I'm sure we all know people, or maybe it is even us, who have deepened our walk with God or come to know Him as Lord and Savior at Kenbrook Bible Camp. Camp truly is a place where everyone can take a step away from the pressures, noise and distractions that can so easily take our focus off our most important relationship with our Creator. I recently came across a poem written by a very special young lady whose life was cut short by the devastating disease of leukemia. However, her legacy lives on and, even in her short time on earth, she was a shining light to many and a true witness for Christ.

Victoria Heisey, daughter of Jim and Gloria Heisey, attended camp for three years in the early 2000's. In 2003, she wrote the following poem during TAG time (Time Alone with God) which is part of our spiritual development program in summer camp. Her poem highlights so well how God can, and does, meet us through nature here at camp.

God's Creation

As I sit here surround,

feeling the wind breeze over me,

it's - it's almost as if God himself is embracing me.

I am embraced in His creation,

the sounds of water trickling down the stream,

the green trees which lightly sway in the wonderful breeze,

the grass tickling my toes,

sounds of birds merrily chirping - singing their song,

the frogs croak as the rays of sun hit their backs,

the sun, so - so magnificent, as it's rays touch my face,

it's like a kiss from God.

And to think all this is made by God.

My God.

I am speechless!

Victoria at Kenbrook Bible Camp, Summer 2003

It is our mission and goal to continue to provide the space and place for children, youth and adults to continue to meet God here at Kenbrook and to grow in their walk with Him. We consider it a privilege and honor to be able to partner with our campers, families, churches, guests and faithful supporters as we minister to all who enter Kenbrook Bible Camp.

To read more about Victoria and her precious life story, click here.

Thank you for your on-going prayers and support as we head into our 73rd year! Please pray for our 2023 campers and staff! We are excited to welcome them in just a few short months.

As always, if you have any questions or would like more information about how you can partner with us in prayer or financially as we continue to fulfill the mission God has called us to, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]

Blessings,

Joe McFarland

SUMMER STAFF NEEDED!

Looking for a great summer job that gets you into God's Creation, have tons of fun and make a lasting impact in the lives of children and youth? We have all positions available:



• Counselors
• Lifeguards
• KREW leaders
• Program Assistants
• Camp Cook
• Kitchen and Maintenance Assistants

Don't delay, apply today.

1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called out of darkness into his marvelous light."

We are so excited for this upcoming summer camp season as we focus on sharing God's radical love and helping all our campers realize the truth that they are God's special children and called into his marvelous light!

Registration is now open! We are thankful that we have been able to keep rates for this year the same as they were in 2022 thanks to our generous donors! So, don't delay, sign up today! Just click here to access registration.

Are you a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle or friend looking for a special gift idea that can have eternal impact? Consider gifting a week of summer camp to that special camper in your life! This year we have "Gift of Camp" certificates available. Each certificate purchased will have a unique code which will then be entered when registering the child who was gifted the week of camp and will cover his/her camp registration. Each certificate cost is $285 (day camp) and $495 (resident) *Explorer Week (July 2-5) cost is: $170 (day camp) $330 (resident camp). For more information or to purchase a certificate, call (717) 865-4547 or email Joe McFarland

FAMILY CAMP SURVEY...We want your input please!

Kenbrook Bible Camp is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to have fun, relax and draw closer to each other and God. One way we do that is to offer our annual Family Camp weekend. In order to make the experience the best possible for families, we are asking you to take a few minutes and complete a short survey. Thank you so much!

SAVE THE DATE for FAMILY CAMP 2023: September 1-4, 2023 (Labor Day Weekend)



John comes to Kenbrook after serving in children’s and youth ministry for more than twenty years as a lay leader and pastor. He most recently served as the Interim Pastor of Bright Hope Fellowship in Middletown, PA. Prior to this role, he served as the Associate Pastor of Family Ministries at Speedwell Heights Church in Lititz, PA. John completed the Brethren In Christ Directed Study Program and became an ordained minister in 2020. His passion is to connect people to the story and life of Jesus so that they can be forever changed.

John and his wife Stephanie live in Lititz, PA with their two children, Brady and Kensi. The family enjoy walks around town and the occasional hike to find creeks and waterfalls. Kenbrook has been an important part of this family for more than forty years and John is excited to be part of the team. 

HYMN SING

Plan to join us for a wonderful time of fellowship and worshiping our Lord and Savior at our 2nd Annual Hymn Sing and Luncheon!

When: Sunday, April 23, 2023

Lunch served 12:30-1:15PM

Hymn sing begins at 1:30PM

Where: Woodland Lodge, Kenbrook Bible Camp

Cost: FREE (A love offering will be taken)

RSVP by April 14 to Joe McFarland at [email protected]

Reservations requested, but not required (it just helps us with meal planning and seating)

MOTHER'S DAY BANQUET

Looking for a wonderful way to honor and celebrate your mother, grandmother, or that special lady in your life? Join us at Kenbrook for our annual Mother's Day luncheon buffet! Enjoy a delicious meal and then enjoy time on the beautiful grounds of camp!

