Streamside Camp and Conference Center Blog www.streamside.org
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Fun Fact
Total funding amounts to $125.3M.
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First Pilot then Plow
After 2 years of asking and searching, the Lord has provided Streamside with a 2007 Honda Pilot to replaced our retired mini-van. This durable and flexible vehicle will be excellent for camp. It will be used primarily for transporting teams and equipment for recruitment trips as we seek to partner with those who love the city to provide quality, life-changing Christian camping experiences. We acquired this vehicle with the help of Mission Auto Connection. Owners, Les and Sharon Revennaugh were missionaries in Bolivia and now use their business to assist missionaries in finding reliable, affordable and quality vehicles.
Now that the Pilot is in service, we will turn our attention in 2018 to replacing the pick up truck we use for plowing. Pennsylvania has strict rules regarding rust on vehicles and as you can see, we need an upgrade. If you, or someone in your network, has a plow truck to give, please consider Streamside. If not, maybe you can donate toward a purchase.
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Winter Blast 2018 Musicians
We are pleased to announce that Submerged Worship will be leading us in worship at Winter Blast 2018. Ian, Laz, Corens, Judy, Jill, Julian, Chris and Ollie are a band of young people from New York determined to spread the Gospel and submerge others into the presence of the Lord.
Winter Blast at Streamside is filled with both spiritual challenge and winter fun! It is a weekend packed with interactive sessions, indoor and outdoor games, snow tubing, great food, hanging out with friends and meeting new people. Please join us on Friday, February 9 - Sunday, February 11, 2018 for a weekend you will never forget. Registration and more information at ... http://streamside.org/winterBlast2018.php
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Urban Outreach Program Director: James Forte
We are excited to announce the calling of James Forte as our Urban Outreach Program Director. James will be joining us to provide programming leadership that firmly establishes Streamside as a sustainable ministry that continues to primarily reach urban children, teens and families with the Gospel through quality Christian camping programs. Last summer, James interned with us as Men’s Head Counselor, coordinating much of pre-camp training as well as managing our relationships with ministry partners. During his short time here, James had a tremendous impact on campers, counselors, permanent staff and ministry partners through his sincere desire to seek after the Lord. James has now graduated from Delta State University with a Master’s in Community Development with an Emphasis on Sustainability. James has over 6 years experience working with children and communities by way of the Peace Corps, Teach for America (teacher and athletic coaching) and as a Social Entrepreneur Fellow at Delta State. James will begin at Streamside on January 15, 2018. His primary focus will be recruiting campers through ministry partnerships, planning and executing Streamside camps and retreats, and assembling and mobilizing staff and volunteer teams.
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2018 Winter Blast
What do you want out of life?
What are you hopes and dreams?
What do you really want and how bad do you want it?
Glodi Konga is the fairly young men’s soccer coach at the University of Valley Forge. Craig Vincent is the significantly older Executive Director of Streamside Camp & Conference Center. Journey with them as they share how, through the Bible and life experiences, God has given them, and continues to give them, the desires of their hearts.
“ Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Winter Blast at Streamside is filled with both spiritual challenge and winter fun! It’s a weekend packed with interactive sessions, indoor and outdoor games, snow tubing, good food, hanging out with friends and meeting new people.
Friday, February 9 - Sunday, February 11, 2018.
http://streamside.org/winterBlast2018.php
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Don’t Stop Till You Get to the Top
I begin each week at Streamside by praying as I climb Big Pocono. When I first started this routine, I would come to a crisis point near the top when I would reason that this was far enough for today and I would consider abandoning the climb and heading back down. This was especially true on the mornings that it was wet, windy and cold or when the snow was especially deep near the top. The Lord instilled in my mind that I needed to complete the climb and this became symbolic to taking the necessary steps for Streamside to remain a sustainable ministry.
2 Kings 13:14-19 is the account of Elisha’s final prophetic role with Joash, King of Israel. Elisha asked the King to take arrows and strike them on the ground. Joash struck the ground 3 times and then stopped. Elisha informed him that because he stopped at 3 instead of striking 5 or 6 times, he would not have enough victories to defeat Syria.
