CLC on the road in Texas

CLC Camp Director Nathan Bowen spent the past weekend meeting interested campers and their parents at camp shows in Dallas, Houston and Austin, Texas. If you were hoping to go to one of these camp shows but the family schedule just became too crowded and you did not make it, just give Nathan a call on our toll free number 877-CLC-KIDS and he would be glad to talk to you about Crystal Lake Camps.

While campers from Texas might think that Pennsylvania is a long way to go for summer camp. At Crystal Lake Camps, we are used to welcoming campers from all over the US and also from around the world. Some of our staff are fluent in Spanish, as we always have some Spanish speaking campers every summer. Our staff are also well-practiced at meeting campers off flights at Newark, New Jersey or Philadelphia airports and then driving them up to camp and bringing them back to the airport after camp is finished.

Crystal Lake Camps is located on 970 acres of densely wooded hill top acres that remain cool and shaded during the hottest months of the year. Our private lake is a great place to cool off at the end of day of fun activities. Campers choose their own camp schedule from a wide range of activities including horseback riding, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, music, drama and pottery. Every camp session includes a Christian Science Lecture, Sunday School exercises, camper focused testimony meetings, daily assemblies and group Bible Lesson study.

The Sunnyside Foundation is ready to help qualified campers who live in Texas with assistance with both camp fees and transportation expenses. If Crystal Lake Camps is the right camp for your child this summer, we will be glad to help you get in touch with the Sunnyside Foundation.

Drop us an email at camp@crystallakecamps.org or call us today to talk about how your child could experience a world of adventure with spiritual growth this summer at Crystal Lake Camps.

Response to Earthquake in Haiti

Being a camper at Crystal Lake is often the first time that many children are away from home for the first time. It’s a place where many discover a bigger sense of family, and a larger sense of love, that can include people they just met, or spend very little time with.  This sense of a more expansive love exactly is what is needed to help pray for the situation in Haiti. The earthquake disaster in Haiti has been met by an outpouring of support from around the world. The most important thing that we as Christian Scientists can do is to pray for the relief effort. The human picture can be so alarming. We don’t need to get sucked in. Even as we spend our human efforts to help, we can also remember that divine Love is always present, and it’s grace is caring for the people of Haiti, and the relief workers.

From the August 10, 2009 Sentinel, these two articles (“News Alert = Prayer Alert,” by Michelle Nanouche, and “What’s the Real Story?,” by Gloria Goodale) explore the spiritual basis from which to pray about the news, calling on us all to become “instant prayer responders.”

(http://www.spirituality.com/sentinel/article.jhtml?ElementId=/repositories/shcomarticle/Aug2009/1249394256.xml&ElementName=News alert = prayer alert)

(http://www.spirituality.com/sentinel/article.jhtml?ElementId=/repositories/shcomarticle/Aug2009/1249393068.xml&ElementName=What%19s%20the%20real%20story%3F)

If you want to donate, there are many different options, from writing a check, to donating online, to texting in a donation. There are many charities that it can be hard to determine which one will get your dollars. Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org) is a website that rates charities on a scale of one to four stars, based on their organizational efficiency and capacity (or, how well the charity functions day to day, and how well the charity has functioned over time.)  The best charities to donate to are those that have had teams in Haiti for years, such as The Save the Children (https://secure.savethechildren.org/01/web_e_haiti_earthquake_10) and Partners in Health (http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti), while ones that have sprung up in the aftermath are probably ones to avoid (while not necessarily outright scams, although that is a possibility, they are likely to be less organized and efficient, thus delivering less bang for your buck.)

Other charities that received four stars from Charity Navigator are

Direct Relief International (http://www.directrelief.org/EmergencyResponse/2010/EarthquakeHaiti.aspx), Food for the Poor (https://secure3.convio.net/ffp/site/Donation2?df_id=6320&6320.donation=form1),

Water Missions International (http://www.watermissions.org),

Hope for Haiti (http://www.hopeforhaiti.com),

International Orthodox Christian Charities (http://www.iocc.org) and

Haitian Health Foundation (http://www.haitianhealthfoundation.org)

repost from TMCYouth

This morning I read this post on the TMCYouth blog, and thought it was worth repeating here for our Crystal Lakers.  To me, one of the great things camp has provided me over my life is the confidence to be open & public about my practice of Christian Science.  When I saw the profound effectiveness of spiritual growth and healing that occured to me and others while at camp, I became brave enough, as a teenager, to stop hiding my religious life under a rock (metaphorically).  And that conviction has only grown over time!

Enjoy.  -Nathan

http://tmcyouth.com/blogs/its-time-to-come-out-of-the-closet/

2010 Metaphysical Theme

Greetings from Laughlin Lodge!

