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THE QUILL
November 2014
A Year of Changed Lives
How does one capture an entire year of ministry in a thorough, but concise way? It’s a challenging task (and one that is likely to suffer
from memory lapses) but here are a few highlights.
Our “off season” began in its usual way, with a number of guest groups
interspersed among our own ministry events. We have worked hard to
develop ministry events in all four seasons, and this year 55 summer
staff, LITs, and CREW joined us for our annual staff retreat in late
January. God reached in, broke down walls, restored hope, and inspired
His children. One of the youngest participants said it best when she got
home, and posted this update on facebook “experienced so much of
God's INCREDIBLE power this weekend!! Lord you are SO good :)
Our off-season ministries are thriving at Kahquah, as the attendance at
our annual Men’s and Ladies Retreats each doubled this year, and our
annual Family Day Winter Weekend Retreat had more than 75 guests for
the February long weekend. At the end of each of our ministry events,
we heard stories of renewal, hope, faith, and a new sense of belonging.
“I came there on Friday emotionally and physically
exhausted…and I am still exhausted, but facing today was a bit
easier, and tomorrow is looking like a challenge I can take on.”
(Ladies Retreat participant)
Our early summer Work week is called Work/Play/Pray. This year we
accomplished each of those tasks thoroughly! We completed several
large projects, and many smaller ones. We met for prayer every morning
before breakfast, and we spent two hours on Sunday walking around the
property praying for each area. We welcomed 30 participants this year,
up from our usual attendance.
Our Kid’s camp sessions were full of encouraging stories. Our new camp
Kahquah Kubbies had a great second year of existence, with 7 campers
and their parents attending alongside NOVA campers (up from 2
participants last year). During QUEST camp, Liz Bonisteel and Laura
Droppert functioned as co-Camp Pastors, and their giftedness as teachers
and sensitivity to the Spirit produced much fruit in the lives of our
campers. Ten campers made first-time decisions for Christ on
Wednesday night alone, and many, many more made commitments to
grow closer to God, read their Bibles, and make efforts to establish
Christian community. During BLAZE, campers were spontaneously
walking up to their leaders, asking to be taught how to pray, and how to
receive Christ as Lord of their life. CREW participants arrived home
with a faith and maturity that thrilled their parents. Wilderness
adventure camp was introduced, and the participants LOVED it.
ASPIRE leadership camp welcomed twenty 13 and 14 yr olds who
took significant steps forward in faith and leadership. In chapel
times that ASPIRE shared with the BRAVO campers, camp pastor
Shelley Johnson made a deep connection to the lives of many. One
night at chapel, campers told their own stories, and it was sobering
to hear how much pain and struggle young teenage campers face.
Many stayed after chapel for prayer and counsel.
Family Camp had the worst weather many could recall, but still had
an incredible dynamic of family, community, and faith growth. It
was heard said that the sense of community grew as campers were
forced indoors to play together, rather than gathering in their
traditional groups. Even first-time campers who experienced a week
of rain and cold were registering for a 2015 spot before they left.
Mark and Janet Soppit, who served as Family Camp pastors for the
first time (and on short notice) used a vulnerable, personal style of
teaching that touched many. It was encouraging to see chapel
attendance grow each day as Family Campers connected to their
teaching.
“This week at family camp gave me hope again, and a new
container to hold it in.” (Family Camper)
Retirees Retreats grew in attendance this year, and were a place of
personal spiritual growth that might surprise you. Pastor Clare
Lebold was used by God in life-changing ways, and the duo of
Glennis Giles and Vi Williams brought warmth and laughter to our
guest’s experience. The retreats have a new name for next year
“North of Fifty”, as we are committed to creating fun and spiritually
encouraging experiences for those in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and
beyond.
The Thanksgiving Work weekend brought 100 people to camp for a
weekend of prayer, hard work, and family time. The work crew
included individuals from early childhood to others in their 70’s. As
always, there was a warmth and camaraderie that makes
Thanksgiving at Kahquah a tradition for many families.
God was at work in the lives of Kahquah campers and retreat guests of all ages this year. We thank Him for His hand of blessing and
protection on each one.
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The Quill
November 2014
Wish List
Kahquah has a couple of items we would appreciate receiving as donations at year-end,
but before we ask, we would be remiss to not first express thanks for the generous gifts
received in response to our requests last year in the Quill. Our sincere thanks go out to
the donors who amazed us by supplying the camp with a new golf cart and a Mule
(ATV-type utility vehicle) in this past year.