We recently used our initiative course with a retreat group of 5th and 6th graders to illustrate this scriptural lesson. After having each of the 4 groups strike the ground with an arrow (which really puzzled them), we sent them out to complete the following...
Count how many times their whole group could run to the top of the tubing hill in 15 minutes (7 was the most)
Move their whole group over the medium climbing wall
Remove the tire over the top of the “King’s Finger” without it touching
Attempt to steal the “golden nugget” before the holder quoted Galatians 6:9 and opened his eyes
When we brought the 4 groups back together, we told them the Joash/Elisha story and it became one of those teachable moments that inevitably happens at camps and retreats.
It is common to do a lot but not enough. The boredom of routine, the discouragement of not seeing results or just the plain exhaustion from sustained effort might cause us to stop just before realizing success. You never know when that one more conversation, visit, call, email, post, meal or renovation (or whatever you do) will be the one that puts you over the top.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
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Taking the Word Home
As campers came to understand the everlasting kingdom they became part of at the point of salvation, we encouraged them to remember that away from camp at school, home or in the neighborhood, “They Still Got It!” To help with their continued growth at home, each camper has been receiving a customized devotional book from Keys for Kids. These booklets contain a daily scripture reading along with a contemporary story to help them apply the Bible to their lives. Each quarterly publication also includes a letter of encouragement from Streamside Camp and a reminder of upcoming camps and events.
It is our hope that regular reading of God’s Word in their home will impact both campers and their family members as God’s Word does what only God’s Word can do.
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With or Without S’Mores
Our most popular Streamside retreat packages include a campfire. Campfires can be held at one of our three beautiful and sacred locations. These memorable times are great for singing, skits, spiritual challenge and sharing of testimonies. In addition, we offer a S’Mores package (marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars and sticks) to enhance the fun. Many spiritual decisions are made around the campfire. Is this your story? Maybe those you love and serve will put their faith in Christ and commit to following Him around a campfire. http://ow.ly/Bi3m30g4UK7
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“Woke Church” Defined
According to the urban dictionary as well as Merriam-Webster, “wokeness” is a measurable state of awareness about what is happening in the world.” It has become popular in the context of racial tension and social injustice in reference to someone who thinks for themselves and sees what is truly going on around them. At Thriving’s Frequency Conference (which Streamside sponsors), the church was challenged to be truly "Woke” by letting Christ shine on us and the world around us allowing us to see things as they really are. Ephesians 5:13-14
But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
A Christian who is “Woke” 1) sees the Bible as the ultimate authority, 2) understands that the Bible is to be practically applied to our daily lives and 3) is concerned about both personal holiness and social justice.The resulting alertness from these priorities allows us to assess current events and personal circumstances in the light of God’s truth. As a church, we should be offering answers to society’s problems through the Gospel.
During Streamside Night at the Frequency Conference, pastor Bryan Loritts showed us how Peter, while in relationship with Simon the Tanner (a culturally taboo occupation), and after receiving God’s Word through a dream, was awoken to the inadequacy of the rule that prevented him from associating with Gentiles, because “God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.” Acts 10:28
The audio and video from Streamside Night at the Frequency Conference including Bryan Loritts’ teaching and Sho Baraka’s ministry in rap is available at https://gumroad.com/thriveinthecity#
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Send...Support...Serve
Together we can make a life-changing quality week of camp accessible for any child.
Life changing means that each camper is presented with the person and work of Jesus Christ and is taught to live of life of obedience.
Quality means that we are providing pleasant and safe facilities, ample and diverse recreational activities, a screened and well trained staff of Christ followers, healthy and tasty food as well as fun and creative programming.
A life-changing quality week of camp costs $325 per camper. We can make it happen by sharing this cost collaboratively between parent/guardian, a sending church of agency, the Summer Food Service Program and Streamside camperships.
SEND campers
SUPPORT camperships
SERVE on summer staff
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Time in a Tube
During our Labor Day Weekend Retreat, alumni young and old buried our 75th Anniversary time capsule. The waterproof stainless steel tube contained a variety of meaningful items collected by campers during the summer of 2017. We have left instructions for those who follow behind us to dig up and open the time capsule during Streamside’s 100th Anniversary in 2042. It is our hope that when this time capsule is dug up and opened, Streamside is still holding true to the teaching and living of God’s Word and continues to reach out to and welcome those who desperately need access to a life-changing week of camp.
