2023 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! | |
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It might be cold in the Poconos right now, but we are staying warm with thoughts of summer fun! Check out this year's camp opportunities and register though the 'View Camp Details' button below or by visiting www.poconoplateau.org.
Because we are condensing camps into five weeks this summer, we recommend REGISTERING EARLY and taking advantage of the $25 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT available through April 1st.
Along with most of the favorites from the past, check out these fun new experiences on our website:
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New Camp: Youth Missions & Service Camp (9th - 12th grade)
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New Camp: Young Children's Splash Zone (1st - 3rd grade)
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Youth Music & Arts (6th - 12th grade) Formerly known as Youth Music Camp
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2023 SUMMER CAMP CURRICULUM | |
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This year's curriculum is Boundless: God Beyond Measure by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.
Campers will have the opportunity to explore the vastness and beauty of God's creation through nature, bible study, and astronomy while learning how Jesus Christ anchors us with hope and redemption. Campers will learn all about the boundless love, generosity, forgiveness, goodness, and welcome through the story of God and God's people.
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"I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is."
—Ephesians 3:18-19 CEV
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WORK OR VOLUNTEER WITH US THIS SUMMER! | |
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Summer camp is not just for kids! Come spend a week or the whole summer season with us at Pocono Plateau!!
We are always looking for volunteers to counsel during a week of summer camp. Counseling is a wonderful way to share your faith story and connect with the younger generation by giving of your time to provide guidance and support. Counselors stay in lodges or cabins with campers, help facilitate bible study with the camp curriculum, and generally supervise campers.
Are you a licensed nurse and want to volunteer time this summer at camp? Contact Carol Klein, our head nurse at cakmott@gmail.com.
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Calling Handy Volunteers!
Are you good with tools and fixing things? Maybe consider volunteering to counsel with our High School Youth Missions camp from July 23rd - July 28th. Campers will work offsite with Habitat for Humanity during the day and experience camp fun at night!
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Rob Ensinger enjoying time with Music Camp youth during their photo challenge.
SUMMER STAFF
We have summer staff opportunities for programs, kitchen, and maintenance roles. Summer staffers live and eat at camp for the 5 weeks of camp and the week prior for training. This is a wonderful opportunity for young adults to share the joy and magic of camp with others, while also growing in their own faith!
Volunteer and Summer Staff Applications will be available online on Feb 1st.
If you have questions, reach out to director@poconoplateau.org.
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The ministry of Pocono Plateau touches many lives. We strive to provide a sacred space for all guests to experience the wonder of God's creation through nature and experience the transformative love of Christ through hospitality and programming. Take a look at some of the 2022 stats below!
- 1,950 Overnight Retreat Guests
- 411 Summer Campers
- 395 Day Event Guests
- 95 Summer Volunteers
- 35 Inches of Snow Accumulation (thankfully not all at once!)
- 24 Summer Staff
- 21 Churches paying a total of $17,000 to send their youth to camp!
- 15 Campers received Scholarship support
- 9 Sponsored Retreats/Events Hosted
- 8 Goslings raised on Lake Pocono Plateau this spring!!
- 4 Amazing, regular volunteers assisting John with facilities and lawn maintenance
- 1 True God, celebrated and loved by all at Pocono Plateau!
Donors and churches also gave generously in 2022 with a total of $107,000 received. Some of these funds are designated for scholarships or building/maintenance, while others donations goes toward general operations.
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Check out our Facebook for event photos. Lots of faces from the past! Scroll down the news feed to the post on 12/22.
Facebook Link
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Celebrating 60 Years of Service
Teri Hackman
You cannot experience Pocono Plateau without experiencing the hospitality and love of Teri Hackman. Last month, we celebrated Teri and her 60 years of dedication and service to the Plateau.
We had 135 people join us for lunch and a celebration service. What a joy it was to honor such an amazing witness of God's love and mercy. Teri impacted the faith formation of so many guests, staff, and volunteers at Pocono Plateau.
We love you Teri!
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We continue to seek ways to offer support to meet the needs in our local community and churches. For 2023, Pocono Plateau will focus on two areas:
- A new partnership with Family Promise of the Poconos
- Closer engagement with the local United Methodist Churches and their ministries
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. ~ Romans 12:13
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Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center is partnering with Family Promise of the Poconos to provide emergency shelter for families with children in our local area.
Family Promise of the Poconos serves families in Monroe and Pike counties experiencing homelessness or possible eviction by providing shelter, meals, and support services.
We will utilize Spruce Lodge to provide emergency shelter for 3 to 4 families starting in January 2023. We are excited for the opportunity to utilize one of our unused buildings during non summer months to extend hospitality and shelter for those in need.
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Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center will begin offering monthly Free Events for Local Youth. We will provide games, weather appropriate programming, snacks, and devotions for local church youth groups.
We will start with the local United Methodist Churches and hope to expand more broadly to neighboring churches and nonprofit organizations serving youth.
These events will be held on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 2pm - 4pm for 6th - 12th graders with chaperones for their group.
We start Sunday January 15th!
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Grayson Barnes, Office Manager
Grayson Barnes is our office manager, starting in 2021. We are thankful not only for his dedication to all things office management and guest services, but also for his creativity and love of nature.
Grayson has many talents, one of which is poetry. He is a published poet and has a beautiful way with words that I wanted to share with you all! I am including one of his beautiful poems for you to read. Perfect sentiment for this winter season.
| Lake Pocono Plateau from Springer Porch | |
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White Cathedral
By: Grayson Barnes
Naked gray limbs vein the sky,
creating an apse over the clearing
swathed in snow.
In the center I stand,
face upturned,
arms outstretched.
Star-bright flakes fall from above
and sing
against my face and hands.
These thousands of sparkling kisses
become Your blessings.
Each year,
when Winter draws Her veil
between us and the other seasons,
I begin a cyclical
turn
inward.
But Your sacred gift --
this first church --
ensures my heart
remains yoked
to You.
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See below for the 2023's Calendar of Pocono Plateau Sponsored Events!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ALL OF THESE RETREATS
RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
Winter Blast & Winter Jamboree - Feb 17th - Feb 19th
- Is your child missing their camp friends? This retreat is a great opportunity for campers and new friends to enjoy all the Plateau has to offer in winter! Winter Blast is for 6th - 12th grade and Winter Jamboree is for 3rd - 6th grade.
Easter Family Retreat - Mar 30th - Apr 1st
- Gather with us for the weekend to experience a stations of the cross, egg hunt, crafts, games, and a Palm Sunday worship. Prepare your hearts for holy week in the peace and sacredness of the mountaintop. This retreat is open to families of all ages.
"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
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Teen girls (6th - 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
- 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
- Join us for a weekend of spiritual and mental renewal with yoga, meditation, workshops, hiking, and health eating. 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.
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