Camp Connect - A Virtual Experience -

Welcome to Camp Connect, your camp away from Camp

As you navigate this time of change and you cannot visit Camp de Benneville Pines, your camp on the the mountain top, we are delivering Camp to you.

Camp Connect events are one- to two-hour Zoom-hosted workshops, presentations, performances, and discussion groups. Sessions vary from month to month. Each one is designed to delight, inspire, inform, entertain, and connect you to old and new friends of Camp de Benneville Pines through virtual “mini camps”. Summer also offers multi-day virtual camps.

“This was a really fun event. I attended with my two kids (4 and 9), and stayed until I had to put them to bed. They loved it as much as me.” Amber V.

As we transition into a “soft opening”, check out the calendar page for upcoming in-person camps, too.

Recording and Privacy Policy

The staff of de Benneville Pines will record Camp Connect events for education and historical purposes. To preserve the integrity of open conversations and protect participants’ privacy, the recordings will not be made available to campers or on public forums.

Please be sure to mark your calendar to not miss out on these fun and informative events.

This summer you can also enjoy longer camps. See the schedule below.

Check out upcoming offerings and register to attend by clicking on the event name. Then sit back, relax, and participate from the comfort of your own home – or wherever you might be with a screen and internet.

All times Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to convert if you live in a different time zone.

“I appreciate how positive and warm everyone was. It does have the feel of camp, nurturing, fun, relaxing!” Vicki T.

**Please register at least 12 hours in advance for Camp Connect single events and 48 hours prior to the first day for multi-day camps. Why not do it now?**

August 2021:

Summer Break Camp for Adults with Dean Marianne Shuster and Keynote Speaker Shannon Wray
“Through the Ages — In Relation with the Land, People and History”
Wednesday, August 11 – Sunday, August 15 | Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions – sliding scale/$120 recommended | For adults ages 18 and older
Description: Since early 2020, you have lived through a time of multiple history-making events. A time in which you are lucky to have survived or happy to have kept your sanity. A time in which you might have stayed in relation with others or felt isolated. A time when you were able to relish in nature or felt disconnected. A time when you may have felt a part of something larger or wondered where you were going.
All our lives, we dance with and through life. This August at Summer Break Camp for Adults, you are offered the opportunity, time, resources, and support to learn to be in step with the land, other people, and the past, present, and future. Learn more about Shannon Wray, Author of Pioneers of Mill Creek Canyon.

Past Events:

UU Family Summer Camp with Dean Kathryn Deal
“Community Campfire Night”
Friday, July 30 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Free (all ages)

UU Senior High Camp with Dean Greg Boyd
Wednesday – Friday, July 21 – July 23 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day – Free (youth who have completed 9th-12th grade at time of camp)

UU Junior High Summer Camp with Deans Kathleen Moscato and Patrick Daley
Wednesday – Friday, July 14 – July 16 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. each day – Free (youth who have completed 6th-8th grade at time of camp)

UU Elementary Summer Camp with Dean Kathleen Moscato
Wednesday – Friday, July 14 – July 16 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. each day – Free (youth who have completed K-5th grade at time of camp)

Women’s Retreat with Deans Marianne Swift-Gifford and Kathleen Moscato and Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson. Performances by Emma’s Revolution and Karen Hart.
“The Spiral of Resilience & Renewal”
Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2 | Various times – sliding scale/ $60.00 recommended (women 18 and older/ younger with parent/ guardian consent)
Description: This past year has been challenging. It has been a time to learn the importance of being present to and honoring our experiences, feelings, and bodies. The focus of this year’s gathering will be to create a space to ground together and process whatever is present through our bodies so that we can effectively channel our energy into what is needed and what is ours to do. The weekend will include a wide range of workshops and a couple of fun-filled concerts. Learn more about Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson, Emma’s Revolution, and Karen Hart.

Living Sustainably with Leslie Reuter
Friday, April 23 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm – free (adults/ teens)
Description: Earth Day is celebrated internationally on April 22. You already know that one day is not enough-the earth must be cared for daily. If you fret over the thought of climate change, plastic islands, habitat destruction, and species extinction, you are not alone. However, you also have good company in making a difference. Your everyday choices and actions impact the health of the planet. Join Leslie to learn how she is making a difference and how you and everyone you know can be a part of the change. Come with hope in your heart, questions on your mind, and a willingness to be part of the solution. And share with others the steps you take to help preserve, protect, and restore the planet.

Sing around the (Virtual) Campfire with Scott Roewe
Friday, March 26 | 7:00 – 8:15 pm – free (all ages)
Description: What better way to get ready for in person camps than joining others around the campfire. While you can’t meet in person yet, you can get together with friends and family members to “practice” being at camp. Scott Rowe is a multifaceted musician, performing and recording artist, composer, choir director, and teacher. And he is the dean and music director of de Benneville Pines’ very own Summer Choir Camp. Don’t miss out on this fun evening. Lyrics will be provided and participants are invited to hang out and chat after the sing-a-long.

UU Elementary Winter Camp Connections with Deans Shannon and Bill Stoker
Saturday, February 6, 2021/ 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – free (youth in grades K-5 and parents/guardians)
Description: Zoom Camp Connection events make it possible for youth to make new friends and build on established camp friendships! Come have fun playing, laughing, singing, sharing, and performing with awesome counselors and Adult Deans, Shannon and Bill Stoker!

