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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
November/December 2006 |
South Indiana provides experience for nearly 800 campers
By Shari Wauzzinski
More than 94 percent of junior and senior high campers made a significant decision to follow Christ at camp. |
There are more than 250 United Methodist-related camping sites throughout the United States. Three of those sites are in South Indiana at Camp Moneto near Nashville, Camp Indi-Co-So near Springville and Camp Rivervale near Mitchell.
This year, South Indiana Conference Outdoor Ministries opportunities included 40 summer camp options from traditional cabin camping and retreat center experiences to off-site adventures such as backpacking the Appalachian Mountains or spelunking in Lawrence County. The most successful ones by attendance were the Dramatic Arts and the Tenderfoot Horseback Riding camps.
Ian Hall, associate council director of Outdoor Ministries for the South Indiana Conference, recently told Together that new for 2006 were two new age specific curriculums. "Treasure Seekers" invited elementary-age campers to embark to a treasure hunt - "more precious than gold, more lasting than diamonds, this treasure is the greatest treasure of all - God's unconditional love." Another camp, "Soul Survivor," provided junior and senior high campers with a culturally current, interactive, biblically solid curriculum.
Hall reported 789 children and youth attended South Indiana Conference programmed summer camps this year and another 370 people used retreat centers during the 2006 camping season.
"With journaling, projects and daily devotions, the Christian life becomes whole, rather than an isolated Sunday experience," said Hall.
"Outdoor Ministries strives to provide individuals with an opportunity to meet with Christ on their own terms, allowing them to take time away from the day-to-day bustle of life and relax in an intentional Christian environment," he said.
Using exit surveys, Hall said more than 94 percent of junior and senior high campers made a significant decision to follow Christ at camp while more than 90 percent renewed their commitment.
Participants range in all ages from early elementary through senior high school. There also are grandparent/parent/child camps and camps for those with disabilities. The non-traditional, off-site adventure camps help serve the spiritual needs of adolescents and adults by immersing participants in a full camping experience.
During the past five years, Outdoor Ministries in South Indiana has seen a decline in attendance and funding. Hall attributed this to an ever-increasing number of activities competing for youth's attention. Despite these setbacks, he thinks outdoor ministries will continue to have an impact on the lives of Hoosier United Methodists.
Outdoor Ministries through "the generosity of the members of the South Indiana Conference," also sponsored 63 campers, Hall reported.
Outdoor Ministries also raised more than $25,700 to establish a permanent sponsorship fund that will continue to serve Hoosier United Methodists for many years to come. Outdoor Ministries is looking forward to serving as many Hoosiers as possible during the next camping season.
What's next for 2007? "I look forward to the opportunity to build on what has historically been a successful Outdoor Ministries program. The important and life-changing work of Outdoor Ministries is only made possible due to the hard work of hundreds of volunteers each year," Hall said.
For more information on South Indiana Conference camping, visit www.sicumc.org and click on Outdoor Ministries or phone toll-free 800-919-8160.
A story about North Indiana Conference camping ministries will appear in the next issue of Together. In the meantime, for information on North Indiana Conference camping visit www.impact2818.com or call toll-free 800-783-5138.
Shari Wauzzinski serves Indiana Area United Methodist Communication as an intern from Butler University.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008