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Holmes Camp News

A Word From Our Executive Director During Holy Week

I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Romans 8: 38-39

Dear Friends,

It is in this scripture that I find the most comfort. It feels honest to me. It makes no promises, except that God is with us, whatever it is we are going through. When William Sloan Coffin’s son died in a car accident, Sloan said in his eulogy “God’s heart was the first of all our hearts to break.” In fear, anxiety, sadness, and worry, we are not alone, even though during these days, alone is exactly the thing we may sometimes feel the sharpest.

Here at Holmes, where our mission is bringing people together, the absence of human contact during the usually busy season of Spring is stark and heavy on our hearts. In your prayers, I ask you to hold our employees, or rather, family members, all of whom are feeling the pain of this moment in history like so many others. While we have not put out an appeal to the faithful, knowing that most are dealing with fear and loss of income or assets, I thank each and every one of you who have sent in donations in order to help us through these difficult days. Your gift may well be what makes the difference as we struggle without our usual spring rental income.

But we are committed to continuing this ministry. To being here when the darkness lifts and we are more than ever in need of coming together to heal our wounds. While "the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" is ever present, we still look to the day when once again it can be communicated directly between us in shared tears, laughter, song, prayer, a hand in a hand, an arm around the shoulder or simply being held. We are the body of Christ. In the meantime, we hold tight to the promises of the gospel knowing that in life and death, nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Faithfully,

Bryan

VIRTUAL WORSHIP DURING HOLY WEEK

We are thinking of all our friends and camper this Holy Week. We want to make sure you have resources to guide you in worship from the safety of your own home. Below are links to our affiliate Presbyteries who have created virtual ways to worship. While many of us cannot be with our families, we hope these opportunities will provide some comfort. Thank you to the Hudson River Presbytery, Presbytery of Long Island and Presbytery of New York City for your steadfast guidance during these trying times.

Hudson River Presbytery

Presbytery of Long Island

Presbytery of New York City

FALL ADULT RETREATS

Adult Crafting Retreat

Women's Autumn Retreat

Reiki Level One

Camp isn't just for the kids anymore! A weekend retreat at camp is a great way for Adults to relax, disconnect and be with like minded people.

Our Adult Crafting Retreat is perfect for anyone who wants a quiet space to spread out and craft without interruption - maybe craft gifts for the holiday season. And, I'll tell you a secret - crafting isn't required! It's also a great time to simply enjoy nature, take a hike or read a good book!

Explore your connection to your authentic self and to one another at our Women's Autumn Retreat. It's a time to reconnect with nature and spirituality - in whatever way it is most meaningful to you.

Finally, join Jikiden Reiki Instructor, Anne Bentzen, for our weekend Reiki Level One Certification. Learn to use Reiki to restore balance to your body, mind and spirit. (This class is small, space will be limited.

SUMMER CAMP

We are continuing to accept registrations for Summer Camp, with the hope that the warmer weather will bring better health and freedom to all. As long as it is safe to do so, we will welcome your campers and let them have some much needed time to run free!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO APRIL 15

SUMMER STAFF APPLICATIONS HERE

How Holmes Camp and Retreat Center is responding to the Coronavirus.

Support Holmes Camp

Join us: Programs & Retreats

Confirmation Retreat

RESCHEDULED TO MAY 15 - 16

~~April 3-4, 2020 Confirmation Retreats~~

Join Rev. Bryan Breault and Rev. Martin McGeachy for our confirmation retreats! Bring your whole Confirmation Class to Holmes for a chance to explore faith and enjoy fellowship with youth from other churches. Retreats will be held in Nunemaker, our youth retreat building with cabin-style rooms of bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Church groups will be split as evenly as possible to create the small groups for the retreat.

Click Here to Register

May 2, 2020: Spring Work Day

We continue to plan for Work Day and will carry on unless local/state regulations prohibit it. Please keep your eye out for information.

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Spend a day outdoors and help us thrive!

We'll have work for people of every skill level.

Full Details

We can't do it without your help!

Lunch will be served (register via phone 845-878-6383) or, bring your own.

Adults, youth, and children 11 years or older. No small children or pets, for safety reasons.

July 25: Friends Day

Enjoy a day at Camp, with friends old and new!

This is a celebration day!! We open our arms in an extravagant welcome. Never been to Holmes? Come on up and see what we’re about. Former camper or staff? We’ll be waiting to welcome you back. We have some fun new things planned for this Friends Day as well as engaging in traditional beloved camp activities. Come up for the summer day to reconnect with old friends, and to meet new ones. Keep checking back as we update our plans!

August 9th-16th: Bridges to Community Service Trip to the Dominican Republic

We will help change the lives of our partner communities and ourselves, while learning from the rich culture and traditions of everyday life in the country, working with community members to address the real challenges they face. You’ll spend a week living, eating and working in the community that you are supporting on a project of impact.