Less is More

The days are growing shorter, kids are settled back in school and temperatures are dropping (we hit the lower 20's a few nights ago).  It looks like we may need to hook up the plow and dig out the snow shovels sooner than later.  But, before we enthusiastically do so... we have some exciting projects underway.

Check out the trailer, our typical staff housing for the camp nurse.  Our project to enhance a few things in the "nurse's trailer" has blossomed into a few more ideas that will greatly serve our staff.  The trailer is receiving a little cosmetic surgery to the exterior which will also allow us to install new windows, interior flooring and walls.  With a new dividing wall the trailer will become two housing units.  The new unit will have a bedroom and full bathroom.  The original space will have a completely renovated bathroom as well.

Just the other day, I walked through the trailer (literally) with one of our camp nurses.  They reminisced about their home away from home and expressed their excitement for the renovations.  Keep an eye on the blog for photo updates!

Fall Retreat

This past weekend was our Shepherds Fall Retreat!  Rainy weather 
and temperatures dropping into the 30's did not keep us from having 
a great weekend.  

This year's fall retreat was a big melting pot.  We had dozens of new 
and returning campers.  Our staff from this summer were joined by 
new staff members and returning alumni.  We also had a great crew 
serving on front lines: setting tables, preparing meals, serving food, 
washing dishes, scrubbing pots and cleaning bathrooms.  We were 
blessed to have high school and college students serving for the 
weekend who came from Philadelphia, Lancaster, Houghton, 
Hanover, Lockhaven and of course, Binghamton.

Our campers and staff enjoyed fall crafts, table games, Bible & Music, 
activities in the gym, movie night and a huge game of Bingo.  Everyone 
was excited for the great food and desserts... especially the grilled 
cheese and hot soups on Saturday's rainy afternoon.  We topped off 
the weekend with our famous camp Pizza (with salad of course).

With all the excitement and fury of activity of this past weekend, our 
main focus was each other.  It was a great time to reconnect, serve 
together and care for our campers.

We are already looking forward to the Spring Retreat in April, 2013.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Yesterday we had the privilege of hosting local Special Olympics athletes for their annual Bocce Ball Tournament.  There is no denying it... the leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping.  It is fall here in the Southern Tier.  The athletes, their coaches, parents and a big group of volunteers braved the autumn weather for a fun (and quick) afternoon of Bocce Ball.  Rain forced everyone under the big canopy, but no one seemed to mind... especially since hot dogs and snacks were waiting for them.