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[Dominion Article, Apr 2007]
Waking up by the Sound on a bright sunny day with light glistening off the water, we wonder and celebrate the tremendous resource that this place provides to children, young people and adults in the process of discovering more about themselves, each other, God, and nature. As the spring approaches, plans for the summer program and service projects are well underway. Providing opportunities for the people of the Diocese to relax and renew is an exciting part of our work.
Summer Camp: For camper and staff applications, parish visits, staff interviews, and open houses, please see the camp website: www.campdewolfe.org, or call: 631 929-4325. Applications for Episcopal Charities Scholarships must be signed by your parish rector or senior warden and are available from your parish and on the website. The deadline for ECA applications is May 1, 2007. We are conducting interviews for the following summer staff positions: General Counselors, Activity Directors, Head Counselors, Support Staff, Medical Staff, Program Director, and volunteers. Please consider if you know a talented and caring person who would like to dedicate seven weeks in a ministry of service to children in a Christian community - a life-changing experience of discovery, spiritual growth, and good times. Please join us for "Pathways to Peace," summer 2007.
Compelling Research about Summer Camp: We now have significant research to underline what many camp alumni, educators, and parents have experienced and observed over the years, in "Directions: Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience." A summary of the largest research study of camper outcomes ever conducted in the United States, the research included more than 5,000 families and 80 ACA accredited camps and was supported in part by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.
The results offer compelling reasons for sending children to camp,.and along with several other studies, are available at: www.acacamps.org/research/ or from the camp office. The "Directions" study defines four important developmental domains as follows: Positive Identity: self-esteem, independence; Social Skills: leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, peer relationships; Physical & Thinking Skills: adventure & exploration; Positive Values & Spirituality: environmental awareness, values & decisions, and spirituality. In all four domains, the parents and campers surveyed showed significant positive growth during camp which was carried over into the home and school experiences of the camapers.
Church camps also play a special role in providing a beautiful natural setting for children and adults to experience the love of God more deeply, to help overcome prejudice and learn to live in peace, harmony, and unity. In many cases, they are cited as a critical formative spiritual experience by many clergy and adults in all walks of life throughout the country.
Nature Service Projects: This beautiful site helps us learn about creation and our special responsibility as stewards through bible study, reflection and hands-on nature study and stewardship projects. Rather than one of exploiting the earth, our role can be to respect, appreciate, and help to sustain life for all of God's beloved creatures "God provided grass for the cattle, water for the trees, nests for the birds, and high mountains for the goats" (Psalm 104).
Below are three wonderful teaching, team building and service opportunities that youth groups, scouts, and church groups of all ages can be involved in. Help is needed for planting, clearing and building, as well as writing a manual, purchasing and/or obtaining supplies and collecting donations. Jeff Gottlieb, MS in Biology, our staff naturalist, will provide instruction, narrative walks, and supervision for these projects.
1) Building a Pond Habitat. We are building a small pond at the spring seep at the west edge of the beach trail. The pond will attract and support local and migratory wildlife, creating a rich nature study area for children and adults.
2) A self-guided nature trail will give visitors a narrative and focus for appreciating and studying the native plant species and the fascinating ecological principles at work.
3) Two planting projects: a) native trees throughout the camp where needed to provide additional shade, enrich the soil, and help control erosion. These may include red maple, red cedar, black birch, gray birch, sassafras; and b) to control erosion on the slope of the bluff, we will plant and maintain new bayberry, grasses and beach plum.
Youth Groups
and Community Service: We continue to offer special programs at a minimal fee to youth groups who may stay in a comfortable heated lodge and choose from meal service or the option to cook their own meals. Youth group weekends have been very successful for confirmation, study, mission planning, and team building retreats. We recommend including service projects from a list that will be tailored to your group. Many
high school age volunteers have
received Community Service credits
for their work projects. Please
call the camp office to request
a brochure about Community Service
Projects. "High adventure," canoeing, hiking, nature projects, nature study, arts and crafts and other earth-oriented activities can be part of your program as well as worship in St. Luke's chapel with its spectacular view of the Sound. The climbing wall and challenge course are available as a. facilitated program, using metaphor for bible study and reflection.
"We held two weekends, one in the fall and one in the spring. From a facilities standpoint, they were tremendous. The food was great. We balanced teambuilding, study and fellowship. The location and setting were very conducive to all three aspects of what we were looking for." Youth group leader.
Correction to the February Article: Barbara Hagen and Dr. Claudia Williams accepted the award on behalf of Ina Mae Loi.
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