Alternative Spring Break Retreat – Growing Within, Giving Without
Grow at Summer Camp, Give back on a Retreat
If you grew up going to summer camp, you know it’s a place where the formation of faith and friends happens more rapidly than anywhere else. An interesting thing happens, however, when one transitions from being a summer camper into a summer staff member. All of a sudden, the focus becomes more on providing faith formation for other people. It’s about making sure children are having an easier time making friends. Some people have an awfully tough time making this transition. As a camp director, I’ve worked with a number of young adults who become disillusioned when asked to come behind the curtain and start making the magic for other people. For those who embrace the transition, however, something truly magical happens.
Many counselors, including myself, report that working with campers is actually a more meaningful faith experience than being a camper. Giving can be far more rewarding than getting. And this makes sense, as embracing the spirit of Christ means giving back to those with less than you. I believe everyone is capable of feeling the pure bliss that comes from helping another person in need. Since opportunities like this can be hard to find, we have decided to offer an alternative Spring break mission retreat. This will be an incredible opportunity to feel the spirit moving through you while helping to change the lives of your neighbors in need.
Schoharie County had its infrastructure basically destroyed in floods last year. Few people on a national level are even aware of this disaster. Homes have sat empty and destroyed through these cold winter months. This means that it’s up to us – the proud people of central New York, to raise awareness for those in need and to offer our physical support. At Vanderkamp, we’re working with King of Kings in Liverpool to offer an opportunity to join us in 2 days of mission and 2 days of reflection from April 10th-April 13th. For just $75, you can help make the lives of your neighbors better, and experience personal growth in the process.
Spiritual retreat can mean a lot of things, but in order to really explore the depths of what it means to be at one with the holy spirit, one needs to grow within, and give without. Please go to the alternative spring break mission retreat information page, call 315-675-3651, or contact us for more information. We hope you’ll be able to join us in helping these people who so desperately need us.
Vanderkamp is a retreat facility located near Syracuse, NY – and is a short drive from Utica and Rome as well. Please be in touch with any questions!
