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Summer Camp Update
Camp registration is underway and we are gearing up in preparations to great campers on site in July! New this year, camps end on FRIDAY evenings instead of SATURDAY mornings.
As of April 1st, we are pacing well at over a third of the way to our goal of 525 campers for our 5 weeks of summer. Help us keep up that pace during the next 3 months! Please share information about camp with your friends, family, and neighbors!
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ACCEPTING SUMMER STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS APPLICATIONS NOW | |
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Applications are OPEN for Summer Staff and Volunteers.
We are in need of volunteers to counsel during a week of summer camp!! Would you consider giving a week to share your faith story, connect with the younger generation, and provide guidance and support?
Counselors stay in lodges or cabins with campers, help facilitate bible study, and generally supervise campers. Counselors must be at least 17 years old.
Are you a licensed nurse and want to volunteer time this summer at camp? Contact Carol Klein, our head nurse at cakmott@gmail.com.
If you have questions, reach out to director@poconoplateau.org.
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We have about half the staff needed for the summer. Still looking to fill many roles for programs, kitchen, and maintenance. Especially need lifeguards! We have summer staff opportunities for programs, kitchen, and maintenance roles. Staff can be 17-25 years old depending on the role.
See our Facebook/IG pages at the icons above to see hired summer staff profiles this week!
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We have a new camp truck!
Thanks to a generous gift from a donor, we have a new camp truck!
Funds from another donor will allow us to attach the snow plow as well!
We are grateful for this opportunity to replace our current snow plow truck that is rusted out, on its last leg, and could not be driven off site. Fortunately snow was light this year, but we look forward to many future blizzards now that we have this truck!! This truck will serve all our general maintenance needs as well.
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Help us get ready for summer! Our next Camp Work Day is Saturday May 13th.
If you are handy and like to roll up your sleeves, John will have weather appropriate projects ready for you!
If you prefer less physical activities, we can hook you up with some office work, organizing, or binding curriculum books.
Danny would also love some volunteers to help get program equipment ready for summer!
Please contact camp@poconoplateau.org or call the camp office 570-676-3665 to RSVP. We'd like to have a headcount to plan for lunch and projects. This is a great opportunity for church groups or families!
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Lent - We welcomed about 25 people for the Plateau hosted Lenten service in partnership with the Pocono Mountain UMC Cluster of churches. Some folks attending said they had not been back to the Plateau in 30-40 years! We were happy to welcome them back and share in refreshments and a campfire after the service.
Family Retreat - We had 38 attend the Palm Sunday Family Retreat. We lucked out with a beautiful day on Saturday and had fun doing an egg hunt, climbing tower, palm crafts, pedal carts, hiking, games, and more! The kids enjoyed a movie night watching a family appropriate version of the Passion story. We closed the weekend with a Palm Sunday worship where the children performed a short play! It was so wonderful having so many young families celebrate and proclaim "Hosanna in the Highest" together!!
Easter Sunrise Service - We are bringing back the Easter Sunrise Service at the Plateau! The service will be in Springer Dining Hall at 6:30am on April 9th (This Weekend!). After the service, we will serve a hot breakfast.
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FATHER/SON DANGEROUS RETREAT | |
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We still have lots of room for our Father/Son Dangerous Retreat April 21st - 23rd.
(Note because of low registration and a change in the retreat leader's availability, we are postponing the Mother/Daughter Retreat until a later date)
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Led by Jesse Skaggs, the Dangerous Retreat is a unique opportunity for fathers and sons to make memories together spending time doing exciting activities and experiments, eating together both indoors and out, hearing from God's word, and enjoying God's creation at camp. This is a great opportunity to bond together away from the daily routine! | | |
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FREE YOUTH SOCIAL
April 16th is our last free youth event until the fall. We plan to offer one of our advent program activities (ropes, climbing, etc.) if weather permits.
2pm - 4pm
4th grade - 12th grade
We will divide up by grade groups for devotions if needed. Groups need a chaperone for every 8-10 youth.
The events are free, but please encourage youth to bring a non-perishables for Mt Pocono UMC's food pantry.
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NEW FALL WORKSHOP AND RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES | | |
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The beloved Tom Johnson-Medland is coming back to the Plateau to lead these two events!
