Summer at its Best!
  "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." - Psalm 9:1
Greetings!

As I reflect on this past year, there are so many things to be thankful for. God has truly blessed the ministry of Solid Rock Day Camp and the many people who are a part of it. 

I invite you to read this newsletter to reflect on some of the things God has been doing in and through Solid Rock this past year.

I am thankful to God that He has allowed me and every one of you to be a part of this ministry and I am thankful for your friendship and support of Solid Rock.

Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving as you spend time with family and friends and reflect on the many reasons we have to give thanks to our Lord and Savior!

Blessings,
Bonnie McQuade
Camp Director
2016 Summer Review
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 417 campers from 286 different families, and 17 of those 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 the Attributes of God.

We also had a Family Day, where campers got to bring their parents to enjoy some of the fun at camp. We had an excellent turnout with over 200 people from 50 families attending.

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 our 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, canoe 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.
2016 Camp News
Remembering George Meininger

In September, George Meininger passed away after suffering from complications from two strokes that he suffered during the summer. For many years, George has been serving at Solid Rock as the archery and paintball instructor, as well as helping out with woodworking, building lifeguard chairs, benches, shelves and other projects for camp.

George was a faithful servant here at Solid Rock Day Camp, at various other ministries and his church. Even as he has faced health issues over the past several years, he made it a priority to be here each summer. He has not only been a tremendous blessing through his service to Solid Rock, but his commitment to the Lord, and Christ-like service, have been an excellent example to the many who knew him.
Maintenance Building Update

Camp has been in need of a larger maintenance building where tools can be stored, equipment can be sheltered from the elements and where work projects can be performed. We began the process to build a new 60-foot by 40-foot maintenance building about a year and a half ago. After a long process, we have received the approvals from the zoning department and are in the process of applying for the building permit. We hope to have the structure of the building built in January so we can work on finishing the inside of the building during the winter and early spring.

This building will allow us to store our equipment, vehicles and tools in one place protected from the elements. This will also provide for a workshop area where work can be conducted year round and where campers can participate in wood shop activities during camp. We will then be able to convert the old chapel, which we have been using as the maintenance building, back into a chapel to be used for camp and retreats.
 
Men’s Dorm Renovations

During the winter and spring, we undertook a major renovation project in the men’s dorm to allow for better utilization of the space by creating room for more bunks and easier access to the bathrooms. The renovations also included the creation of a lounge area and the renovation of an existing bathroom and shower. Pending approvals, the main bathroom will be enlarged and will include changing stalls for each shower.
 
Camp Board

In an effort to provide sustainability, oversight and support for the camp, the members of Grace Fellowship Church have affirmed the formation of a camp board. This board will serve to provide general oversight and will help to establish the vision for future camp ministry and expansion. Currently, three men have agreed to serve on board: Scott McQuade, who is an elder for Grace Fellowship Church, Tim Kopko and Ken Walsh. Solid Rock Day Camp is a ministry of Grace Fellowship Church.
 
Upcoming Events
Living Nativity
Join us for a Living Nativity on December 10th. Performances will be at 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Click the picture for more information.                                                   
Winter Camp
  Join us for Winter Camp 2016 on December 27th-30th from 9am to 4pm. Click the picture for more information and to register online.
Get Involved
Bible Studies

We will be offering several opportunities for Bible studies throughout the year. If you are looking to get involved with a Bible study we hope you will be able to find one that meets your needs. Contact the camp office for more information.
  • Ladies' Bible Study
              Monday from noon to 1pm
  • Men's Bible Study
              Saturday from 7am to 9am
              (Every other Saturday)
  • Bible Study (open to everyone)
             Resuming January 17, 2017           
             Tuesday from 7pm to 8:30pm
Retreats

Over the past couple months we have hosted men's, women's and youth retreat groups at Solid Rock from multiple churches. These have been a great time to minister alongside these groups as they fellowship and teach the gospel to one another.

Our next retreat will be in February, and we can use help before, during, and after each retreat to set up, serve and clean. If you're ever able to help with any retreats, please let us know.
Prayer Requests
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 (the Living Nativity and Winter Camp) and that the gospel would go forth and have an impact in the lives of those who attend

- For the Meininger family

Financial Needs
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.

Maintenance Building - $55,000

Gym Floor - $25,000

Camper Scholarship Fund - ongoing fund

Volunteer Opportunities
There are several upcoming activities and projects for which we could use volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us at the camp office.

 - Living Nativity on December 10th

 - Work Weekends through the Winter (m ajor projects include finishing the renovations in the guys dorm and working on the new maintenance building)

- Helping with retreat weekends

Check out pictures from the 2016 season on Facebook.
Connect with us:
Solid Rock Day Camp is a ministry of Grace Fellowship Church