75 Years of God's Faithfulness

July 16, 1950…Dedication Day of Kenbrook Bible Camp. This year marks 75 years since the vision of the Loyalteer Sunday School Class at Fairland Brethren in Christ church became a reality. We remain so thankful to the vision, dedication, passion and effort of those and many other faithful individuals, groups and churches over the years.

Over the years, many things have changed in our world and here at Kenbrook. But, one thing hasn’t changed: this place is still a place where kids, teens (and now adults of all ages) can come to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As those original pioneers stated in the motto, Kenbrook will be a place where “Boys and Girls are for Christ and Christ is for Boys and Girls.” 

I am excited for what God has in store for Kenbrook Bible Camp and Retreat Center for the next 75 years as well. And, along with the Board of Directors and the entire Kenbrook staff, we invite everyone to remember the past, rejoice in the present and reach for the future at the 75^th Anniversary Celebration the weekend of August 29-September 1, 2025. 

Come for part or all of the weekend! More information about the weekend can be found on our website at https://www.kenbrook.org/75th-anniversary/.

Blessings,

Joe McFarland

Executive Director

MESSAGE FROM THE KENBROOK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It is bittersweet to announce the retirement of Joe McFarland, Kenbrook’s Executive Director since 2021. Joe came to this role at a crucial time in Kenbrook’s history. As the staff, board and interim executive director shepherded Kenbrook through the challenges posed by the pandemic, Joe stepped into the role of Executive Director and immediately lent leadership to the staff team and reinvigorated the vision and mission of the camp. Joe leveraged his skills of relationship building to guide the staff team, encouraging each person to fulfill their jobs to the glory of God and in service to one another. Joe, alongside his wife Ruth, exemplified servant leadership. Many people commented about his presence at the opening and closing of camp weeks, as well as special events, and even in the camp kitchen!

Joe is passionate about the mission of Kenbrook. We’re grateful for the strategic goals that he initiated that will continue to guide the camp into the future even after his departure. It is the goal of the board to hire a new executive director before the 2025 summer camping season. Generously Joe has agreed to help with the transition and even to see Kenbrook through its 75^th Anniversary celebration, August 29-September 1.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Verse 11 tells us that no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. We know that God has a plan for Kenbrook. Many faithful servants have been used by the Lord over the years to further His Kingdom. We’re so grateful that Joe McFarland has been one of those faithful servants to use his God-given gifts to serve Kenbrook. Join us in praying a blessing over Joe and Ruth as they retire and enjoy the bounty that God has in store for them!

On behalf of the Kenbrook Board,

Theresa Grosh, Chair

Hank Johnson, Vice Chair

Audrey Landis, Treasurer

Corey Faus, Secretary

Summer is quickly approaching and now is the time to register for summer camp 2025! The theme for this year is: “Drink from the Brook”-1 Kings 17:2-4. Just as the Lord provided for Elijah, He promises to provide for us as well. He calls us to drink from The Brook, the life-giving spring of life, Jesus Christ and we are excited to share this truth with all of our campers in 2025.

Registration booklets were mailed out in mid-December. If you did not receive one and would like to obtain one, please email Kayle Thacker, Office Assistant, at kthacker@kenbrook.org or view one online at 2025 Program Guide.

Our goal has always been to ensure that every child who wishes to come to camp is able to do so regardless of a family's ability to pay for the experience. Due to the incredible generosity of our donors through the Annual Golf Outing and the Hoopomani 5K, we are able to assist families who may otherwise not be able to send their child to camp due to financial pressure. To access the financial aid application, click here.

Don't delay, register today! If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, contact Nathaniel Nissley, Youth Program Director at nnissley@kenbrook.org or call 717-865-4547.

SUMMER STAFF APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW!

Looking for a summer position that makes an eternal impact and difference in the lives of others? Want to grow in your own faith and walk with the Lord? Want to live in community with other young adults, enjoy the outdoors and have a great summer while earning money? Then look no further! Apply to be on Kenbrook Bible Camp Summer Staff for 2025! Positions include:

• camp counselors (day and resident)
• lifeguards
• program assistants
• program directors
• kitchen assistants
• maintenance assistant
• summer camp cooks (2)

Interviews began in December and will continue until all positions are filled. So, don't delay, apply today! It may be the best summer of your life!

FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR POSITION

Kenbrook Bible Camp and Retreat Center is currently looking for a Food Service Director. If you have interest or know anyone interested visit the webpage here, email info@kenbrook.org, or call 717-865-4547 for more information.

WOODLAND ROOM RENOVATION UPDATE

Room 1 is Complete! Will you partner with us to finish the remaining rooms?

When the board decided fifty years ago to expand Kenbrook Bible Camp into a year-round Bible Camp and Retreat Center they did so with great foresight and discernment. The goal was to provide on-going, sustainable funding to ensure that young people could continue to come to Kenbrook and have opportunities to cultivate a relationship with God, self, others and nature. This is still the case today as retreat income provides almost two-thirds of Kenbrook’s operating revenue.

