Holmes Camp News
Everyone is welcome at Holmes Camp!  
During this Pride Month we again celebrate and affirm our diverse community. Under normal circumstances we would be readying the camp right now to welcome young people from all over the country for Camp Q, our gathering of LGBTQ+ high school students. Last summer was our first Camp Q event.

While we are not able to gather for summer 2020, we remain committed to spreading the good news that we are all beloved children of God, exactly as God has created us. LGBTQ+ people have always been a part of Holmes Camp and always will be, and we are deeply grateful for that blessing. 
VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICES FROM HOLMES
MARK YOU CALENDAR - our first summer worship service is this Sunday , June 28 at 10am.

How it will work
There is no sign in or sign up needed. On June 28, at 10am, go to the Holmes Facebook Page , or if you don't have a Facebook account, you can go to the Holmes YouTube Page . There will be a live video stream. It’s that simple.  

For more information or to download our Worship Service Bulletin visit our website HERE .
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS BEGIN MONDAY, JUNE 29
Holmes Virtual Vacation Bible Camp and Holmes@Home Camp will begin on Monday, June 29th. These virtual programs are free and open to all. (Spread the word to friends and family.) To learn more, see our Program listing below or visit our Programs Link on our website!
AGAPE II UPDATE
As work continues on Agape II...we are excited to see a newly paved road and a parking area take shape!!
HIGHLIGHTING THE TEAM
Camille Colon, Bookkeeper
Grace Buck, Administrator
"The strength of the team is each individual member.
The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson

The praise continues - get to know the Holmes Team. Join us on Facebook and Instagram to send some love to these amazing folks! Or visit the updated Staff page on our website to learn more about Holmes Camp and Retreat Centers staff.

This week our highlighted staff work behind the scenes - You'll find these two awesome ladies, Camille, our bookkeeper and Grace, the Office Administrator, ready to welcome you to camp in our Denton Lake Road Office!
GET OUTSIDE...HIKING AND FISHING ARE WELCOME AT HOLMES
While our camp is closed to campers and retreat groups this summer, you are still welcome to visit. Take a long walk, hike one of our many trails or fish in the lake.

We have waived the Holmes fishing permit fee for the summer, as our office is working on reduced hours*. So hang the 'gone fishing' sign and enjoy some quiet time out by the lake. We do ask that you park in designated areas, only fish where it is easily accessible from the road - avoiding any beach areas or docks and remember it is catch and release only. Please make sure you do have a current NYS Fishing License.


When you arrive for hiking or fishing, please contact Bryan at 845-235-6458, to let him know you are on the site. Remember to social distance if you come upon others. While on site, please do not enter any buildings or cross any construction fences or caution tape!    If you are unsure of your path, please ask Bryan for guidance.

*Typically we would need a copy of your drivers license, current fishing license and a $10 fee to obtain a fishing permit for the camp.
SUPPORT HOLMES THIS SUMMER
For Venmo - on your phone, look for @holmescamp on your Venmo account. Validation digits: 6458
Join us: Programs & Retreats
For more information about Holmes programs reach out to [email protected].
Holmes Camp and Retreat Center  is a shared ministry of the Presbytery of Long Island, the Presbytery of New York City, and the Hudson River Presbytery. 
VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICES FROM HOLMES
Sundays of  June 28 July 26 , and  August 30 ,

Holmes Camp is partnering with the Presbytery of Long Island, the Presbytery of New York City, and the Hudson River Presbytery to offer Sunday virtual worship services at 10 am  and all are welcome. 

We hope that these Holmes Sunday services will help reduce the strain on our Pastors this summer. Encourage your church to take advantage of a guest service.

How it will work
There is no sign in or sign up needed. On June 28, July 26, and August 30 at 10am, go to Holmes Facebook Page , or if you don't have a Facebook account, you can go to the Holmes YouTube Page. There will be a live video stream. It’s that simple.   Worship Bulleting Here.
VIRTUAL VACATION BIBLE CAMP
A five day Vacation Bible School program.

Bible Camp will follow a curriculum called "This is Our Prayer" that includes different scripture and themes for each day, such as "Longing to be Invited." We will have a short virtual lesson on the scripture for the day followed by videos and activities to watch and do from wherever you are!

How it will work
Beginning on June 29th, The program can be accessed by youth pastors, for group instruction or directly by parents for use at home from the link below:


It will contain 7-10 minutes of video instruction, along with 2-3 activities  (with clear instructions and material requirements, on a kid friendly worksheet.) Each days video and activities should take about an hour to complete.
Get prepared to feel the camp spirit!
'HOLMES@HOME' CAMP
Holmes@Home will begin posting on Monday, June 29th to give you a taste of camp throughout the summer!

How will Holmes@Home work?
We will post to our  Facebook   page, as well as send out information via our eNewsletter list.

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday* we will have some focus on scripture from the curriculum that we would've used at summer camp and will have videos of camp staff doing some of our favorite camp activities!

We will post about two 5-10 minute long videos and other posts each week. You'll get to view traditional sing-a-longs, camp crafts and super secret "Holmes Recipes" you can do at home, picture scavenger hunts around camp, interviews with the Holmes staff and much, much more!

This is totally free  and offered to our community to give you a connection to the sacred space we know and love.
*While we will try to keep to this schedule, sometimes the days may vary. Don't miss a post by following us on social media!
FALL ADULT PROGRAMS
Camp's not just for kids. Retreat and re-charge your batteries with a weekend at camp

August 28th - 30th:

November 6th - 8th:

November 13th-15th:
Holmes Camp and Retreat Center's is a welcoming Christian community
where, in a natural setting, lives change and faith grows.
There's No Place Like Holmes!

60 Denton Lake Road, Holmes, NY 12531
phone: 845.878.6383
www.holmescamp.org