Labor Day Family Camp and Staff Changes plus Save the Date for Winter Connect
September Newsletter
Of the many traditions in the 50-year history of Bear Creek Camp, one of the best might be Labor Day Family Camp. This year we welcomed over 70 campers from 20 families. A handful of those families have been attending this weekend retreat from its beginning in the late 1980's and in that time have become multi-generational participants. Many families have joined this niche within the greater BCC community since 2021 as a gateway for younger campers to get their first taste of camp. Regardless of tenure, the sentiment is the same: it is so good to explore creation and spend time apart from the daily routine surrounded by loved ones and friends.
A favorite highlight area from the weekend was the various high ropes activities - zip-line, leap of faith, rock wall, crate stacking, and the full course. Family camp is always unique because climbers are of all ages from kids all the way through (much) older kids - and yet, the experience of high ropes impacts everyone differently. You can see a younger camper hesitate at the edge before they zoom off the zip-line, or see a younger camper scurry up a tree to the leap of faith with barely enough time to take a picture. You can see a parent confident in their skills get humbled by the physical challenge of the rock wall, or you can watch as a grandparent joins their grandchild at the top of the course. While every camper gets to overcome their own personal level of challenge, what is truly special is that for every participant, everyone else watching from the ground or in the air is always rooting them on with cheers and words of support -- a true embodiment of the Bear Creek community.
We are always grateful for our community and as we move into our Fall season we are especially mindful of the support that comes in ways beyond participation at camp. Donors, volunteers, those sharing about the positive impacts of camp in their congregations, prayerful supporters - each of you in your unique way sustain this ministry. Thank you for being part of our family.
-- Collin Grooms - Executive Director
Staff Changes & Additions
Chef Emmitt
Lucia
Paula
New Welcomes!
Emmitt Charles - Food Services Manager
Chef Emmitt has experience in hospitality, food safety, and management. He holds a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales and started his position here at camp in the Spring of 2024. He has been instrumental in providing tasty meals for both summer camp and camp rentals.
Lucia Bonk - Housekeeping & Assistant Naturalist
Lucia started with BCC as a summer Nature Day Camp counselor in 2023 and has since helped as an assistant naturalist with many of our school field trips. She is also keeping our facilities clean and organized as our year-round housekeeper.
Position Changes
Paula Fall - Development & Communications Coordinator
Paula's role at camp started in Housekeeping and the Assistant Naturalist position in 2021. This year she will be working in the position of Development & Communications Coordinator. She has a degree in Applied Media Arts and experience working in non-profit fundraising, art direction and web design.
Save the Date! Winter Connect is Around the Corner
January 10-12, 2025
4th Grade – 12th Grade
$140 / person
CONNECT is an amazing weekend at Bear Creek Camp filled with fun, friends and returning summer counselors with activities unique to BCC
in the winter! The festivities kick off on Friday night and run
until Sunday after lunch.
Click on the button below to learn more or to register.
Registration closes December 27, 2024
(Note: This is a great time to experience camp for first time overnight campers!)
