This fall at Camp DeWolfe has been full of change, renewal and adventure! Each day includes a sense of anticipation as Camp DeWolfe prepares for re-opening this January. It is amazing to look around the grounds of the Camp and literally see the work that has already been accomplished in such a short period of time. As the fall progresses, so does the "major" work to the facilities, and I wish to share some of the good news and developments at Camp DeWolfe.
In regards to physical improvements to Camp DeWolfe, eleven of the retreat cabins have received a fresh coat of interior paint to provide a more comfortable experience for all guests, with plans to finish the rest of the cabin painting before the New Year.The pool has recently received a new shed and new plumbing has been installed so that campers can enjoy an outdoor pool to swim in next summer. The main entrance to camp has received a much needed improvement in the form of a brand new sign. Hopefully everyone will now know exactly where Camp DeWolfe is! Entering into October, work is also set to begin on the Dining Hall, as new bathrooms are added; the Meeting Hall, as new floors, windows and doors are installed; and St Luke’s Chapel, as new floors, bathrooms, chairs and new Altar window is installed to provide scenic views of the Long Island Sound. Lastly, Benson house has been newly re-furbished with beds, desks, drawers and everything else a retreat house could need!
Programmatically, Camp DeWolfe has already opened Summer Camp Registration for 2012 and has begun scheduling retreats and events for the year-round retreat season this winter and spring. A great resource in this process is the new use of "Online registration" for Campers and Retreat Groups (Camp Website), which makes the registration process more effective and accessible.It is only October and campers are already signing up for the summer camp sessions, while summer college staff positions are now open for interview and screening, with the hope to be filled by January 2012. We are already excited to have campers here in a little less than 8 months! The youth of our Diocese can expect to experience a totally revamped and exciting week of camp from 2012. Highlights each week will include canoe adventures in the Long Island Sound, sailing, wilderness skills, swimming, archery, camp fires, cross camp games and a great deal of surprises along the way! Sign up your youth for summer 2012 today!
This fall, Emma and I have also had the opportunity to visit each week with different parishes and Day Schools across the Diocese. We were able to share, in person, what is going on at camp currently, provide information about Summer Camp and Retreat programs, answer questions, meet many of you and play a great deal of games! It has been an amazing time to literally, "Spread" the word about Christ’s vision for using camp for spiritual formation, while experiencing the hospitality of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. A special recognition goes to St. Andrew’s Mastic Beach, St. Mary’s Hampton Bays, St Stephen’s Jamaica, St George’s Astoria and Grace Day School with whom we have had the opportunity to visit withspend some great time with. Thank you!
We are delighted to share with you just a few of the ways that the Lord has been working in this part of the Diocese.Jeremiah 29:11 says: "’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’" We pray that we all truly live into these words as we seek the Lord’s direction in all things and at all times. We thank you all for your continued support and encouragement and we hope to see you all here at Camp DeWolfe soon!
In Christ
Matt Tees