In December 2024, the first Woodland Lodge room was completely remodeled. Due to the generosity of contractors and suppliers, the total cost for this project is approximately $19,000 per room. This includes a fresh coat of paint, new furniture, lighting, flooring, and décor. The bathroom is also being redone including a larger shower which will make it more accessible for our guests. The plan is to remodel the remaining eighteen rooms so that this facility can continue to serve guests for another forty-five years and beyond!

Click here to see more photos of the renovated room and for information about how you can give to this important project. 

2024 HOOPOMANI 5K MEMORIAL RUN/WALK

46th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING

THANK YOU!!

The 2024 outing raised a record $42,350! These funds will help to ensure that EVERY child who wants to come to camp can do so regardless of a family's ability to pay.

To see a list of our wonderful sponsors to date for 2024 and to find out more information about this year's tournament, visit our website!

DATE: Thursday, September 25, 2025

Location: Pine Meadow Golf Complex, 319 Pine Meadow Road, Lebanon, PA 17046 *

* Buffet lunch served at golf course prior to start; full dinner afterwards at Kenbrook Bible Camp, Woodland Lodge Dining Room

NEW CAMP DATABASE SYSTEM IS LIVE!

In early December, we transitioned from our former database system, CampBrain, to our new system, UltraCamp. This new database allows for better storage of data and makes it easier for camper families and guests to register for camp and events. As with any new system, there may be unexpected glitches and nuances. We ask for your patience as we all begin to implement this new system.

Everyone who registers for summer camp will need to create a new account even if you previously had one with our old system. We have transferred our data over, but it does not transfer usernames and passwords. We do know the initial log in (if you previously had an account) is cumbersome and challenging and we apologize for that inconvenience.

Again, thank you for your patience and if you have any questions or difficulties as you set up new accounts please give us a call at 717-865-4547 or email info@kenbrook.org

HYMN SING AND LUNCHEON

DATE: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Lunch served from 12:30-1:15

Hymn Sing begins at 1:30

Join us for our annual hymn sing and luncheon! Come together to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and praising our God and Savior through singing of the traditional hymns. Choose the hymns that mean the most to you and song leader, Charlie Starr and pianist, Alice Lauver will lead us in joining our voices together to sing these beautiful pieces. Registration is not required, but if you would like to attend the luncheon, we do ask that you RSVP by Friday, March 14 to Joe McFarland at jmcfarland@kenbrook.org

Volunteers Needed!

Housekeeping:

• Regular help needed:
• Mondays: 9AM-Noon (vacuum public areas in lodges)
• Primarily needed August through May

If interested, available to help or have questions, please contact Joe McFarland (Executive Director) at jmcfarland@kenbrook.org or call 717-865-4547.

KENBROOK'S 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!!

Labor Day Weekend 2025

August 29-September 1, 2025

Plan now to attend an exciting weekend to remember, reconnect and rejoice in all God has done and is doing at Kenbrook! Whether you can come for just one day or can stay for the entire weekend, you won't want to miss this!

For more information, to see a tentative schedule or to share your memories of camp, go to the 75th anniversary celebration page on our website.

REGISTRATION OPENS IN MAY! Be watching for more information and please pass this on to any Kenbrook friends or family that may not yet receive the TrailTalk!

Kenbrook's mission is to be like Christ in all relationships in order to facilitate a closer connection to God, self, others and nature. The Board of Directors are a dedicated group of volunteers with a passion and heart for Kenbrook Bible Camp and provide ongoing oversight and vision to the ministry. We are blessed by this group of leaders who have a heart for the Lord and for His children. We encourage you to pray for the Board and hope that by introducing you to them through this spotlight, that you can be praying for them as they faithfully serve and guide Kenbrook for generations to come! 

This issue's Board of Director spotlight is on Corey Faus

Corey is the fifth generation owner in his family’s insurance business, The Hess Agency, located in Manheim, PA. Corey has worked alongside his father, Steve, since 2014 at the agency. He works with families, businesses, and farmers as an insurance broker for various types of insurance products.

Corey grew up in Elizabethtown. He attended Elizabethtown High School and graduated from Messiah University in 2013 with a degree in business information systems. While attending Elizabethtown BIC, Corey became friends with Nick Ressler, who went on to be the executive director of Kenbrook from 2015-2019. Corey had grown up going to week-long summer camp and always appreciated the opportunity to learn about God, make new friends, and spend time outdoors. Through the connection with Nick and history of summer camp involvement, Corey joined the Kenbrook board in 2018.

Corey and his wife, Sarah, have a two-year-old daughter, Melanie, with another daughter on the way in February 2025. They live in Lititz and attend Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, where they help teach the Pre-K children’s class.

“Although I did not specifically attend Kenbrook growing up, I’ve come to appreciate the amazing place that Kenbrook is. There’s a special feeling of peace and God’s presence I get every time I’m approaching camp and pull into the driveway. I’ve so appreciated the opportunity to serve on the board alongside so many great followers of Jesus that each bring their own gifts and expertise. May we all continue to make Kenbrook a place that changes lives by allowing people to know the Lord, connect with friends, and be mentored”.