MORE THAN A THOUSAND CAMPERS COME TO CAMP. This spring I received several memos from the American Camping Association stating that camp enrollment had significantly dropped off for nonprofit camps, including church-affiliated camps; especially hard hit was the Northeast. Thankfully I am happy to report that Mechuwana's enrollment was still very strong. In fact, more campers came to camp since 1994, which was a record year. Several new camps like camp “I am”, three new basketball camps, and two new field hockey camps helped bring new campers to Mechuwana. Another very positive sign was that the number of younger elementary campers was at an all time high.
OVER 200 ADULT VOLUNTEERS One of the most exciting things to happen this summer was that more than 200 adults came to Mechuwana to volunteer. In recent years that number had been going down. These volunteers make it possible for us to run our program. The gifts that these adults bring to this ministry truly make us very special.
85 YOUTH LEADERS TAKE PART IN CAMP This summer over 80 youth from 8th grade to 12th grade volunteered at least one week . These youth provide a service that has become vital to the success of our program. Along with this service the youth leaders are providing the camp they are learning valuable life lessons. One of the wonderful things about this program is seeing that older youth relating to the younger campers, the love and tenderness they provide is truly inspirational.
We are also already seeing another benefit from this program, as the youth leaders graduate from high school they are returning to camp as adult volunteers. They understand that for us to continue this ministry it is up to them to carry on the tradition of “giving back”.
MECHUWANA ALUMNI - WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! For years we have asked families and individuals to contribute $25.00 or $50.00 a year and become a member of our Alumni Association. I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference those gifts have made to Mechuwana over the years. It allows us to purchase things that are above and beyond our operating budget, it has also allowed us to tackle projects that we could only dream about. Please consider becoming a member, your contribution helps ensure that Mechuwana will be around for the next generation.
Norman R. Thombs
Director
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