This year there are two key items we are hoping to have donated. They are:
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A utility trailer that we could pull behind our truck for transporting the riding
lawnmower, loads of brush, firewood, etc.
A 30 quart floor mixer for the kitchen
If you can donate these items or offer them to the camp at a greatly reduced price we
would appreciate it! If there are any other items that you think camp might be able to use,
please let us know. All donations receive a tax receipt for the fair market value.
Retirees Retreat – A Pastor’s Perspective
By Clare Lebold
Is Retirees Retreat at Camp Kahquah a time for filling the spiritual tank, a celebration of community and fellowship, a
time to hone the crokinole or shuffleboard skills, or just a time to rest, relax, and be renewed in spirit? The joy for me as
a pastor is to have seen all of the above, and more, occur this year.
I observed the buzz of conversation as past friends met and shared a coffee over desert; the introductions and inclusion
as newcomers slipped into the dining room for the first time, and the beautiful times of prayer that took place. These all
spoke to the significance of people and relationships, and I believe that Jesus would say “Yes & Amen”! When “L”
arrived she was nervous, scared in this “first-time” experience. Yet when goodbyes where being shared on Tuesday
morning, the hugs, smile and joy on her face spoke of friends made and a heart that God had touched.
“As the weekend carried on I was just in awe. Like something had come over me finally and I was changing… I'm so grateful
for my 4-day get away and pastor Clare. I am continuing to make amends with those that have hurt me in my past and also
those that I have hurt. I pray that God will continue to work miracles in my life.” (Retiree Retreat participant)
Oh yes, we had our share of rain, but we also saw trees proudly displaying their sun-drenched colours. We heard
laughter and ribbing on the shuffleboard courts, and good jokes after dinner. We laughed with, and at, Glennis as she
reminded us why we were paying $15 for that jar of pickles at the fun auction “It’s for the children” (all funds raised went
to the Camper Assistance fund). There were wagon rides through the bush, a pontoon cruise to Magnetawan, hikes and
teachable “nature moments”.
In spite of all those memories, the ones that remain include those moments when Christ was so evident, those moments
of wonder when God surprised. I saw servant hearts as dirty plates were picked up from my table, compassion as a staff
member carried a plate of food for a guest with a cane and the evidence of faith as life experiences were shared.
Can you imagine the years of service for God, ministry and faithfulness represented in a group of 30 or more individuals
from across the church? Yet in the midst of all this, there was a deep hunger and thirst for more. There was a desire to
grow in God, to learn, stretch and to commit to a greater walk of obedience. What an encouragement and blessing! Yes,
many of us also carried hurts, fears and deep concerns. And as we shared together in the holy act of communion, stood
before the cross and chose a nail while committing to a walk of obedience, or gathered around to anoint and hold up
another in prayer, we were reminded that our God is still on the throne. He is a faithful God, a God of love who desires a
relationship with us at whatever age and stage of life we find ourselves. We are never too old, too retired, too busy or too
overwhelmed to exempt us from God’s goal to work in and through us. Let me conclude with a reminder for those who
were with us this year and an encouragement for those who could not make it. “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in
Him for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves, rests between His shoulders” Deut. 33: 12
Are you “North of 50” and never been to Camp Kahquah in September? I strongly encourage you to take the step;
register for next year. You will not regret it!
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The Quill
November 2014
What I Love About Family Camp By Laura Winger The last day of my camp season was Thursday, August 25th, and it was a bittersweet day. I love Camp and all it means for so many reasons, and I'll share some of them with you below, but by the end of a busy summer, despite it being great to go home and get back into my n ormal routine, it's always a little bit devastating to pull out of the driveway for the last time.
I think it's safe to say that those of us who stick around all summer as staff have a favourite part of camp. For me, it's Family Camp. Those three weeks are something I hold out for all through the crazy, insane, hectic bustle of Kids' Camp. I don't want to say that I try to rush it, because Kids' Camp certainly has its own amazing qualities, but I adore Family Camp, and want to tell you why. All three weeks of Family Camp have their own unique charm. It's partly because the pastor is different each week (can I tell you h ow much I love being challenged with something new each week?). This summer Tim Day, John Gibbins, and M ark and Janet Soppitt – and all that they taught and encouraged us in – sent me running for Jesus in a new way as I learned from fresh voices and fresh experiences. Each camp is unique in part because the directors are different. We brought on two b rand new sets of Family Camp directors this past summer – Sarah Taylor, and Graeme and Caitlin Hogg, all of whom did an awesome job at bringing in fresh new ideas and experiences for everyone there. Each camp is unique because of the people, many of whom I see only once a year. Everyone seems to have their set week (although I'm sure we'll see new mixtures and dynamics this coming year with the addition of a fourth week), and I love getting to spend time with people I left behind when I moved away from Wainfleet. A huge highlight for me this summer was getting to jam on my fiddle on the porch of Old Tuck and at the Cafe night with Jim Lambert. Another part of why I love Family Camp is because there's no other place in my life where I get to worship in a venue like the Chapel. I'm not familiar with the science of acoustics, but there's something incredible about the way sound travels around the Chapel. Sitting in the front row of the Chapel with the band Laura Winger and Jim Lambert entertaining
or worship leader in front of you, and everybody else's voice b ehind you... it's the crowd at Café night.
