… ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’

‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

Luke 14:21-23

Are you thinking, what do those verses have to do with camp, or this month’s focus, scholarships, and getting the camp ready for summer?

Here’s why:

Many more children could be in the photo above.

But the reality is that not everyone has the funds to send their child to camp.

And many more workers are needed to get the camp ready.

So your help is vital.

Last month, the focus was on the Power of Camp.... 95% of parents reported, “It is clear camp had a positive impact on my child.

Are there children in your sphere of influence you can sponsor? Church, neighborhood, coworkers, friends?

If you have a particular child in mind and want to remain anonymous, you can send those funds to the camp and encourage that family to apply so that we can grant them the scholarship.

If you don’t have anyone, the funds you provide will provide for those without resources.

Below is a testimonial of someone who was encouraged to and provided for to attend camp.

It Is Worth It:

The Generational & Transformative Power of Camp

My experiences growing up as a camper were only possible because of a loving East Ohio district church family, Canton Calvary, who supported me in every way, including financially. I grew closer to God and with students from around the district, and adult leaders who continue to pour into my life to this day. Spending extended time growing spiritually and in nature also provided a much-needed pause from challenges at home. My camp experiences as a student are a major influence behind my current commitment to taking a spiritual retreat at least once a year, during which I spend as much time in God’s beautiful creation as possible. 

As an intern and youth pastor, I’ve witnessed students at Canaan Acres and beyond sharing vulnerably in small groups, getting out of their comfort zones, and surrendering to the will of God. Each year, there are students who enter the camp week hopeless and without strong connections who leave renewed and with flourishing friendships that last for years. 

As others did for me, I am deeply committed to doing whatever I can to remove barriers that keep families from participating in camp because I know from experience that camp is worth it. It is worth every penny. Every moment of preparation. Every sleepless night. Every vacation day taken. Every hard moment. It. Is. Worth. It. For those who sacrifice year after year to make each camp week a holy and meaningful one, thank you from the bottom of my heart! For those considering participating in camp for the first time this year, just do it, bring a friend (or five!), and watch in awe at how God works!

Maybe you don’t have the resources to help a child attend camp, but maybe you have a few hours to help get the camp ready.

A lot was accomplished on one Saturday with a small group of people. Details on May’s work days and projects are listed below.

April Work Day

We had a wonderful turnout of 10 workers with more than 60 hours of volunteer work.

May Work Days

Every Saturday and all week, May 11th-16th In other months, the 2nd Saturday is a work day

A Glimpse of God’s Beauty

Prime Time Spring Event

Our spring Prime Time Dinner and Worship time was a great success, with over one hundred people in attendance, great food, wonderful worship led by Pastor Brian Daniels and The New Beginnings worship team, and an inspiring message by Pastor Dave Lutz.

Thank you to those who contributed to our Kids’ Camp scholarship fund. Over $200 was raised toward scholarships for those otherwise unable to come.

Also, thank you to those who helped in numerous ways with the dinner.

Below are a few of the photos taken; go to our Facebook page, here to view more.