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This was a summer of victories! As I talk with the staff, the volunteers and even the campers, the consensus is that this summer was GREAT! For the staff and the Board, we would say it was victorious. God did exciting things in 3 specific areas.

STAFFING

You may recall that in late spring to early summer we put out an urgent call for help. We were very close to not being able to host camp due to a shortage of adult counselors. We have State requirements, which are for the health and welfare of our campers, that we must meet in order for us to serve campers. We were at real risk of not meeting those minimum standards, in which case we would have had to either limit campers or cancel the summer season. However, God brought us those who had a heart for children and teens. We ended up having the required counselor to camper ratio and met those requirements with absolutely fantastic counselors. We had several new counselors join our team this summer and they all fit seamlessly into the camp culture and were the perfect mentors to our campers.

Our Ascend program, now in its second year, provided much to celebrate. Ascend is a volunteer program that allows teens and young adults to serve at camp. They are poured into by our staff, allowing them to grow their faith, confidence and ability in ministry. Each program and staff goal that was set for this team was fulfilled. The team was comprised of 12 young people that were very cohesive, effective and focused on serving Christ. This was evident in how they served and cared for each other as well as the campers.

WORSHIP

The young people came ready to worship God this summer! There was a moving of the Holy Spirit in the lives of campers and several children and teens entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The times of music and teaching took on a whole new feel as young people who were seeking something new, something genuine, something true and something life changing heard and responded to God’s Word.

For those of us who plan and organize all year to bring these programs to life, it was a time that we couldn’t have imagined. Night after night, we watched as the Holy Spirit invaded the lives of campers and staff alike. Our hope and prayer is that this continues on in hearts long after the camp season has ended.

I have been told by several parents that their kids are still reading their Bibles, keeping in touch with counselors and staff, as well as friends from camp. This community and the encouragement from peers and staff are essential to supporting young people desiring to follow Christ.

We also had three young men who chose to be baptized in the camp pond at the conclusion of camp. Many campers, staff and parents lined the water’s edge to celebrate this amazing ending to teen camp.

THE NEXT GENERATION

As I witnessed this movement among our young people at Pine Brook and saw the movement of Christ among the college students, such as in Kentucky at Asbury University, I am encouraged that God is working in the lives of the next Generation. It is exciting to think that our little camp in Western Massachusetts had a taste of what God is doing in the lives of young people across our country. I don’t believe this is something to take lightly. Nor should we really be surprised. God is always working with the remnants. As we see our country spiral out of control, people losing hope, depression, suicide and drug use on the rise, it should not surprise us that God will find those whose hearts are bent towards him. He will infuse those hearts with His Spirit and a remnant will arise, committed to Him and to the Gospel. We must pray for these young people whom God has touched and build into them, encourage them and support them as they lead the next Generation into the Hope of the Gospel.

This is the mission and the passion that guides us at Pine Brook Camp. Our goal is to support the local church by providing programs and a special place for young people to connect and be encouraged to become committed followers of Jesus Christ. As they grow in Christ we desire them to learn and aspire to serve others, with the goal of sharing Christ to the world. It is also our objective to reach beyond the doorstep of church and take Christ directly to our communities. We seek to find ways of partnering with local schools, youth programs and community groups to openly draw young people into camp, where they can experience the camp community, culture and encounter Christ personally.

OUR NEED FOR PARTNERS

As we continue in this mission we need partners! We need those willing to serve, pray and support the ongoing ministry. This is a critical time for people to join in the work of Pine Brook Camp. We can see that God is working in the hearts and lives of young people. But, our kids are faced with so many temptations and misinformation from the world around them. It is critical that our generation faithfully supports the continuing work of youth ministry.

First, we are asking you to set aside time for daily prayer for this ministry. Praying that the Lord would lead us, give us creative minds and give us clarity for mission and execution. Also, that He would provide the volunteers needed for upcoming programs.

Next, consider how you could be personally involved in camp. Maybe it is serving as a volunteer during the summer, leading a work party from your church or fellowship group or attending one of our programs for Men and Women. Whatever it might be, there is definitely a space for you at camp!

2024 Calendar of Events

WAYS TO GIVE:

ONLINE: Go to our website www.pinebrookcamp.org and on the home page click the DONATE button. If you already have an online account you can use your same credentials here. If you do not have an online account and would like one, please contact the camp office and we would be glad to help you set one up. You can make a one time donation or set it up for recurring monthly or quarterly donations.

YOUR BANK: You can set camp up as a payee through your bank's online system and set up regular occurring donations there.

MAIL: Send donations to -

Pine Brook Camp

210 Lakeview Rd

Shutesbury, MA. 01072