EAST OHIO CAMPS

Retreat Time is Upon Us!

There is a misconception that when summer camp is over, we close up the camp and plan for next summer. But that is not the reality for the East Ohio Camps sites. As summer staff and campers head back home, year-round camp directors and staff switch gears to retreat ministry mode and are just as busy as during the summer camp season.   Retreat guests have the opportunity to rest, relax and reconnect with each other and God as they head down the right path.

 Retreats offer encounters that can change the lives of individuals and the group in amazing ways. They are:

• Encounters with God – stepping away from the fast-paced lives we live can allow for periods of rest, renewal and reconnection with God.

• Encounters with Others in Community – folks long for connection, but lack time and practice at forming new relationships. Retreats can offer a safe place to connect with others.

• Encounters with the Creation – there is great spiritual benefit to being outdoors. The creation opens people to God in special ways.

Every year, we host youth groups, Bible study groups, United Methodist Women’s circles, and many others who take time to connect with God, with nature and with each other.  We provide accommodations year round for small intimate settings or a large group gatherings.

 If you want to find out more about the three retreat sites, visit www.EastOhioCamps.com. 

2011 Bring a Friend Contest Winner!!

We have a winner! Alexandra Macartney has won the “Bring a Friend to Camp contest.” Alexandra entered the contest by sharing her camp experience with a friend that has never attended an East Ohio Camps event. For her efforts Alexandra will be awarded an Apple Ipod Nano. Thank you to Alexandra and everyone who shared their love of camp with others!

Summer Camp Preview Days and Open Houses
As a way to help children, youth, and adults experience our East Ohio Camps the three campsites will be hosting summer camp preview days and open houses with refreshments, tours, information and activities. Dates and places include:
• Camp Aldersgate - April 9th from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, and May 22nd from 2 – 4:30 pm
• Camp Asbury - February 13th from 2 – 6 pm, and April 3rd from 2 – 6 pm
• Camp Wanake – March 6th from 2 – 5 pm, April 16th from 2 – 5 pm (with Resurrection Egg Hunt) and May 1st from 2 – 6 pm
For more information contact 800-831-3972, ext. 108 or check the camps out on the web at www.EOCSummercamps.org .

It’s Time to think about 2011 Summer Camp!!
Every year hundreds of East Ohio campers enjoy life-changing weeks at Camp Aldersgate, Camp Asbury, Camp Wanake or at one of the Other opportunities offered for youth – Reach Out, CYF and Lakeside Institute. Go to our website at www.EOCSummercamps.org for full event descriptions, great photo galleries, on-line registration or to download a form. Want a brochure that includes the event descriptions and registration materials? Contact us at 1-800-831-3972 ext. 108 or camp@eocumc.com and we will mail you a copy.

Wii have a winner! Anna Caldwell has won the “Bring a Friend to Camp contest.” Anna entered the contest by sharing her camp experience with a friend that has never attended an East Ohio Camps event. For her efforts Anna will be awarded a Nintendo Wii gaming system. In addition to the chance at the Grand prize, entrants received a $10.00 “Bring a Friend” discount on the cost of their next East Ohio Camps Event. Thank you to Anna and everyone who shared their love of camp with others!

A Great Article to Explain "Why we do what we do?"

In the days where “leave no child inside” is becoming so critical, every child needs to have the opportunity to experience God in nature. And, in a week of summer camp, there are more contact hours with campers than a years’ worth of Sunday school classes (if they had perfect attendance).........go to this link to see the whole article.  On the Spiritual Side

Summer Camp Preview Days and Open Houses

Check out all Camps Asbury, Aldersgate and Wanake have to offer!

 

Summer Camp Preview Days and Open houses at the East Ohio Conferences camp and retreat sites are coming up this spring.  Visit these beautiful sites with families and adults from your congregation. 

• Camp Aldersgate – April 10 with activities from 10:00 a.m. – 4;30 p.m. and May 30 with activities from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Camp Asbury – April 18 with activities from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Camp Wanake –March 27 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. includes Wanake’s Resurrection Egg Hunt at 2:30 p.m., and April 25 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact 800-831-3972, ext. 108 or check the camps out on the web at www.EOCSummercamps.org.

Announcing the "Bring a Friend to Camp" Contest

You love Camp!   Why not share it with a friend and get a chance to win a Nintendo Wii or an i-tunes gift card?  Share your brochure with a friend who has never attended an East Ohio Camps event before and encourage them to go to camp with you. If they attend, your name will be put in a drawing to win a Nintendo Wii or an i-tunes gift card. The drawing will be held on August 31, 2010.

On top of the chance to win, you will receive a $10 “Bring a Friend” discount on the cost of your event. Have a friend who has never been to East Ohio Camps sign up for an event. On their registration form, have them indicate they are a new camper and include your name and the event number that you are attending. When we have verified that your friend is a new camper to East Ohio Camps, we will credit your account with a $10 discount.  So, print out a registration form at www.EOCSummercamps.org, put your name and info on it and get recruiting.  Want more brochures, email us at camp@eocumc.com or call us at 1-800-831-3972 ext. 108.

See You at Camp!
Your East Ohio Camps Staff

An interesting article about our need for nature...

Someone turned me on to this interesting article about our need for nature.  Summer camp is a great way to meet this need in the lives of our children.  "In Our Nature"