When: Sunday, May 14, 2023

11am-2pm (you may chose your time for seating when you call to register)

Where: Woodland Lodge Dining Room, Kenbrook Bible Camp

Registration is now open!

Email: info@kenbrook.org or call 717-865-4547 to make reservations. Reservations are required.

45th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING

Whether you golf, know a golfer or just are passionate about ensuring ALL kids have an opportunity to come to camp, there is a place for you at the annual golf outing! All funds raised go to provide scholarships and financial assistance to families so that every child that wants to come to camp can do so!

To learn more about how you can participate as a golfer, event sponsor or camper sponsor, go to our website for details!

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Location: Pine Meadow Golf Course, 319 Pine Meadow Road, Lebanon, PA 17046 *

* Buffet lunch served at golf course prior to start; full dinner afterwards at Kenbrook Bible Camp, Woodland Lodge Dining Room

DADCAMP

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 18th!

Our first DADCAMP PA took place on October 7-9 with seventeen dad/child pairs! Each Dad received a copy of the book "Father God" and learned how to speak to his child's heart and show love, truth and life in meaningful ways to his son/daughter.  

From rousing campfires, "gorilla wars", fun games, zip lining and one-on-one times as father/child, everyone had an incredible weekend!  

A highlight was the closing activity on Sunday where each dad got to pray a blessing over his child and share his heart's desire for the child in the four areas of need in a child's life. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye to be found! 

Dads and elementary age sons/daughters (grades 1-5) plan now to attend DADCAMP 2023!



When: September 1-3, 2023 Registration opens March 18

Where: Kenbrook Bible Camp

You won't want to miss it!

NEED A TIME OF RELAXATION AND REFRESHMENT?

Are you in need of a time away to refresh, relax and get rejuvenated? Want to spend some quality time with family, friends, your church family or youth/young adult group in the beauty of God's Creation? Why not choose Kenbrook as the perfect place to plan that experience? Dates are available for Spring and Fall 2023. Don't delay, check it out today! For more information, email:

[email protected]

Or, check it out at the website:

www.kenbrook.org

Prayer Support

Jesus said in Matthew 18:19 "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Will you join us in prayer for Kenbrook Bible Camp and for all who come to camp that they may experience the love, grace and joy that can only be found in a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will you pray for the staff and Board of Kenbrook as we continue our strategic planning and vision casting that we have the wisdom to make decisions for camp that will bring honor to God and allow Kenbrook to continue to be a place where campers and guests can find rest, restoration, recreation and rejuvenation for generations to come?

Would you consider becoming a Campfire Circle Member as a regular financial donor?

Donors are a significant part of Kenbrook's ministry. In fact, approximately 25% of our annual budget (approximately $250,000) is dependent upon the faithful giving of our donors. We are so thankful for all who give of their finances to support the mission and vision of Kenbrook Bible Camp!

Have you heard about our Campfire Circle? Campfire Circle friends are our monthly financial supporters of Kenbrook Bible Camp. Through your monthly donation, you ensure a consistent source of funding that helps maintain and sustain the ministries of Kenbrook for generations to come! Will you consider supporting Kenbrook in this way as we strive to create an environment where campers and guests can grow in relationship with God, self, others and nature? For more information or to sign-up to be a Campfire Circle donor, click here.

Amazon Smiles is being discontinued as of February 20, 2023. We were recently informed that Amazon is ending this charitable giving option on their platform. We thank everyone that has given to Kenbrook through your purchases over the years!

Kenbrook's mission is to be like Christ in all relationships in order to facilitate a closer connection to God, self, others and nature. The staff (both year-round and seasonal) are integral to helping fulfill that mission. We encourage you to pray for the staff and hope that by introducing you to us through this spotlight, that even if you don't get to camp often, you know who we are and can be praying for us as we serve our campers, guests and all who come to Kenbrook. 

This issue's staff spotlight is on Nathaniel Nissley

Nathaniel joined staff in early 2020 as the Youth Program Director remotely while finishing his degree in Congregational Youth Ministry at Eastern Mennonite University. Nathaniel and his wife Jenna moved to Kenbrook in March of that year in the midst of the COVID uncertainty. As they have gotten settled into camp life at Kenbrook they adopted four cats.

Nathaniel has a long history at Kenbrook first attending at the age of six in a short week of camp. He was on summer staff for four years and spent an entire gap year at Kenbrook before going to college. 

Nathaniel states: “As I’m working at hiring the summer staff for 2023, it’s a little overwhelming to think of the impact being on staff here has had in my life. I met my wife Jenna here and many of my closest friends. This all speaks to the power of intentional communities and the lasting connections that are made at Kenbrook.”