News from the Mountain Top

Dear Camper,

My heart is in the mountains. Ordinarily, at this time of year, Camp is filled with young people making joyous noise, learning about themselves and others, and discovering their own reasons for loving Camp. Sadly, this summer, Camp is quiet, and we are all missing our home in the mountains. We wanted to create a catchphrase and logo that summed up these feelings, and “My Heart Is In The Mountains” seems to express it well. You will be seeing this icon a lot over the coming months, and I hope it will remind you of your touchstone in the mountains and that special feeling you have for Camp.

When I think back to hiking with my dad in these mountains, backpacking with my friends up to San Gorgonio peak, attending Girl Scout camp on the east side of Jenks Lake, and working during my college years at a camp nearby, I am reminded just how much I love being in the woods under the canopy of tall Ponderosa trees.

My dad was a college professor and had the same school holidays as his kids, so we were always packing up the car and heading out for a camping or fishing trip. These were the vacations that fit the family’s budget, and they were the very best of vacations! Climbing rocks, wading into streams for frogs, building campfires, roasting marshmallows over coals, telling spooky stories at night, sleeping out under the stars. It was great family fun. We spent our summers tripping to Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Tetons, Yellowstone, and more. In our minds, no vacation could be better than our tent trips to the national parks, and our backpacks to the Sierras and beyond!

Childhood was good. I had a father who was passionate about his work and parents who enjoyed spending time with their kids. In high school when I told Dad that I just couldn’t make up my mind whether to be a teacher, business owner, or a forest ranger, he said to me, “Well daughter, whatever you choose to do in life, just have passion for it. You will be doing it for a very long time!” Camp has been that career for me. And de Benneville Pines has had my heart and been my passion from the first day I arrived 25 years ago.

As you read this newsletter today, take time to think of Camp and the things you love about being in the mountains. And share these thoughts and your camp memories with us (see “Your Turn!” below). Let’s journey in our minds to the mountain top. Let’s join hands and hearts in song. Let’s laugh. Let’s love. Let’s share. Yes, my heart is in the mountains, and, in my mind, you are here beside me. Together, we are home.

Be safe and stay healthy. I cherish you all.

Janet James

Executive Director,

Your Beloved Camp

Upcoming Events

Virtual Adult Camps are open for registration

Camp is not the same without hearing your laughter, seeing campers enjoying the pool and hot tub, or the all-day busyness of the camp kitchen and lodge. We all are missing the familiar this summer. At Camp, we are also creating something new for you. Whether you are a regular visitor, have not been to camp in years, or are new to the possibilities of camp, Virtual Camp is a great way to connect or reconnect with others and try something new. Register for each virtual camp separately so you receive important information and updates. 

 Visit the Camp Calendar to learn more and to register >>>

Camp Happenings

Camp’s COVID facelift 
Without campers, the staff and volunteers have turned their attention to sprucing up camp. The facilities are being repaired, restored, and rejuvenated, as we continue to attend to maintenance projects that are long overdue. 

See photos of the Homet Lodge exterior painting project >>> 

Your Turn!

For everything there is a season

Summer is traditionally the season for going to camp. This year, while you are staying home and missing your mountain top retreat, it is the perfect time to remember and recognize what Camp means to you. Next year is de Benneville Pines’ 60th anniversary! You are a part of Camp’s history. Be a part of the celebration, too. As we look to the future, you can honor this important milestone by looking back and sharing thoughts, memories, stories, and pictures of your beloved camp.

Read what others have said and learn how you can participate >>> 

For Kids

 Daisy Doodle loves helping others and learning new things

 This summer, Daisy is excited to learn how to make the camp more fire-safe by helping staff collect sticks and limbs in the camp truck. For Summer fun for kids, Daisy likes the New Ideas and Activities to Try this Summer from PBS Kids. It is creative, helpful, and full of summer entertainment. She hopes you enjoy sharing these activities with the young people in your life, even though she can’t be there with them. They can let Daisy know which ones they like best at campdog@uucamp.org or Daisy Doodle, 41750 Jenks Lake Road West, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305   

 Click here for the link to PBS Kids  >>>

Watch This Video and Know There is Power in Love

We can do this together

Watch this lovely video with a message from like-minded people sharing their vision to the song “We Are One” from the husband and wife musical team The War & Treaty. Your heart will be uplifted and you will be inspired!

 Watch the video here >>>

Keep the spirit of de Benneville Pines and yoUUr faith alive in your heart.