God!
During this year, we have also seen significant progress on several work projects that we have been working on for several years.
We are also excited about the upcoming activities we have scheduled to continue to strengthen and maintain the relationships we have with our camp families.
We recognize that we could accomplish nothing without God working in this ministry and through those that serve. For that reason, I am most thankful for your continued prayers for this ministry.
Please take the time to read below about the summer, upcoming events and other ministry updates.
Blessings,
Bonnie McQuade
Camp Director
|
|
This year, we saw many campers, families and church groups engaged with the gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministry at Solid Rock Day Camp. We're excited to share with you what God has been doing at Solid Rock, as well as what He has in store for us in the upcoming year.
This summer, we had the opportunity to minister to 443 campers from 292 different families, and 11 of these children attended camp through the help of the Camper Scholarship Fund. Campers heard the gospel every day and grew in their knowledge of God through our devotional focus on seeing how every story in the Bible points to Jesus.
In July, we held our annual Family Day, where campers got to bring their parents to enjoy some of the fun at camp. We had an excellent turnout with over 250 people from over 65 families attending. This event continues to grow each year!
This year also saw the the return of Seekers. Seekers is an outreach night for finished 5th graders through finished 8th graders. We haven't had Seekers at camp in over 7 years, so it was exciting to have over 50 kids attend each week to hear the gospel and participate in fun and wild games and activities. Our hope is that Seekers will bridge the gap between camp and church and that we will see our camp families engaged in church and youth programs throughout the year.
Our staff of counselors and volunteers did an amazing job of displaying the love of Christ to the many campers and parents who stepped foot on the property every day. In addition to serving alongside one another, the staff had the opportunity to play and learn together as they participated in shore trips, staff outings and weekly Bible studies.
Visit our website to learn more about camp and upcoming events and visit our Facebook page to see pictures from the summer.
|
|
Maintenance Building Update
After several years of planning, preparation and getting the necessary permits and approvals, we were finally able to break ground on the maintenance building this Spring. The shell of the building was completed before the start of camp and during the summer we were able to get the concrete floor poured.
Since camp has ended, volunteers have been working most Saturdays (and some weeknights) framing the interior and running electric. A youth group work crew was able to help get the landscaping completed around the sides and back of the building and helped plant over 20 trees.
By Thanksgiving, we hope to have the insulation installed and the ceiling and walls completed. In addition to storing our equipment and tools, we are looking forward to being able to use the workshop for ministry.
|
|
Gym Renovations
In June, we had a new gym floor installed, which replaced our original gym floor, which we had stretched to last over 35 years!
The new floor is a poured floor system that should last us for the next 25 to 35 years. In addition to the new floor, we also removed the pockets doors to install two new doors. These renovations were part of the first phase of the gym renovation.
The second phase is to install wall pads around the perimeter of the gym and to purchase volleyball equipment. When the necessary funds have been raised for this project, we will move forward with completing the renovations to the gym. See below for how you can help contribute to this project.
|
|
Connecting with Campers and Families
We have had several opportunities to connect with campers and families since camp ended, and we have several more coming up. In September, we had the Mini Golf Family Day, which did not have the turnout we were hoping for, but we did have several families and campers stop by.
In October, we participated in the Autumn Lights Festival here in West Milford, which was attended by over 15,000 people. We got to see many of our campers as well as meet many new families that are interested in attending next summer.
Coming up in December, we have Parents' Day Out and the Living Nativity, which provide opportunities for us to share the gospel with camp families and the community during the Christmas season. Keep reading below for more information about these events.
|
|
Above all, we long for your prayers for the ministry. In addition to being in regular prayer for the ministry, you can be in prayer for the following things:
- That the seed of the gospel would take root and grow in the lives of the campers.
- For the upcoming events at Solid Rock (Parents' Day Out and the Living Nativity) and that the gospel would go forth and have an impact in the lives of those who attend.
- Pray that God would bring the staff and volunteers to serve throughout the year and next summer and continue to keep this years' staff in your prayers as they return to work and school.
|
|
|
|
There are several projects and program needs for which we are currently raising funds. If you would like more information, please contact the camp office. If you would like to contribute towards these projects or programs, you may send a check to the camp office made out to Solid Rock Day Camp.
Camper Scholarship Fund - Ongoing fund. Our goal is to have at least two summers' worth of funds in reserve. We need to raise $10,000 to accomplish that goal.
Maintenance Building - $40,000
Gym Renovation - $15,000 needed to complete Phase Two
|
|
|
|
There are several upcoming activities and projects for which we could use volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the camp office.
- Living Nativity on December 10th
- Work Weekends through the Winter - the primary work project is to complete the maintenance building.
- Helping with retreat weekends
|
|
|
|
|
Check out pictures from the 2017 season on Facebook.
|
|
|
Solid Rock Day Camp is a ministry of Grace Fellowship Church
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