We are pleased to announce that we have decided on a metaphysical theme for the summer! “The natural fruits of Christian Science Mind-healing are harmony, brotherly love, spiritual growth and activity.”  Mary Baker Eddy, My 213.  Well, that pretty much encapsulates camp, doesn’t it?

These “fruits” of Christian Science are evident in the experience of both campers and staff, to be seen on the individual level, as well as to be experienced camp-wide. Just as in music, different elements are brought together to create a unified and beautiful sound that is called harmonious, at Crystal Lake, people from all over, people from incredibly varied backgrounds and experiences, come together and spend time living and working and playing together, reveling in both the care and consideration for one another that characterizes the expression of brotherly love, as well as the spiritual growth and activity that impels us to move God-ward.

Winter Camp 2010

Winter Camp Guests celebrated the first weekend of the New Year and the decade gathered around the blazing fire in Laughlin Lodge living room, in between sorties to hike, cross country ski and skate. The weather was somewhat frigid with wind and snow flurries, but CLC’s guests were quite intrepid. Everyone made the most of the long weekend to relax and enjoy the camp property allowing time to defrost in between outside activities.

A major source of entertainment was a new permanent camp resident called Lucy, who came from a kind foster family, after being rescued from her previous home. While Lucy’s parents are not known, clearly one of them was familiar with snow and sleds. Her thick cream coat, curled tail, long legs, deep chest and amber eyes suggest that they came from the frozen north. But for her first weekend at camp, she seemed very happy to make lots of new friends and to have a new warm safe home in Ian’s cabin.

On Saturday afternoon, the big Lodge table became a construction site, as graham crackers, frosting, sprinkles and assorted confectionary were transformed into cabins, condominiums and even a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Although none of the designs would make a good replacement for Weape, some thought they had potential as staff housing!

Saturday evening after dinner, everyone gathered for an inspirational talk followed by three of the guests who are Christian Science Nurses sharing their nursing experiences. They explained how they became interested in the profession and how they work with their patients. Everyone agreed that at the end of the evening that they understood much more about what is involved. It is hoped that an abbreviated course on nursing will be added to the staff training program in the summer before camp, as all our staff need to understand how to nurse and nurture the campers under their charge, and support the work of the Camp Nurse.

After a Sunday Service led by Camp Directors Ian and Lille, and fortified by lunch, every one reluctantly headed down the mountain refreshed and ready to start the first week of work and school in the New Year.

Over the next few weeks the ski trails at camp will build up their base. We welcome guests to come and visit for the weekend to ski and enjoy the camp property and see it in all its winter finery. Call us to make reservations and check the Ski Center website for daily updates on snow conditions. There is a link on CLC’s home page. See you soon!

New Developments at the CLC Camp Office!

It is with enthusiasm that we’re announcing an exciting development in the year-round work of CLC. This past August, the CLC Board of Trustees voted to consolidate operations from various’ year-round staff members’ homes to the camp, to enable CLC to more fully utilize the camp facility and create a cohesive management team.
At the same time, the CLC Board voted to add 2 members to the full-time staff roster. Ian McLeland, a long-time camper and staff member originally from northern Virginia and more recently southern California, was hired as the new Assistant Director for Programming. He will be overseeing the facility’s programs and rentals during the fall, winter and spring, and will continue to provide a pivotal role during the summer.
Lille Thompson, originally from Long Island, and more recently southern Utah, also a long-time camper and staff member, has been hired as the Assistant Director for Marketing & Administration. She will be taking care of summer camp enrollment, office managerial duties, and marketing efforts, and will be the person who most camp families will correspond with as they develop their summer plans at Crystal Lake Camps.
Both Lille and Ian will work directly for Nathan Bowen, CLC’s Camp Director. Liz Hall will continue as Executive Director and will be focus her time on fundraising, development and CLC’s Capital Campaign, so that CLC can continue to occupy its current location and to offer a multicultural summer camp program that is accessible to campers from around the world and all over the US.
We are very excited about this development and these additions to CLC’s year-round staffing as it will support CLC in the achievement of our mission to “provide a world of adventure with spiritual growth” year round. This is a wonderful affirmation of CLC’s long-term commitment to serve the youth in the Christian Science movement, and we’re excited for the good this new team will bring!

2010 Dates Announced!

Crystal Lake Camps is excited to announce the dates for the 2010 summer as follows:
Youth Camp Dates
Session 1: Sat June 26 – Fri July 9 (2 weeks)
Session 2: Sat July 10 – Fri July 23 (2 weeks)
Session 3: Sat July 24 – Fri Aug 6 (2 weeks)
Session 3a: Sat July 24 – Fri July 30 (1 week)

For returning families, you’ll note we’ve rearranged dates a bit, and the one-week session is now concurrent with and happening as the first week of Session 3.

Family Camp
Memorial Weekend Family Camp: May 28-31
August Family Camp Week: Aug 8 – 14

Please be in contact with us to enroll your children!

