News from the Mountain Top – January 2021

JANUARY 2021

News from the Mountain Top

Dear Campers and Camp Supporters:

Happy New Year! There is no doubt in my mind that a good dose of determination will propel humankind forward into a better year in 2021. And together as UU’s we can lift one another to a more positive mindset. May your “wings” be uplifted by our collective spirit of hope and goodwill. My deepest gratitude goes out to so many of you who have opened your hearts and hands to support our beloved Camp through some pretty devastating events in 2020.

Without income from camper fees in 2020, fundraising on a large scale was essential to staying afloat. So many of you arrived at camp to help stain buildings, rake for fire clearance, and fill sandbags. Your loving hands were critical to getting the work done. With over 10,000 sandbags filled and placed, the camp staff and board members are in awe of your willingness to pitch in with the dirty work. Thank you!

Our camping ministries staff have been busy planning a virtual Elementary Winter Camp for youth in grades K-5. You can find more information under “Upcoming Events”. Love from the mountain top is flowing your way as Camp Connect offers a series of workshops, performances, and discussions hosted by talented leaders—these virtual sessions are both informative and engaging. It isn’t quite the same as being at camp, but it keeps us all connected. And we like that! See below to find out what others are saying about the Camp Connect experience.

We are looking toward fall 2021 when we hope to resume a modified camping season on the mountain top. Until that time, your commitment to the survival of Camp de Benneville Pines, and your continued support, both financial and physical, is critically important. With your sustaining support, we will surely make it to the other side of the COVID-crisis.

Let’s look forward to Camp’s 60th anniversary year with excitement and make 2021 a year to celebrate! We will be unveiling plenty of 60th-anniversary fun as the year rolls on, culminating in a big party once it is safe to gather together. Yes, hope is on the horizon! Hang in there.

Be safe and stay healthy. I cherish you all.

Janet James

Executive Director,

Your Beloved Camp

I lost my mom, Ardith James, to COVID complications on December 22, 2020, and my heart feels broken. I have been deeply touched by your words of sympathy and support, and thank many of you for reaching out and sharing your own stories of loss and recovery.

My heart is with you, as yours is with me.

Camp Happenings

Happy New Year

From the Camp de Benneville Pines Staff and Board of Directors, we offer you good wishes for the new year and abundant gratitude for your support of and hope for Camp.

Upcoming Events

Winter Elementary Camp Connections

Not being able to be on the mountain top this year can be hard for your kiddie campers, so we are bringing winter-camp fun to your little ones.

Kids don’t need to lose connections to their camp friends, either. Zoom camp sessions make it possible to make new friends, visit with old ones, and have a good time together.

All K-5th graders (and their parents/guardians) are invited to the 2021 Virtual Elementary Winter Camp.

Join the camp fun on Saturday, February 6, for two different sessions which will include the traditional chalice lighting, games, songs, a family variety show, and extinguishing of the flame. There is no fee to attend.

Get the young camper in your life signed up now >>>

Campers Say and Do

Campers comment on Camp Connect

If you have not been to a Camp Connect virtual event yet, then you don’t know what you are missing. Sure, it is not quite like being up in the pines at camp, but it is a great way to be in community and conversation with other camp-minded people.

Here’s what campers are saying:

“It was super awesome to reconnect with friends I haven’t seen in a very long time.”
“Yes, please, more from [this presenter].”
“It’s not the same as being at camp in person, but it was the next best thing.”
“I appreciated everything [the facilitator] shared & that she honored the time commitment. She made me & everyone else feel so welcomed!”
“I was absolutely charmed by the stories that were told. I so appreciate staying in touch with people through Camp Connect.”

The Camp Connect schedule of workshops continues to grow as participants offer suggestions for additional topics and speakers. Workshop facilitators are having so much fun they are offering to present again. Camp is not just a physical place, it is a place in your heart, too. As you look forward to returning to in-person camps later in 2021, you can share the spirit of Camp with others at Camp Connect.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us soon. Camp Connect – your camp away from Camp.

See what’s happening at Camp Connect >>>

The Natural World

Make a resolution to help the Earth in 2021

The effects of staying home during the COVID pandemic have shown how the earth and its non-human inhabitants benefit from a decrease in human activity. While you are at home and you look forward to returning to you pre-pandemic life, you can take steps to conserve resources and lower your environmental impact (and, potentially, your energy bills).

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has developed a list of resources and tips to help you “Resolve to Save” each month. There is room for you to add your own ideas, too.

Download the Resolve to Save Calendar from NEEF >>>