Tom is a Retired Clergy, Death Doula, and end-of-life specialist. He will share his gifts with us through leadership of these two special events offered this fall.
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Through the Valley of the Shadow: A Workshop for Clergy, Lay-Ministers, and Grief Workers
Friday November 9th
9am - 2pm
$50 per person
Continental breakfast and lunch included.
My Tears Have Been My Bread:
Retreat for those Grieving Loss
Friday Nov 9th - 7pm through Sunday Nov 11th 2pm
$180 per person
Lodging and 5 meals included
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Through the Valley of the Shadow:
A workshop for Clergy, Lay-Ministers, and Grief Workers
Tom will lead discussions on providing a solid ministry of presence for those in your care who are grieving and mourning losses in their lives. Attention will be paid to formulating a basic anthropology and psychology of spirituality. Discussing the differences between the various aggregates of our human selves: our body, mind, heart, and soul. We will notice how these aggregates function normally and then how they are affected by grief and loss. We will engage with Kubler-Ross’s 5 Ways of Grief, and elaborate on them together. We will work closely with the Psalms and other Wisdom Literature (including the lives of Jonah, Job, and Ruth) to help us feel our way along the path of grief. Finally, we will review four tools used in classic spiritual direction and formation that can assist you in the true work of presence that you offer.
My Tears Have Been My Bread:
A Weekend Retreat for those Grieving, Mourning, and Loss on Life’s Journey
Grief is a companion on life’s journey. Not just once or twice, but quite often we feel the unique pain and shifts that come from deep loss. In this gathering of the grieving community, we will look at who we are as people and identify ways in which we normally relate to our body, heart, mind, and soul. We will share ways in which we have noticed grief impacting the wholeness of our selves. We will discuss helpful ways we have held our grief, worked with it, and expressed it. We will also discuss well-meaning efforts of others that have left us feeling empty and how to cope with that. We will have time for journaling and creating throughout the retreat. We will work closely with the Psalms and other Wisdom Literature (including the lives of Jonah, Job, and Ruth) to help us feel our way along the path of grief. Finally, we will review four tools used in classic spiritual direction and formation that can assist us in the true work of grieving and mourning we are doing amid loss.
Bring a journal and or a sketch pad. Bring a photo or keepsake of someone you have lost.
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Staff Spotlight - John Gylleck
The staff at Pocono Plateau are here to facilitate a place for people to come away from one’s day to day, whether it is from school, work or even family. We do this by practicing hospitality.
“The end of all things is that hand, therefore be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint as each one of us has received a special gift employer in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:7-10
As followers of Jesus, we are to be known for our radical hospitality. Historically, hospitality was started at the dinner tables of Christians, who were crucial in the establishment of hospitals, hostels, hotels, and camps. So it is no surprise we practice hospitality here at Pocono Plateau.
I grew up with the term “entertaining” a guest as a definition of hospitality. We don’t consider what we do at Camp as entertaining. What we do is a lot of listening, serving and cleaning up after (let’s be honest here). We consider it a calling and an honor for our part in the Kingdom work through including everyone as if they were Christ coming into our home.
“Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertain angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1,2
Not that I’m implying that the kids that come here are little angels. I don’t get much interaction with the kids. I have a little bit more now because I help with the ropes course program during the retreat season. Again as always, it’s a supportive role like holding onto the end of a rope. It gives me an opportunity to learn names and faces of our guests. I get to encourage them up and across obstacles. It’s fun for all as we both find muscles we’ve not exercised before. I have found that what we do is not just an entertainment, but an experience of being included. Overcoming a fear of trying new things while others are cheering you on or you cheering others on. We do this to have you included into a family community for a weekend or a week. Hopefully to strengthening you into a faith in yourself, your community through Jesus.
I have also had the pleasure to have many hands to help with the care of the Camp, which is my usual role. So if you want to be included in that work there is a workday coming up in May. Feel free to contact me or call the Camp office. Whether you come to have a retreat or lend a hand in the care of the camp, either way you can come away for fellowship in Christ.
As always I am at your service, in the service of the King.
