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Holmes Camp News

MORE THAN 1,200 WORSHIPERS

at Holmes Camp's First Virtual Service

[Jesus said] “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me, and the one who sent me.”

-Matthew 10:40

Thank you to everyone who joined us for worship this past Sunday. The combined number of views on FaceBook and YouTube is over a thousand and counting! In a time of social distancing, many are missing camp (and we are missing you). We are grateful to be part of the wider network of three presbyteries. The worship service used the lectionary readings set for last Sunday. We’ve heard enthusiastically from churches that were able to give their pastors a Sunday off, and some respite from planning worship. You can still view the worship service on our FaceBook page or on YouTube channel and you view the bulletin on our website. In fact, if your church missed it but would still like to give your pastor a break (or if you, pastor, would like a break) feel free to simply schedule it using the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/LzbiwnDoi3g

Thank you to the participants, and the people who helped make the celebration possible: Assistant Director Sam Williams , Rev. Ben Larson-Wolbrook , Rev. Casey Carbone , Kai Hostetter-Habib , Lea Hostetter-Habib , Darby Ainsworth , Mary Bentley Lamar , Rev. Leslie Mott , Mylika Slaughter , and members of our Board of Directors: Philip Kochman (President), Professor Ansley LaMar , and Rev. Pete Jones (vice president). And thank you to General Presbyter, Ruling Elder Deborah Milcarek , for authorizing Holmes to utilize the talents of tech consultant Rev. Casey Carbone who was a tremendous help in making the event run smoothly through the web. And of course to our Super-Administrator Grace Buck for helping get the word out and directing folks to the right place.

Our next worship services are July 26 and August 1. If you’d like to be involved, contact me at [email protected] We are asking worship participants to come to Holmes to record segments so we can bring the beauty of the site to worshipers as a celebration of creation that is Holmes Camp.

In hope and gratitude

Rev. Bryan S. Breault

Executive Director

HOLMES VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS UP AND RUNNING

Holmes Camp five day FREE Vacation Bible School program is ready to go!

The program follows the, "This is Our Prayer" curriculum that includes different scripture and themes for each day. There is a short virtual lesson on the scripture, followed by videos and activities to watch and do from wherever you are!

How it works

The program can be used by your youth pastor, for group instruction or parents for use at home. Use the link below to view the program instructions and materials.

VBS Program Materials

HOLMES@HOME DELIVERS THE CAMP SPIRIT

Even though you can’t be here with us… Enjoy a bit of Holmes@Home!

Tune in to our social media to enjoy weekly posts themed around the everyday feel of camp at Holmes. You’ll see posts featuring your favorite camp songs and activities...

But first, make sure you visit us on Facebook or Instagram to 'choose your cabin!!'

HIGHLIGHTING THE TEAM

The praise continues - get to know the Holmes Team. Follow 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.

You probably recognize this weeks highlighted staffer if you have ever been here during the summer! Steve has been with us for 8 years helping out at Holmes Camp in the summertime or on weekends when we’ve had big crowds. Last summer Steve took over as summer camp Chef and we were so impressed we asked him to come be with us as our year round retreat center Chef. As fate would have it, Steve started his new relationship with us in February and had served just four weekend groups when COVID-19 shut us down. Being the affable guy he is, Steve is always happy to pitch in wherever he can and has been working on the grounds through last week. Like other staff, we have had to ask Steve to wait until we re-open to return to work. We are so grateful for his understanding and willingness to help wherever it is needed. For more about Steve visit our website staff page !

NEED TO 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. Boating is prohibited. Please make sure you do have a current NYS Fishing License.

HOLMES TRAIL MAP

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.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Support Holmes Camp

Holmes Camp Venmo

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.

Sunday Virtual Worship

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.

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.

VIRTUAL VACATION BIBLE CAMP

A five day FREE Vacation Bible School program!

How it will work

The program can be used by your youth pastor, for group instruction or parents for use at home.

VBS Program Materials

It contains 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 Information

'HOLMES@HOME' CAMP

We're putting together a schedule of posts 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 week 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.