Trail Talk Newsletter

May 2023

A Note from the Executive Director

His Marvelous Light


"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)


As children of God, we are called to walk in His Light and Love and to share it with others. We have no reason to hide it and we are blessed by the hope and assurance we have as part of the family of God.


How long has it been since we (I) have truly reflected upon the power and truth of this verse? I don't know about you, but I am so grateful that God, through Christ, has called me out of darkness and into His marvelous light. This gift and His mercy and grace to forgive and wash us white as snow gives us hope and reason to celebrate and share that message with everyone He brings across our path.


As we gear up for summer camp 2023, we are so excited to have the opportunity to share this truth with all our campers who will come to Kenbrook Bible Camp this summer! Our prayer is that each child and youth who attends will know the significance of a relationship with Jesus Christ and the privilege we have to proclaim His praises to the world.


Please join us in praying for the campers who will attend this summer as well as the staff who will give of their time and talents to disciple the children. Pray that campers will come with open hearts and minds to hear and accept the Truth of the Bible and that the staff will have the strength, wisdom, patience and love needed to pour into the hundreds of young people they will have the privilege of serving this summer.


Thank you for your on-going prayers and support as we head into our 72nd camp season (73rd year of operations)!


As always, if you have any questions or would like more information about how you can partner with us in prayer or financially as we continue to fulfill the mission God has called us to, please feel free to contact me at jmcfarland@kenbrook.org


Blessings,

Joe McFarland

WE ARE HIRING!

Kenbrook is still accepting applications for a few Summer 2023 positions as well as for other seasonal, part-time and year-round part-time positions. Would you or someone you know be looking for a job where you can truly make a life-long impact on the lives of children, youth and adults and work in a supportive and encouraging Christian environment?


  • Summer Staff (male counselors, male Beyond Counselors)
  • Year-round Kitchen Assistants
  • Weekday host (occasional)


If you would like more information please email us at info@kenbrook.org or to apply, go to Employment Opportunities 

Summer Camp 2023...Don't Miss Out on a Summer that Can Change a Life!

1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called out of darkness into his marvelous light."


We are so excited for this upcoming summer camp season as we focus on sharing God's radical love and helping all our campers realize the truth that they are God's special children and called into his marvelous light!


Registration is open and camp is filling up! We are thankful that we have been able to keep rates for this year the same as they were in 2022 thanks to our generous donors! So, don't delay, sign up today! Just click here to access registration.


MEET OUR NEW HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT

Samantha Lightner

Samantha is our new housekeeping assistant and has been working at Kenbrook since the beginning of March. She graduated from New Covenant Christian School last year. While she was in school she played varsity soccer for all four years, was a part of three high school musicals, and managed the girls varsity basketball team her senior year. She also enjoyed helping plan their prom and other class events as well! Samantha loves to travel and be with her friends and family. She is very grateful to be working at Kenbrook because it’s a positive atmosphere and she is surrounded by other believers who can help her grow her faith! 


We are so happy to have Samantha as part of our Kenbrook team!

45th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING

Registration is OPEN!

Whether you golf, know a golfer or just are passionate about ensuring ALL kids have an opportunity to come to camp, there is a place for you at the annual golf outing! All funds raised go to provide scholarships and financial assistance to families so that every child that wants to come to camp can do so! In 2022, we were able to provide over $26,000 in financial assistance to families thanks to the generous support of our golf outing sponsors and golfers.


To learn more about how you can participate as a golfer, event sponsor or camper sponsor, go to our website for details!


Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023


Location: Pine Meadow Golf Course, 319 Pine Meadow Road, Lebanon, PA 17046 *


* Buffet lunch served at golf course prior to start; full dinner afterwards at Kenbrook Bible Camp, Woodland Lodge Dining Room

DADCAMP

"Building Stronger Dads who Build Stronger Families"


REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!


Our first DADCAMP PA took place on October 7-9 with seventeen dad/child pairs! Each Dad received a copy of the book "Father God" and learned how to speak to his child's heart and show love, truth and life in meaningful ways to his son/daughter.  


From rousing campfires, "gorilla wars", fun games, zip lining and one-on-one times as father/child, everyone had an incredible weekend!  


A highlight was the closing activity on Sunday where each dad got to pray a blessing over his child and share his heart's desire for the child in the four areas of need in a child's life. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye to be found! 


Dads and elementary age sons/daughters (grades 1-5) plan now to attend DADCAMP 2023!



When: September 1-3, 2023 Register NOW at DadCampPA


Where: Kenbrook Bible Camp


You won't want to miss it!

Future dates to put on your calendar now


DadCamp

September 1-3, 2023


45th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing

September 28, 2023


Fall Work Day

October 14, 2023


Fall Family Fun Day

October 21, 2023


SPRING AND SUMMER 2024 DATES COMING SOON! Look for them in the Fall Issue of Trail Talk.


For a full description of events visit our website at www.kenbook.org

WE NEED YOUR INPUT PLEASE!

