September was busy here at the camp with preparations for our Canaan Acres Extravaganza. Looking back, I must admit I was a little nervous about the event. Since Mike and I started our full-time ministry here, we have not tried doing anything like this and we were not sure what to expect. But, before I go into telling you all about this awesome event, I want to give a big shout-out to Courtnie Eckelberry, Jackie Berdych, Beth Bailey, and Pastor Cassy Wynn as they were a tremendous help in planning the event and food. 

The event included two bounce houses, carnival games, a corn hole tournament, face painting, a chili cook-off, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, vendors, food, photo booth and hay rides. All with plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

Pastor Ray Harris won the chili cook-off with a white chili, with many saying it tasted like Chipotle. Dale Powers and Jeff Deem won the Corn Hole Tournament, and Cathy McClosky took home the Getaway Gift Basket, which included a 2-night stay here at the camp with restaurant gift cards, continental breakfast, camp merchandise, and fall-themed items. 

We are excited to say that it seemed to us that with all the feedback and talk everyone had a great time.

Check out our Facebook page here for more photos. You will see the many volunteers who gave us their entire day to help support us and make this day what I think was a tremendous success! I count around 26 adults and teens, 7 Caravanners, for a total of 154 volunteer hours for the day, which is amazing! Wonderful things happen when we all work together.

This past spring our Sunshine Cabin took a big hit with flooding and sewage backup, resulting in a total gut on the inside, making it unavailable for use this summer due to a lack of funds. The Extravaganza raised enough money to cover the expenses of the day, with roughly $1,200.00 left over to start the renovations on the Sunshine Cabin. We need more funds to be raised, but we can get started on repairs while praying that the remaining funding and volunteers are available to get it ready for our next camping season. 

 As I said at the beginning, it is now October. This month we are focused on winter storage, preparing for a benefit dinner for a board member, Larry Ritterbeck, and hosting our annual Truck or Treat. As we look to the future, we are gearing up for a Scout troop in November and meeting with new potential groups for more camps in 2026.

 Enjoy your October and stop out and see us. We would love to partner with you for your event or activity. 

 Laura Kimball

Caravan

Caravan is a scouting based club committed to developing the physical, mental and spiritual growth of children.

If you or your church is interested in Caravan and would like to join us, just check out the camp calendar on our web page for our meeting dates and times. We are here to help enhance your ministry.

If you are new to the program, feel free to contact the office for more information at canaanacrescc@gmail.com

Caravan Mum Sale

The students started the year with a Mum Sale with the proceeds going to their Camp Pond Project, raising $415 towards 2 solar fountains that are needed to balance the pond ecosystem.

Future projects include benches, a pathway to the dock, chemicals to keep the pond clean and maintaining the flower beds.

Upcoming Events

See the front page of the website to view the calendar and events for details.

Volunteer Work Days (Saturday’s 9am-3pm) lunch provided

• October 11th

• November 8th

  There are many closing camp tasks/projects that we need help getting done and we hope to see you there.

Caravan Dates (Saturday’s 10am-11:30am)

• October 4th, 11th

• November 1st, 15th 22nd

Special Events

• Saturday October 18th 4pm-7pm Lasagna Benefit Dinner for Larry Ritterbeck

  • Contact Brian Daniels to volunteer

• Sunday October 26 3pm-6pm Trunk or Treat

  • Decorated Trunks and/or candy - help up connect with our community!