Rob Watson,
Director of Camps and Conferences
Fall has arrived. Hanging in the air is the sweet, rich residue of campers and families laughing, singing, worshipping and playing joyfully. Peering through the departing whirlwind of camp, I am happy to report a very successful season!
I am full of gratitude for the directors at each site and their incredibly hard-working teams. Their tireless efforts of lovingly caring for thousands of campers through long, hot days and nights, little breaks and consistent action, all the while with little complaint and huge smiles on their faces, is such a wonderful witness of Christ’s love and the Glory all around us
Every year we invite guests to provide feedback on camp evaluations so we can better plan for next year. I thoroughly enjoy reading through the remarks and try to keep an open mind, listening carefully to constructive input, suggestions and compliments. Reading the comments, I am often moved and overcome with joy and gratitude, hearing stories about the campers, the staff and the Holy Spirit at work. It is inspiring and affirming to be listen to personal accounts of why the Christian camp experience is so important and necessary to our lives and faith journey’s.
Listen with me to some of the comments from summer 2024 at our three camps – Camp Capers in the Hill Country, Mustang Island Conference Center in Port Aransas and Duncan Park in Colorado:
“We came for rest, relaxation and healing. We are going home feeling rejuvenated and healed!”
“She left camp feeling joyful and thankful that we sent her….very emotional about the experience.”
“Ocean baptism – wow! Enjoyed beach time with set up from staff. No need for us to set up anything. No need to worry about meals – EVERYTHING was set up and ready for us!”
”…my son had a fabulous time connecting with new friends, counselors, nature, and God at Camp Capers. He had so many stories to share as soon as he buckled his seatbelt to head home!”
“Considering we travel from another state just for this camp, says how awesome it is and what a difference this one week, plus so many of the other year-round opportunities, makes! Thank you, God for Camp Capers!”
“I just want to be a normal kid. I’ve always wanted a family, and I feel like I have finally found a family and I don’t want to leave Camp Capers.”
“We are scholarship receivers- THANK YOU. There are no words to describe how much this means to our family that he can attend camp every year- it is a tremendous blessing.”
We are so blessed in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, to have such wonderful opportunities of shared experiences of Christian community, filled with awe, wonder and the majesty of the beautiful creation around us.
And it is important to remember that 1/3 of all camp participants can come to camp because of a full or partial scholarship. They get to come to camp because of the generosity of our diocese and the people in our congregations. We get to have the opportunity for transformation experiences filled with love and compassion, in absolutely beautiful places, because of wonderful people who share their blessings. Please consider making a gift to the Camp Scholarship Fund so that all can continue to share in our faith journeys together!
Registrations for 2025 Camps are open. They fill up quickly so be sure to register early! Learn more.
Thank you and God Bless!
Click here to return to laVentana Fall 2024 home page.
.avif)
