Dear Camp Friend,

Last year we created a new ministry opportunity for our summer staff and volunteers at Camp Kinawind and Judson Collins Center. In the past we had passed out devotional books to the young adults serving during the summer at our camps.  Last year we created our own devotional book. Our hope is that by doing this, we can continue to provide a more personal spiritual experience for the staff, one that shows how we are a ministry with the connectional ministry of the United Methodist Church and shares the passion of the camping community. We value the experiences that you have had in our camps and hope that you would be able to share those memories and experiences with the young adults on staff this summer.

We are looking for several writers to help with the creation of this devotional. Eight themes have been chosen that will be presented weekly throughout the summer and two days have specific formats. You can find information on themes,  and Bible Verses in the attached table.

Sunday’s: People of UM History

Thursday: Picture and Scripture

We would like each devotional to include a weekly theme, a camp experience, and a scripture. You may use the verses that we have listed with each week or a verse of your choosing. Feel free to include other Scriptures that might coincide with your message, some thoughts to ponder, or a small prayer. We've attached an example of the format and a message, so that you will have a better idea of what we are looking for.

We are looking for devotionals that represent each of the different roles at camp. Please keep in mind all of our staff positions (Counselor, Health Officer, Program Coordinator, Lifeguard, Kitchen Assistant, Media Coordinator, and Maintenance Assistant) and the ministry that each position provides.

In order to get the books printed and put together in time for Staff Training, we would need your devotionals by April 29^th. Please understand that your devotional might need to be edited. Our hope is that by providing the chance to experience something new, it will excite, encourage and uplift our staff members. Thank you so much for your assistance with the ministry of Outdoor & Retreat Ministries. 

Thanks!  ~  Judson Collins Center

New Year's and All Things New

It's a wonderful thing to evaluate ourselves, our lives, and line them up to God's standards. It can be a wake up call to live life in a God honoring way vs. a self honoring way.  Every year at this time people go crazy with their new year's resolutions. We make resolutions on things we are going to do, changes that we are going to make, and things we are not going to do. It is so easy to miss the opportunities that God has for us when we focus on our own plans and not his. 

It seemed fitting that we would introduce our curriculum for this summer at this time of year; when we are so focused on change. "All Things New: Look What God is Doing!" God is our creator and he is not done creating! In Isaiah 43:19 God talks about the New thing he is creating. There is so much potential within you that God can't wait to create with! 

 See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me, 

the jackals and the owls, 

because I provide water in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland, 

to give drink to my people, my chosen, 

the people I formed for myself, 

that they may proclaim my praise.

Isaiah 43:19-21

Do not let yourself get wrapped up in the challenges, defeats, and frustrations of your new year's resolution. I want to challenge you in your focus of change to look for God. Let me introduce you to the daily themes of "All Things New" and let's see if they won't help you observe different ways that God is doing something new in your life.     

Day 1 Guide: A New Thing (Isaiah 43:19-21)
Day 2 Guide: New Creation (Psalm 104: 24-33; Genesis 1-2:3)
Day 3 Guide: New Shape (Jeremiah 18:1-6; Isaiah 64:8; Genesis 2:4-7)
Day 4 Guide: New Expressions (Exodus 31:1-13; Luke 10:38-42)
Day 5 Guide: New Understanding (Acts 17:19-34)
Day 6 Guide: New Life (Ephesians 4:1, 15-16, 22-32; Acts 11:26)
Day 7 Guide: New Community (Philippians 1:3-6)

Happy New Year and may God provide streams in your wilderness and wastelands!

Have you created your new year's resolution yet? How are you going to let God do a new thing in you?

More information on the curriculum can be found at www.churchcampresources.com 

Dear God,

It's me again! It's a chilly rainy morning at camp. It's only a few short weeks until campers arrive. We have so many things that we have been planning and yet there is still so much we want to accomplish before they arrive.  It's going to be crazy with slime during You Can't Do That and challenging with Dangerous Camp for Boys. We'll have plenty of s'mores and cookouts, mosquitoes, and new friends. I love the dreams and excitement that build in campers and our summer staff as they think about summer and what could happen at camp this year. I pray Lord that you will work in amazing ways beyond their imaginations. I hope that they will not only grow in their relationship with you but in their character and self-confidence as well. I thank you for this time that kids can get away from what can be an overwhelming world and have a few mountain top moments to rejuvenate, rebuild, and experience God's love in new ways. Be with us as we prepare for camp this summer! Amen

Jr. Counselor Program

Do you reminisce about the good times you had at camp, the things you learned, the way your faith was challenged, and the friends you made? Now is your chance to help provide those same amazing memories to campers through the Jr. Counselor program. Once you have graduated from the CIT program you can apply to be a Jr. Counselor. You’ll have the opportunity to work hands on with campers and the program to apply the skills you learned in CIT. We’ll place you with a counselor that you will assist/shadow throughout the week. In the middle of the week we’ll take time to reflect on your achievements and areas of improvement. This program is for those aged 16 -18 and spots are limited. The application will be mailed/e-mailed to you and must be returned before being accepted into this program. 

Registration Coming Soon!

Want more information e-mail us at: judson.collins.center@gmail.com

This Summer's Theme is.........
                                    Secrets of the Kingdom!


You are invited to join us this summer as we journey through the parables of Jesus to discover the Secrets of the Kingdom! Jesus used stories to teach his disciples --and us-- about what it means to live in his kingdom. We'll look at the Master Storyteller, Jesus himself, to discover six different parables and invite the Holy Spirit to teach us through these sacred stories. 


Secret #1: We Are the Soil 

Secret #2: We Can Ask Boldly 

Secret #3: God is Generous 

Secret #4: God Treasures Us 

Secret #5: Jesus is in the “Least of These” 

Secret #6: God Plants Us in the World 

"And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people."   Matthew 4:23

Keeping Up with the Deer 

Since moving to camp seeing the deer has become quite a normal experience. It's to the point where when they see my car they no longer run but stand and watch me as I park and walk into the camp's office. So, when we got a new camera this last week I had to try it out!  A herd of six deer stood next to Ferguson Lodge as I walked out of the office and of course the one day I want them to ignore me they take off running! After tromping around the corner of the Dining Hall I was able to catch a few shots until they turned tail and ran! 

Register Now for Camp this Summer!


How do you choose which program to attend at camp? There are so many great choices and exciting programs! Take a moment, look them over, and see which one sparks your interest!