As we plan for the future of Kenbrook Bible Camp and develop our strategic goals for the future, we are seeking input from all constituents to help us get a clear understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. To help understand each, STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES are areas we have control over and are your perceptions and experiences with Kenbrook. OPPORTUNITIES and THREATS are areas we do not have direct control over, but what do you see as opportunities we might be able to take advantage of as a Bible Camp (ex. more outreach to local business community for corporate meetings) and threats are those areas/things that could threaten the mission of the camp (ex. changing family priorities and busyness).


To that end, would you please take a few minutes to complete a S.W.O.T analysis


Thank you so much for your help and time!

WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Your financial support not only helps provide assistance for all kids to come to camp, it is extremely important so that we can maintain all of our facilities well and to also provide additional opportunities for our campers and guests while they are here at Kenbrook. Due to the generous financial support of donors and numerous volunteers giving many hours of time, we recently were able to install a 9-hole disc golf course, a new archery range and a human foosball space! Additionally, we have been able to add lighting to our game plaza so our summer campers can enjoy the games and activities even after the sun sets! THANK YOU!!

WAYS TO SUPPORT KENBROOK BIBLE CAMP

WILL YOU HELP US REPAIR OUR GYM


The gym was built in 2000 and has served all campers and guests well over the years providing opportunities for fun, fellowship, team-building and exercise. It is actually the most used building on camp throughout the year by campers, guests, school groups and community groups. Last year, through a very generous donation, we were able to repair the entire air conditioning system which now allows us to manage climate and humidity. However, over the years, the ceiling and wall insulation has been deteriorating to the point that it must now be replaced. The anticipated cost for repairs is approximately $180,000.

Due to several generous donations, we already have almost $70,000 toward the total. A wonderful donor has also made a $50,000 matching pledge. Will you help us reach the the goal of $180,000 knowing that each dollar donated will be doubled up to $50,000 due to this very generous offer? To donate, please send donation to Kenbrook Bible Camp, 190 Pine Meadow Road, Lebanon, PA and put "gym repair" in the memo line or donate online at Donate to Kenbrook and add the note "gym repair."

Prayer Support


Jesus said in Matthew 18:19 "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Will you join us in prayer for Kenbrook Bible Camp and for all who come to camp that they may experience the love, grace and joy that can only be found in a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will you pray for the staff and Board of Kenbrook as we continue our strategic planning and vision casting that we have the wisdom to make decisions for camp that will bring honor to God and allow Kenbrook to continue to be a place where campers and guests can find rest, restoration, recreation and rejuvenation for generations to come?

Would you consider becoming a Campfire Circle Member as a regular financial donor?


Donors are a significant part of Kenbrook's ministry. In fact, approximately 25% of our annual budget (approximately $250,000) is dependent upon the faithful giving of our donors. We are so thankful for all who give of their finances to support the mission and vision of Kenbrook Bible Camp!


Have you heard about our Campfire Circle? Campfire Circle friends are our monthly financial supporters of Kenbrook Bible Camp. Through your monthly donation, you ensure a consistent source of funding that helps maintain and sustain the ministries of Kenbrook for generations to come! Will you consider supporting Kenbrook in this way as we strive to create an environment where campers and guests can grow in relationship with God, self, others and nature? For more information or to sign-up to be a Campfire Circle donor, click here.

SAVE THE DATE!
KENBROOK'S 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!!
Labor Day Weekend 2025
August 29-31, 2025


Staff Spotlight

Kenbrook's mission is to be like Christ in all relationships in order to facilitate a closer connection to God, self, others and nature. The staff (both year-round and seasonal) are integral to helping fulfill that mission. We encourage you to pray for the staff and hope that by introducing you to us through this spotlight, that even if you don't get to camp often, you know who we are and can be praying for us as we serve our campers, guests and all who come to Kenbrook. 


This issue's staff spotlight is on Andrew Leslie

Andrew joined the Kenbrook staff as Facilities Director in August of 2019. He graduated from Penn State in 2011 with a degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management where he focused on outdoor recreation and adventure-based programming. Andrew began attending summer camp at three months old, when his family took their annual trip to the camp that his grandparents helped to found. He participated every summer as a camper until he began working as summer staff, and finally as an intern. After graduating college, Andrew took a position at a camp in Tennessee where he oversaw the nature center and ropes courses. Later, he took a role at a camp and retreat center near Lancaster, PA and grew his experience in facilities maintenance. Most recently, Andrew worked at a summer camp in the Poconos where he worked in the operations department, overseeing the maintenance and housekeeping staff.

 

Andrew, his wife, Leah, and their three kids (Quentin 8, Violet 6, and Webster 3) all enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening and foraging, and watching The Great British Baking Show together. Andrew says, “Camp has always been a part of my life. Knowing the impact it has had on my life as a camper and staff member helps me in my role at Kenbrook to provide the best experience possible for our guests. All three of my children have grown up in camps, and my hope is that the next generation will see the importance of camp and the role it can play in growing your relationship with Christ.”

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