Schedule/2 Sessions:

3:00-4:00 pm Chalice Lighting/Opening Words, Icebreakers, Games and Camp Songs

6:00-7:00 pm Youth and Family Variety show (sign up in registration), Closing words/Chalice Extinguishing

How to Write a Love Letter with Laura Chamberlin
Friday, February 5, 2021 / 7 – 8:15 pm – free (all ages)
Description: One of the best ways to connect with someone you care about is with the written expression of your thoughts and feelings about them. Anyone can create a love letter and we welcome everyone —including young’uns and those who don’t think they are poets — to attend.
A love letter can be to a special person, beloved pet, important place, or important thing. It can be one of the most tender gifts you ever give that special “someone”. In this day of email, social media and other impersonal communications, written letters are even more treasured. So, put technology aside and join Camp Connect to learn the art of writing a great love letter. Be sure to gather up paper, pens, colored pencils, stickers, markers, confetti, etc., to help embellish your love letter.

Creating a Daily Accomplishments and Goal Setting Journal with Lena Wellman
Sunday, January 24, 2021/ 5:30 – 7:00 pm – free (adults)
Description: Join Lena, a self-avowed “non-writer”, for an evening of practicing a simple writing technique to set goals, stay accountable, and pursue your dreams. The class will be an interactive experience of learning how to create a daily journal that celebrate accomplishments and motivates you to work towards your goals. Everyone will start with a very doable daily list and learn how to slowly expand, incorporating more goals that nourish you and help you accomplish what you have been putting off for whatever reason. It is all about celebration and has zero to do with guilt! Just show up with a notebook or journal and a writing utensil to get started.

Campfire Stories with David Chittenden and the South Coast Storytellers Guild
Friday, January 15, 2021/ 7:00 – 8:15 pm – free (all ages)
Description: A favorite time at Camp de Benneville Pines is sitting around the campfire (or in Homet Lodge, or on the deck of Craig’s Cabin, or in the Library) listening to stories. As a special gift, members of the Southcoast Storytellers Guild will regale campers with family friendly tales, yarns, and anecdotes in a virtual campfire setting. So, get a blanket, grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage, pull up a seat, and prepare to be entertained. Learn more about the South Coast Storytellers Guild here.

UU Sr. High Winter Camp Connections with Gregory Boyd, Dean and Camping Ministries Adult Advisors
Thursday-Sunday, December 31, 2020 – 3, 2021/ various times – free (youth currently in grades 9-12)
Description: Let’s bid 2020 farewell and welcome in the New Year 2021 together! Who are you going to be today? And tomorrow? Who are we all becoming together? Set your NUU Year’s Intentions, which represent your hopes, values, and who you want to be a year from now. Whether you are a seasoned camper or have yet to attend an in person camp at de Benneville Pines…all are welcome!

Kids Connect through Fun and Games with Kathleen Moscato, Elementary Camp Dean
Tuesday, December 22, 2020/ 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – free (youth in grades K-5 and their families)
Description: Join Kathleen, Director of Children and Family Ministries at Palomar UU Fellowship, for an afternoon of fun, playing games, and connecting. Children and families new to camp and seasoned campers are welcome to join for a meaningful time getting to know one another, reconnecting, and just having a good time sharing, playing, and laughing!

Mindfulness-the Art of Living Deeply with Marge Wurgel and Keith Mesecher
Saturday, December 19, 2020/ 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – free (adults)
Description: Knowing that life is impermanent, we wish to live our lives fully and deeply. If in the moments of our daily lives we can live mindfully, we can have peace and joy and heal the suffering we have in our bodies and our minds. Living deeply this way we can be in touch with the many wonders available in life. Marge and Keith will share practices to live mindfully, joyfully, and peacefully. They will be sharing a virtual tea/coffee meditation and invite you to bring a cup of tea or coffee with you to your computer/phone as you log on to the workshop. Learn more about Keith, his practice, and his teachings here.

*Camp de Bennefit Fundraiser with Jennie Roberson
Friday, December 18, 2020/ 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. – donation (adults!)
Description: For something completely different, trained comedic performer and proud deBenneville alumni/former staff member, Jennie hosts this third installment in a monthly series of fundraisers. Join this very-not-family-friendly film (Rated R) while Jennie cracks jokes at the film, Mystery Science Theatre 3000-style. This month’s offering is the 1988 classic DIE HARD! Watch as Bruce Willis, in his breakthrough role as John McClane, attends what is officially the worst Christmas office party in history. Alan Rickman! Bad German accents! Hails of bullets! A different kind of holiday movie!
*This a non-Camp sponsored event.

Campfire Chat with Amy Brunell
Friday, December 18, 2020/ 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – free (adults)
Description: The miracle that happens at Camp is the heart to heart connections we have with one another. During this holiday season in the challenging year of 2020, perhaps it is more imperative than ever to remain connected to those who love Camp. Join Amy for a special evening in a facilitated discussion sharing hope in this season of new possibilities. The discussion will focus on how and where you can share light in the world.

Nurturing Yourself through the Holiday Season with Kelley Grimes, MSW
Saturday, December 12/ 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. – free (adults)
Description: Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted and having a hard time finding holiday cheer? Have you been experiencing so much stress with the pandemic that you just wish 2020 was over? If so, you are not alone and may need self-nurturing more than ever. Join Kelley for this interactive workshop to learn practical ways to nurture yourself and cultivate more peace and joy this holiday season. Learn more about Kelley’s work as a counselor, speaker, best-selling author, and self-nurturing expert at Cultivating Peace and Joy.

Don’t miss any more events. Join us soon.

When you attend Camp Connect events on Zoom, please remember to arrive with enough time to check your device audio and video before settling in. Keep your microphone muted throughout the session, unless it is your turn to talk.

We look forward to seeing you at Camp Connect!