February Update
 
Ministry Moment
Jillian Sisson, Summer Staff 
 
When I first heard the gravel crunching underneath the car as we turned onto the unpaved road leading to camp as my mom dropped me off for my first summer on staff at Pilgrim Pines, I felt a whole swarm of butterflies in my stomach. I didn't know what to expect from this new place; I had never been a camper or spent a summer there. What I didn't know at that time was the simple turn onto W Shore Road was going to be a defining change in direction for my life. Throughout the four summers that I spent working beside that beautiful lake, I experienced growth professionally, relationally, and spiritually.
 
I now work as a pediatric neurosurgery nurse in Chicago, and I'm in love with my job and my little patients. When I was interviewing for this job, I was able to answer many of the questions regarding teamwork and leadership with stories from my time at camp. Mayflower staff taught me the importance of collaborating with others to accomplish a task-whether that be pulling off a Wednesday night program, making fools of ourselves at the Sunday night variety show, or leading a meaningful time of worship on Thursday. Camp fostered my leadership abilities as I spent a couple summers in a director role, and I learned the value of working hard for something you're passionate about, and the benefits that abound.
 
Relationally, I grew exponentially. More than I thought was possible on my first day at camp that summer in 2012 as I looked around the circle of some familiar but mostly new faces and wondered where I would fit in! The friendships that I developed over those four summers are relationships that continue to this day. Camp cultivates an environment that invites vulnerability and genuineness. I felt accepted and loved in my brokenness, and therefore I wanted to extend that invitation of grace to everyone around me.
 
Lastly, and most importantly, the spiritual growth that I experienced has changed the way that I walk with God on a daily basis. I experienced God in the physical environment of camp as I sat by the foggy, quiet lake in the morning or laid on the golf course looking at the stars at night or took a walk around the lake on a beautiful day. I was encouraged by the multiple Spirit-led weekly speakers, by the Thursday night sessions and deeper conversations, and by small children proclaiming their faith during culmination. Through these experiences, I developed a deeper and more personal relationship with my Creator. My summers at Pilgrim Pines have greatly impacted me, and I couldn't be more thankful!

 
Winter Youth Retreats 2017
We had a ton of fun at our Winter Youth Retreats this year! We had over 800 campers in attendance, and we hope to see all these campers back here this summer for more spiritual development at Camp Squanto.

To check out all the fun we had click the links below to see the different retreats photo galleries. 


 
Executive Director Update
The Pilgrim Pines Board Executive Committee is actively leading the transition to a new Executive Director. In collaboration with the full Pines Board of Directors, we are working step by step through our process. We have expressed our thanks to Scott Lee for his service during this last year. 

As a first step, we have appointed Jim Condap to serve as Acting Executive Director, along with his foundational role as Ministry Director.  He is working closely with Karen Manlove, Finance Director, to continue executing the mission of the Pines. We have confidence that the ministry is in good hands. 
 
Working closely with the East Coast Conference Board and Superintendent, we will continue to assess our interim needs as well as make arrangements to form an Executive Director Search Committee. The Board Executive Committee is in weekly dialogue, and the full Pilgrim Pines Board and East Coast Conference Board will each meet separately in March to take actions necessary to move the transition and search processes forward.  

Courtney Crowder, Board President
Tim Clark, Vice President
Bruce Bergstrom, Treasurer
Rand Anderson, Secretary
Howard Burgoyne, Conference Superintendent

 
Stay up to date
Make sure you are staying up to date with all of our news and promotions.
 
Upcoming Events
Women's Weekend
April 21-23, 2017
May 26-29, 2017
 
Summer 2017

Registration is open! Camp Squanto is a great opportunity for grades 2-12 to develop skills and build relationships. Get in on the fun today!

Our early bird deadline, March 1, 2017, is quickly approaching and we don't want you to miss out on any discounts.


Many families say that their week at Mayflower Family Camp is a hybrid between a traditional New England summer camp and a fun filled, memory making family vacation. Mayflower Family Camp creates a unique oasis for adults and children alike. Parents can choose to participate in morning Christian education time with outstanding speakers from across the country while their kids learn new skills, discover Biblical lessons and share new experiences with their new friends. Everyone has the chance to develop an appreciation for new friendships and God's creation. 

Family Camp Availability
Looking for a specific unit for a specific week, view our  current availability.

There are also campsites available. Call the office for availability. 
603.352.0443


  
Camping at Pilgrim Pines provides a fantastic environment for families needing a place to get away in God's creation. Our camping area is full of wonderful families who create real community while enjoying a safe and caring environment.  Open Memorial Weekend-Columbus Day Weekend, camping families are encouraged to participate in the 7 weeks of Mayflower Family Christian programming.
  • RV or Tent campsites with electric and water hookups
  • Bath Houses with hot showers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Swimming and Recreation areas
  • Picnic Pavilion
You are invited to join us in the Camping Area for the entire season, for just a week, or simply for a night. 
Call us today to make a reservation! 

or email us at [email protected] 

IMPORTANT FAMILY CAMP INFORMATION
We are looking forward to seeing you this summer! Please follow the link to read about an important note from Erik Arvidson our Family Camp Registrar. 

Mayflower Family Ministry and Camp Squanto hire over 70 young adults and college students each summer. Applications are being accepted now.  Information can be found on our  website. 
 
Opportunities 
Product and Service Donation
Imagine owning a home with hundreds of beds, 96 toilets, multiple electronics, multiple wifi locations, a fleet of vehicles, power equipment, etc.
As you can imagine it takes lots to keep the place going.
Pilgrim Pines is always looking for more partners in its ministry.  If you are interested in partnering with us, there are several ways you can contribute. Take a look at our product & services page for ways you can help. Or feel free to make a direct donation by clicking the DONATE button below.
 
 

Our hope is that you will continue to faithfully walk with us, as you have in the past.  So, we are asking you to please consider joining us on this journey with your gifts of talent, time, and treasure.

Volunteer Opportunities
Pilgrim Pines welcomes volunteers all year long
Whether you come by yourself, with your family or through a church group. We are blessed by volunteers who help in the kitchen, serve as weekend hosts, assist in the Mayflower office and work on maintenance projects.
We can really use some volunteer help now and into the fall as we are clearing some areas of overgrowth in the camping area.
 
Your church may even be interested in our " Adopt-a-Cabin" program. When a church adopts a cabin they commit to an annual donation toward its maintenance and often send a volunteer group to specifically tend to their cabin's needs.  Contact  Jim Condap  if your church is interested in volunteering or the Adopt-a-Cabin program.

Pilgrim Pines Conference Center | (603) 352-0443 | [email protected]  |
220 West Shore Road   | Swanzey NH  |  03446

Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.