something that moves me every. single. time. Lastly, my favourite thing about Family Camp (well, all of camp in general, really...) is the ability we have to profoundly impact the lives of those who come to hang out with us. There were a number of baptisms this summer (including my own during Zenith), and that, to me, speaks volumes about what camp does in the lives of the people who join us. God’s Spirit is certainly present at camp, and I think that it is evidenced in the number of people who feel that Camp Kahquah means enough to them – not just as a vacation spot but also as a place for spiritual refreshment – that they would make the decision to follow that command in the waters of Ahmic Lake. I have to close now, so I can't keep telling you what I love about Family The Mike Brownlee Family celebrating the
Camp, but if you find me during one of the four weeks in 2015, I'd be baptism of Grace and Emma.
happy to tell you more. See you in the summer!!
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The Quill
November 2014
Our Camp Kahqu ah Story By Tim Hershberger Wow! Where do I begin? Where do I stop? We have been a part of family camp for fourteen consecutive years. That first summer Joshua was sixteen, Joel was thirteen, and Danae was seven years old. Ken Winger and his sons, Kenny Jr. and Curtis, thought our family would enjoy Camp Kahquah and the rest is history. Thank you Ken for thinking of our family and extending an invitation to camp! Camp Kahquah quickly became a very special part of our summer. Teenage years of a family’s life can be quite challenging, but this was one week that took no persuasion to journey north. It became the most anticipated family event of the year. Of all the fourteen years of Family Camp Joel has missed two camps, which were not reasonably avoidable. Otherwise the entire family has been at camp each year. Joshua and Joel’s spouses, Emily and Kirsten respectively, have been at camp the past two years, and eagerly look forward to next year. All of us look forward to the week at Camp Kahquah with much anticipation. Spending a week with friends removed from routine schedules offers opportunities to connect with people and helps friendships flourish. Truly, some of our closest friends have been made at camp which is very much due to the amount of time we are able to invest in each other. We have never felt alienated because of our USA citizenship. We are part of the Brethren in Christ Church which does present a common denominator and a sense that Kahquah is our camp as well. We have, however, tried to remember ourselves as guests (as everyone should) and not ever taken camp for granted (as nobody should). We have appreciated numerous camp pastors over the years that have contributed to our spiritual growth and, of course, boating and fishing are just huge blessings. We have enjoyed grilling our food (BBQingJ) and eating around the picnic table as a family. Campfires, singing, star gazing, and watching people enjoy each other is so fun. It makes the 830 kilometer journey to camp so worth it. Game time at the closing of the day is the best with friends. Weather can vary from year to year, but we find the following to be true at Kahquah: “Fun in the sun is great but rain and cold can never the fun take.” Tim Hershberger Family at
Kahquah this past year.
At times other than Family Camp we have traveled north and numerous Camp Kahquah families have traveled south to share in personal events such as weddings, graduations, or just to get together for a few days. We have laughed and cried together as we shared in the many happy times as well as disappointments. One of my favorite memories at Camp was when Danae was around 10 years old and, upon arriving at camp, a group of young girls came running up to welcome her. That is oh so sweet to watch as a parent! Camp is a place to grow relationships and that only happens when one allows him/herself to come away from the strains of work and daily routine. You see, God created man because he wanted to have a relationship with us. We are created for relationships, to enjoy each other and worship the King! When we pursue this intended purpose of our creator we realize how important relationships are. We better understand that relationships have no geographic boundaries. We better understand that as believers “we are not citizens of this world” but of Heaven with our Creator, Lord and King. How sweet it is to be a part of the family of God. Our family has been enriched through Camp Kahquah. Thank you Father, for your blessings of our Camp Kahquah family, and your promise of eternal life together for all those who accept your provision of forgiveness. Tim and Lynette Hershberger (and family) Dalton, Ohio 6
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