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Streamside and the Frequency Conference
Why does a camp like Streamside sponsor a church focused event like the Frequency Conference? It comes down to 3 words: Bible, City and Reconciliation. Streamside is a camp that loves the Bible, loves the city and believes in reconciliation, both to God and therefore to other people including those different than us. Thrive In The City desires “to set hearts to the frequency of Christ on an urban frontier.” They are an urban resource collaborative serving urban missionaries. We love what they are doing because Streamside wants to see thriving, biblically solid and culturally effective churches in the urban context. The campers we love and invest significant time and resources in need these kind of churches in their neighborhoods.
In 2017, in honor of our 75th Anniversary and our legacy in Philadelphia, Streamside became the presenting sponsor for The Frequency Conference’s Friday night session which features Bryan Loritts as speaker and is followed by a Christian hip hop concert with Sho Baraka. A reception for Streamside takes place before the event. Tickets are free with conference registration or $10 for Friday evening only and are available at http://thrivingfrequency.com/register/.
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Work, Work, Work
How do young people view work? A graduated scale of attitudes toward work might look something like this....
1. Work is something to avoid at all costs. This is an attitude that seems to desire that everything is to be supplied to oneself without any effort. If you withhold it from me or make me work for it, you are being mean and unfair. I deserve it and if others have it, I should have it too.
2. Work is putting in time for money. A job is a way for me to get money. If I show up you need to pay me. This mindset allows me to be on my phone, talk to my friends and stand around not doing anything. It doesn’t matter if tasks are left incomplete or it takes a long time to complete a simple project. As long as I am here, I am technically working.
3. Work is an exchange of time and expertise for fair and reasonable compensation. I will do what is specifically asked of me to the best of my ability as long as I am being paid and feel I am being treated properly. I will work hard, especially if it means I can earn more compensation. If I do not feel I am treated well or paid enough, I will probably look for another place to work.
4. Work is accomplishing the goals and objectives of the employer in an efficient manner. Here the focus is not on me, but on what I am assigned to do. I do not need anyone to motivate me and will apply my energy, creativity and, if necessary, extra time and effort to do a good job and make the business or organization successful. I am a careful steward of time and resources. I feel good about my work when I can see how I am contributing the the vision and mission.
5. Work is God given calling. At this level, I see what I am dong as an assignment from God and will give my whole heart to do it in a way that glorifies Him. My excellent work ethic is part of my testimony. I go above and beyond employer expectations because I am serving God and not man.
Obviously, the ideal situation would be to move each of our mindsets as high up on the scale as possible. Through Streamside’s Service & Leadership Training (SLT) program, we are able to provide first time job experiences for a select group of older campers (ages 14-17). Our goal is to prepare them for the world of work and or ministry by instilling a biblical mindset toward work and giving them practice in both the hard and soft skills of employment while they serve in various roles at camp. In 2017, 13 teens completed the SLT program. We feel that as a result of their experience with us they will be far ahead of their peers when it comes to attitudes and competencies in regard to work.
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Salvation in Time & Space
2017 Streamside Labor Day Alumni Camp is Friday, September 1 - Monday, September 4, 2017.
Scottye Holloway, the new president of The Mendenhall Ministries, will be our Bible Teacher. TTM was founded in the 1960 by John Perkins and has been a model for how Christians can wholistically impact their neighborhoods.
Our Worship Leader will be J.M. Smith from the Lamb’s Church of Manhattan.
For more information and to register: http://streamside.org/laborDay2017.php
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Back to Philly
The Poconos became a destination for vacationers first from New York by railroad before highways made it accessible to tourists from all over the country. With this history and a location only 70 miles from the big apple, why is Streamside more closely tied with the city of Philadelphia which is 104 miles away?
Streamside opened in 1942 on the Perkiomen Creek near Boyerstown, PA as a camp for African-American children from Philadelphia who were attending BCM Bible Clubs. Even after moving to the present location in the Pocono Mountains in 1954, children from Philadelphia continued to the primary participants in Streamside’s summer camping programs. Although today, campers come from all over the East Coast, Philadelphia remains a high priority of ministry.