Family camp, day 2

Another balmy day on Crystal Lake brought lots more fun. Families are getting into the swing of camp and now know the ropes pretty well. The usual activities started off the morning, including a morning lake swim for a few, lesson reading, flag raising, breakfast, and assembly.

This morning’s assembly was very creative, involving staff member Steve Bailey and one of the new full time Assistant Directors, Ian McLeland. Ian acted out talking very selfishly about his day and decided to look in the mirror, but it was covered in grime and he couldn’t see anything! But luckily Steve came along and talked about the passage from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Self-love is more opaque than a solid body. In patient obedience to a patient God, let us labor to dissolve with the universal solvent of Love the adamant of error – self-will, self-justification, and self-love  – which wars against true spirituality and is the law of sin and death.” (S&H p. 242:15) Steve brought out the “universal solvent of Love” in a spray bottle and together they fixed Ian’s thoughts and cleaned the mirror.

After assembly, morning classes began, including rock climbing, arts and crafts, waterfront, part singing, horseback riding, improv, and kids’ camp. Today’s kids’ camp theme was pirates! The pirates made eye patches, hooks, and a pirate flag and set off to collect “gold” and discover buried treasure (the pinata they made yesterday) by following the ancient treasure map.

In the afteroon, after lunch and yummy cupcakes, the afternoon commenced! The available activities were archery, pottery, mountain biking, and waterfront, with kids’ camp out on the water front making sandcastles and setting sail on their dread ship canoes. Unfortunately thunder rolled in during fifth period, so most families either played games in the lodge or rested in their cabins.

Dinner/evening activity tonight was a cookout at the lodge and a luau! Frank Stewart in the kitchen made some delicious ribs that we feasted on and peanut butter pie for dessert. The luau was a relaxing affair, with a fire and guitar playing on the beach, the waterfront open after the rain cleared up. Families played games and talked in the lodge, with everyone mingling until dark. It was a pleasant evening for all, and we look forward to tomorrow!

Family camp, first full day

Today was our first full day of family camp, and it was a great day. The day started off with an inspiring lesson reading and then breakfast, followed by assembly. After this, different morning classes were offered that families could sign up for, or if they wanted some family time, they could go and take a hike together or just relax. But being the first day of camp, naturally everyone signed up for an activity. Pottery, archery, waterfront, arts and crafts, and kids’ camp were offered. Kids’ camp is a program for kids ages 2 to 7 and has a different theme every day. Today was carnival day and included activities like pinata making, coloring, and a fashion show at lunch.

After lunch and a much needed rest hour, afternoon activities began. Today was the hottest day of the summer to date, so many opted for waterfront time, especially during fifth period. Arts and crafts and drawing was also offered during third and fourth periods respectively. And of course, riding up at the barn was offered, both a kids class and an adult class.

The evening activity tonight was the barn dance! Folks showed up in their cowboy/cowgirl finest and danced the night away to the hokey pokey, bunny hop, mouse trap game, macarena, YMCA, and Cotton-Eyed Joe. Everyone played a round of “The Big Wind Blows,” and many liked it so much they requested to play again sometime. After the barn dance the little ones were tuckered out and ready for bed. Every night a nine-spot activity is offered for the parents, which tonight was games in the lodge. After lots of laughter during a great Catchphrase game, everyone headed to bed, ready for tomorrow.

First Day of Family Camp!

All the campers went home on Friday, after many tearful and loving goodbyes. Camp this summer was superlative, with countless memories and new friends made. We were sad to see them all go, but knew they were off to take all the good they’d discovered at camp and share it with the rest of the world in their schools, churches, and homes.

After a few days of downtime for the staff, we set about getting ready for Family camp to begin! All the staff moved up to boys’ camp and girls’ camp cabins were cleaned and made homey for our five familes staying with us this summer. This morning, three of them arrived and got settled in. After unpacking, blueberry picking, puzzle doing, and trail exploring, everyone gathered at dinner. The traditional homemade pizza and sundaes were served for dinner as everyone talked and got to know one another.

After dinner everyone took a chair and sat in a large circle in the middle of the dining room. The staff briefly introduced themselves, followed by each family. Families said their names, where they were from, and did an action that best described what they most wanted to do at camp. (Horseback riding, rock climbing, and pottery were the three chosen activities.) The chairs were then pushed aside and everyone sat on the floor for the shaker game! Two people are blindfolded and put in the middle of the circle, one with a noise-making shaker in hand. The person with the shaker gives it a shake and then tries to avoid the other person who is trying to catch them. There are many tricks to divert the searcher, and we were all in stitches as players ducked under each other, narrowly missed each other, and ran right into each other. Following many rounds where just about everyone got a turn, everyone headed to bed to finish unpacking and get a good night’s sleep.