news article
Boundless opportunities at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center this Summer
June 7, 2022 / By Jillian Pietruch
Those of us who have experienced the blessing of Aldersgate know the deep, unerring sense of peace that can be found onsite. We carry these memories with us – triggered throughout our lives by a warm breeze off a pine tree, the sounds of nature, a hymn, or a hug from a lifelong friend. For a couple years now, the only way for most of us to reexperience camp has been through memories. Our world shifted and we were unceremoniously separated from our friends, families, and faith communit
ies. It certainly has not been easy.
A new season has come in 2022, allowing us to gather once again. This opportunity to reconnect with our community has been buoyed by past staff members, campers, and supporters of Aldersgate. We have worked together to complete workdays, fulfill more than $500 worth of programming items from our wish list, and prepare for this year’s campers.
After years of limited programming, interrupted by a pandemic, Aldersgate is thrilled to be offering six full weeks of varied and exciting camps! Many campers are looking forward to returning this summer for Horse Camp. Horse Camp allows kids to experience all the fun to be had at camp, while also visiting a local ranch each morning. At the ranch, campers will go on trail rides, and learn how to care for horses. We also recognize that for many kids, coming to camp for the first time can feel scary. To help provide a smooth transition into being a full-time camper, kids ages 7 – 10 are welcome to experience Dabblers Mini in July. This two-night adventure will include waterfront activities, campfires (s’mores!), nature walks, and plenty of time for games and sports.
Our theme for the summer is Boundless, providing a curriculum that allows counselors and staff to dive into the depth of God’s love with campers. Uniting structured Bible exploration, crafts, music, and nature teaches campers how each aspect of our experience here reflects the Lord’s care and love of us. We’ll explore how to carry these lessons as each camper leaves site to continue their own relationship with God throughout the year, full of anticipation for returning in 2023!
It's time for a new generation of Aldersgators to experience a community of Christians; to experience the joy of creation; to find within themselves the peace t
hat is offered here. Please join us in reaching out to the children in your lives - encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone, and into camp. An experience that will excite them, change them, and stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Children can be registered for camp at this link: aldersgate.campbrainregistration.com. For a paper registration form, click here. Any questions about this summer, or our retreat offerings, please email office@aldersgateny.org.