To honor this legacy of commitment to Philadelphia’s children, Streamside will be participating in a major event in Philadelphia where the vision began 75 years ago. Friday, October 13, 2017 will be Streamside Night at the Frequency Conference in Philadelphia. The Thriving Frequency Conference is an urban resource collaborative to serve urban missionaries. Join us at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for any or all of the following events...
5:00 - 7:00 PM: Streamside Reception (music, games, snacks)
7:00 PM: Friday Night Session with Bryan Loritts. Bryan Loritts is a pastor, author and speaker committed to seeing the multi-ethnic church become the new normal in our world.
Frequency Concert with Sho Baraka following Friday night session. Sho Baraka is a Christian hip hop artist and member of 116 Clique.
Tickets for the Friday Night Session with Bryan Loritts and Frequency Conference with Sho Baraka can be purchased online for $10 at http://thrivingfrequency.com/register/
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Sound Bites from Summer Staff
“Every relationship, every day, cultivating change, but God stayed the same. “
James Forte, Little Rock, Arkansas
“It was an amazing experience. Bunch of joy in the air.“
Emmanuel Ofori, Ghana
“It was a true blessing, but God’s favor and will to see the children influencing staff as well as staff influencing children.“
Deborah Adesina, UK
“It’s great to teach something you already know to the kids, but it’s also great to learn from them something that you need, but didn’t realize you needed.“
Benji Huanca, Bolivia
“We sparked an interest in these kids hearts through conversations and actions. We helped them grow in their faith and they helped us grow in ours.”
Shannon Smillie, Northern Ireland
“Summer went well. We reached alot of kids. Patience was key.”
Khalil Griffin-Lawrence, Philadelphia
“The summer was a chance to stretch, not only myself, but my campers. When helping people to grow, you must take away their feeling of comfort.”
Gregory Byrd, Paterson, NJ
“Despite the challenges, God was faithful and brought campers to a closer relationship with Him.”
Kayla Day, Susquehanna, PA
“Action packed and full of teachable moments.”
Sarah Brown, Stroudsburg, PA
“It has been a wonderful experience in growth of personal development, relationship with God in Christ and new found family of others who are on the same journey.”
Patrick Mattiaccio, Wilkes Barre, PA
“Amazing to see how God works in the hearts of campers and having fun at the same time.”
Dave Brown, Stroudsburg, PA
We are grateful for the team God sent us this summer. Their passion for God, commitment to the vision of Streamside and love for the children was evident as they set aside personal agendas, comfort and relationships to selflessly serve the Lord in the ministry of Christian camping. As you can see, a summer serving at Streamside, not only reaches children, but changes us as well.
www.streamside.org/join
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Get Out and Do Something!
“It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something—it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially,” says psychological scientist and lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas. “When you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone.”
The Streamside experience is more than just getting kids out of the city to experience nature and the out of doors. It is more than just having fun and teaching the Bible. One week of camp can make a profound difference in the lives of young people. Consider these important measurable outcomes that we have been tracking ....
First Time Experiences: 133 campers were new to Streamside in 2017
Skill Development: 7 out of 10 campers learned a new skill this summer
Social Development: 249 campers (that’s 89%) made a new friend
Spiritual Development: 6 out of 10 campers came to understand something new about the character of God and 114 (that’s 41%) made a meaningful spiritual decision
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Such a Great Salvation
“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation” Hebrews 2:3
This summer at Streamside, with the help of popular comic book characters, we sought to understand what it means to be saved. Using simple terms we explored the theological concepts of reconciliation (getting along again), substitution (put in place of), propitiation (turning away wrath), redemption (set free by payment) and dominion (absolute control). These concepts along with salvation stories like Cain & Abel, Noah, Abraham & Isaac and Rahab led to many questions, conversations and meaningful spiritual decisions.
I am pleased to report the following key statistics from the Summer of 2017....
Family Camp: 98
One Day Camp: 76
Teens completing Service & Leadership Training: 13
Kids & Teen Campers: 281
Spiritual Decisions: 120
Summer Staff: 39
Volunteers: 8
Collaborating Ministries: 20
End of Summer Camp & Retreat Guests: 1,057
Craig Vincent/Executive Director
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