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