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A letter from the Executive Director, The Rev. Peter SurgenorOur Best Wishes to you for a wonderful Christmas Season

December 2009

                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Dear Friend of Holmes:

What a year of change!! The Administration in Washington, DC changed, our interest in the businesses around us has changed and we see the world in a different way as we receive real time news from around the globe.

Campers at Holmes continue to change as they integrate the building blocks of Christian Faith and take next steps in their development as individuals. We had many camp groups learning this summer but one group stands out.

Six Junior Highs signed up to take an overnight hike on the Appalachian Trail nearby. For many it was the first extended hike and the first planned overnight away from camp. They poured over maps, they planned their menus and gathered food, they practiced setting up tents and they figured out how heavy their packs could be. They left camp on Tuesday afternoon excited and anxious. At camp we watched the weather and tried to imagine what they were experiencing.

We were not surprised, but were thrilled to hear the excited chatter of their voices as they climbed out of the van. I wish you could have been there to hear them. What a great time they had!! All during lunch they retold their trail experience in great detail. Then they kept us after lunch to interpret how the vespers services sounded different in the midst of the woods.

This is the result we hope for each camper. Many great stories like this came home from camp this summer. And we are planning for another great summer in 2010.

Won’t you contribute to strengthen experiences like this next summer? Your gift can support the ongoing operations of Holmes Camp or you can designate a gift to support Camperships for individual campers. This is an investment in the future of our church

 

In Christ,

Rev. Peter D. Surgenor

Executive Director            

Support the Programs of HOLMES Presbyterian Camp & Conference Center  

60 Denton Lake Road                                    845-878-6383/4    fax: 845-878-7824

              Holmes, NY 12531                                         e-mail address:   Holmes@HolmesCamp.org

 

                     HOLMES Presbyterian Camp & Conference Center is your Center, a special place apart to connect with God, to connect with creation, to connect with each other. Our programmed events cover all age and interest groups, running throughout the year, and the Center's facilities are always available for individual and groups to plan their own programs. We're always looking for new ways to respond to the needs and interests of our participants. Keep in touch with us about your ideas for new programmed events. Give us a call to make sure you're on our "Friends of HOLMES " mailing list!
 

Contributions

          HOLMES Presbyterian Camp & Conference Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) religious organization, and therefore all contributions (other than program or rental fees) are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

          Individual contributions of any amount are always welcome, and in a real way make the difference in bringing the Center's programs to the largest number of people throughout the metropolitan area. Contributions by check can be made payable to the "Presbyterian Conference Association", and sent to the HOLMES office at 60 Denton Lake Road, Holmes NY 12531.

Spread the Word

            So many people's lives have been dramatically affected by HOLMES Presbyterian Camp & Conference Center. So many of our church's members have grown in faith through the Center's programs. So many of our church's leaders have found their life's motivation and rediscovered their relationship with God on the trails and by the lakes and in the campfires of the Center.

          There are so many stories of the re-creative power of the living Christ, found for many here at the Center. Share your stories with your family, with your friends, with your congregation, with your Presbytery.
 

 Volunteer

          We can use help on a regular basis (once a week, twice a month, etc.)  around the site. During good weather, we can use groups or individuals to come and paint (interior and exterior), clear trails, now lawns and garden, and other odd jobs around the site.  Adult and youth workgroups can do weekend projects. 
          Ministers are especially encouraged to volunteer, as a way for children and youth to get to know clergy in a more informal setting. Volunteers can "earn" half the cost of a child’s week at camp for each week they volunteer.
          We are required to have all volunteers fill out an application. This will also enable us to schedule volunteers at times when they will be best utilized. If you are interested, please call the Center office (845-878-6383), and we will be pleased to respond with more information and an application.
 

Center Advocates in Local Churches

          In an effort to reconnect with the churches in the three Presbyteries of Hudson River, Long Island and New York City, the Board of Directors has recently established a network of people -- at least one person from each congregation -- to serve as a liaison between HOLMES and local congregations. HOLMES Advocates serve as an important information link, informing the congregations of upcoming events at HOLMES and providing feedback for future planning. The network of HOLMES Advocates is growing, and we'd love to have you participate as a contact point for your local church. Please call HOLMES at 845-878-6383 if you would like to serve as a liaison between HOLMES and your congregation.