John Gylleck
maintenance@poconoplateau.org
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See below for the Remainder of 2023's Pocono Plateau Sponsored Events!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ALL OF THESE RETREATS
RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
"Dangerous Retreat for Boys" Father/Son Retreat- Apr 21st - 23rd
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This weekend never disappoints. Come experience the wild and dangerous side of boyhood! The weekend will include fun experiments and adventure programming. This retreat is for 3rd - 8th grade boys and their father/father figures. (Reach out if you have an older boy interested - camp@poconoplateau.org)
"Love Your Selfie" Mother/Daughter Retreat - Apr 21st - 23rd ** Canceled for this spring due to low registration and a conflict in the guest speaker/workshop leader's schedule **
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Teen girls (5th - 12th grade) and their moms or mother figures will gather to discuss body image and social media. Megan Logan, LCSW will lead sessions on releasing self doubt, building self compassion, and embracing who we are in the image of God. The weekend will also include crafts and adventure programming.
Confirmation Retreat - Apr 28th - Apr 30th **We are at capacity - we welcome you to join us next spring!**
- Pocono Plateau will offer a confirmation retreat for current confirmands or those interested in learning more about confirmation. Youth will explore their identity in Christ, discuss how they fit into the body of Christ, and learn about John Wesley's teaching to "Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God."
Summer Camp Open House - May 20th 10am-2pm
- Come see what camp has to offer and get a preview of lodging and facilities!
Pocono Plateau Puppy Party - Jun 2nd - Jun 4th
- Camp for dogs? Absolutely! Bring your furry friend to Pocono Plateau's Adventure Site for the weekend. This retreat is open to dog owners and dog lovers alike! We will have lots of family and dog friendly activities for folks to enjoy our 750 acres with their pups!
July 4th Family Camp Bonanza - Sun Jul 2nd - Wed Jul 5th
- Spend your 4th of July holiday with us at the Plateau. Week 1 of our summer this year will include a 3 night family camp option that will include all the fun of regular summer camp. July 4th will also include a bounce house, live music, BBQ, and awesome water games!
10th Annual Hero Dash & Homecoming Weekend - Sep 15th - Sep 17th
- Come for just the Hero Dash 5K/15K on Sat Sep 16th, or come for the whole weekend! We will have activities, programming, campfires, meals, and worship for the weekend guests.
Knitting & Crocheting Retreat - Sep 22nd - Sep 24th
- Open to all levels for a weekend of relaxing by the campfire in community with fellow crafters. Each year, a new project is selected.
Men's Retreat - Sep 29th - Oct 1st
- Experience fall in the Poconos in community with other Christian men looking to explore their faith and learn together through conversation and recreation. Meals, worship, music, and programming will not disappoint for this fabulous weekend!
Sr. Adult Retreat - Oct 3rd - Oct 6th
- Calling all adults ages 55 and up for a time of fellowship, bible study, games, conversation, and worship. Each year we host an offsite outing at a local attraction and offer worship and communion on the final day.
Fall Wellness Retreat - Oct 13th - Oct 15th
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Join us for a weekend of spiritual and mental renewal with yoga, meditation, workshops, hiking, and health eating. This retreat is led by 3 sisters who each focus on one aspect of mind-body-spirit wellness: Megan Logan, LCSW and best selling author of the Self Love Workbook for Women and Be Kind to Yourself, Dr. Shannon Sherfey, family practice physician, and Carmen O'Shea, Director of Pocono Plateau. This retreat is open to all ages 18 and above and all genders.
Youth Fall Fellowship - Oct 20th - Oct 22th
- Experience the fun of fall in the Poconos for 6th through 12th grade! Activities include archery, climbing tower, hayride, and hiking along with a devotional scripture based theme for the weekend.
Into the Valley of the Shadow: A Workshop for Clergy, Lay-Ministers, and Grief Workers
Nov 10th 9am - 2pm
- Engage in a workshop discussing various elements that make up a solid ministry of presence for those in your care experiencing grief and mourning their losses. This workshop is led by retired clergy and end-of-life specialist, Tom Johnson-Medland.
My Tears Have Been My Bread: A Weekend Retreat on Grieving, Mourning, and Loss
Nov 10th 7pm - Nov 12th 2pm
- This retreat is for those experience loss in their lives. Led by Tom Johnson-Medland, retreat guests will explore creative ways to feel their way along the journey of grief.
Free Youth Fellowship Days - Starts back in Sept, on 2nd Sunday of the month 2pm - 4pm
- Sept 10th
- Oct 8th
- Nov 12th
- Dec 10th
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