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Hello Friends,
As the summer sun warms–and rain soaks–the grounds of United Church Camps Inc. (UCCI), there’s a palpable sense that this season is akin to Christmas—a time of full hearts, bustling staff, and camps alive with the spirit of our mission.
Here is a recap of some of the summer events going on:
Camp AweSum remains a cornerstone of our summer offerings, embodying our commitment to being a place of belonging and inclusivity. We thank the Camp AweSum program team, the Moon Beach staff, and the many volunteers who make this such a special week for families. As one parent shared: "Thank you for a wonderful camp and I look forward to attending next year! Despite the weather, this was the best experience our family could’ve had. Next year, we may plan more stimulating activities in the morning for our neurotypical son. However, it was important for my kids to make new friends and form new social networks, which is vastly important to us. I also had very good conversations with other parents to brainstorm solutions to some struggles."
Moon Beach is the perfect setting for faith, family, and fun. Surrounded by love and kindness from both staff and campers, it offers a sacred space where families can grow and connect. One camper beautifully captured the essence of Moon Beach: "What a gift, to be able to spend a week in an idyllic setting surrounded by love and kindness of both staff and campers. Moon Beach is my favorite place on earth!"
Please note that there have been some changes to Moon Beach's late summer schedule. The Rainbow Retreat has been canceled, and Labor Day Weekend has evolved into an open reservation weekend, allowing guests to enjoy the camp and its amenities at their leisure. Learn more and register for these events on our website!
Daycholah Center: We have important news to share as the summer camp season begins. Amanda Edwards has resigned as Managing Director of Daycholah Center, with her last day being July 7, 2024. Although the timing is unfortunate, we support her decision and are grateful for her contributions. We are excited to announce that Rev. Jeremy Hylen, a long-time program volunteer director, lifelong camper, experienced pastor, outdoor ministry leader, and current member of the UCCI Board of Directors, has joined us as Interim Summer Camp Director. Rest assured, our summer programming is in place, and our trained staff is ready to provide youth campers and all guests with a great camp experience. Currently, Teen Week is off to a great start with Sail and Con!
Cedar Valley: Cedar Valley has had a full June! We were honored to host the inaugural Fearless Family Camp for OCD Wisconsin. This group filled our hearts and spaces, highlighting precisely what makes outdoor ministry so special. We encourage you to read about their experience at Cedar Valley in this blog post written by one of their volunteers. Cedar Valley is now booking retreats for January through June 2025, so get your retreat scheduled now.
As summer unfolds, each camp experience at UCCI offers more than mere moments, a sum much greater than its parts; it cultivates restored spirits and deepened connections among all who gather. Join us as we continue to embrace the season with open hearts and unwavering dedication to our mission.
With blessings and love from all of us at UCCI,
Moon Beach, Daycholah Center, and Cedar Valley
ucci@ucci.org
P.S. Our dedicated Executive Director has been busy getting his hands dirty (and wet!) - lifeguarding at Moon Beach, volunteering at Camp AweSum, and lending a hand with operations at Daycholah Center during this transition period. Jim sends his warmest wishes and looks forward to sharing his experiences in the August edition!
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