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Redwood
Glen Newsletters
Go back to archives here.
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The
latest news and events at Redwood Glen
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April
2008
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WELCOME
OUR VISION:
"To
Reflect Christ through Serving Others"
A WORD FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When I get something in
the mail from the IRS I
usually gasp and wonder what bad news has come.
Like most of you, I
recently got notification
from the IRS concerning how much I should expect from the "Economic
Stimulus
Act of 2008."
This created a long
conversation
with my wife, Joan, about what we would do with our stimulus payment.
Before long we were in
agreement that we would
donate each of our shares to the camp scholarship fund to go towards
the
$106,000 of scholarships Redwood Glen is giving away this year with our
$50
camper fees.
We then realized that if
just 150 people chose, like
us, to donate their $600 check we would cover the remaining
balance needed.
Would you consider making
that same choice?
I know some of you are
dealing
with tough economic situations and may need to use that stimulus check.
Others will see the check
as "extra" and
could more easily make a contribution to camp.
Whether $600 or $60,
every little bit makes a difference so that a child can experience the
joy of camp.
I've heard it said that
"one person can't change
the world, but you can change the world for one person."
My $600
check doesn't put much of a dent in
the $90,000 we still need.
If 148
individuals would join Joan and me we would easily meet our need, one
person at
a time.
Whether you are and aren't
able to give financially, I hope that you would consider
joining us for our annual Work Day
on Saturday, May 31st.
The work of one person is
not always noticed,
but combined with many others from all over the Bay Area the projects
completed
will be incredible.
Our
50th anniversary celebration is less than 3
months away and we need to get the camp ready by clearing fire safety
zones
around each building, weeding and sprucing up the grounds, filling
campfire wood
piles, and much more.
I hope that you, your friends, your fellowship
group, your church will consider joining us at Redwood Glen May 31.
I hope to see you then.
Jay
E. Nordgaard,
Executive
Director
(650)
879-0320 Ext. 12
exec@redwoodglen.com
Looking for a week at camp this
summer?
WE
HAVE OPENINGS
The camping needs of groups shift and change. We still have dates
available:
NEW July
20-25,
August 10-15,
August 17-22,
and August 24-27
If your church or youth organization is interested in any of the
above dates, email us at info@redwoodglen.com
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Hello Friend of Redwood Glen
WELCOME
to the monthly
on-line newsletter of Redwood Glen, your local Bay Area Christian Camp
and Conference
Center.
Momentum is building as plans are underway for our 50th anniversary celebrations - June
28th and July 12th. Be sure to mark your
calendars because these events are really ALL ABOUT YOU! Redwood
Glen exists because of 50 years of partnership with churches in the
area, and the support of people with people like you. Our
celebrations would not be the same without your presence. Through
this month's feature, find out more about how you can get involved as
we prepare for the summer.
If you would like to help in the preparations, email us at 50th@redwoodglen.com.
As we look back on all that God has done over the last 50 years, we are
filled with praise. As we anticipate all that God will do in the
next 50, we hope to share it with the faithful support and prayers of
people like you!
If
you would like to
subscribe and receive this monthly newsletter via email, please
register your
address via the link on our homepage (www.redwoodglen.com).
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Remembering 50 years of ministry:
BOOSTING CAMP SUPPORT
For 50 years, Redwood Glen has been a
place of retreat, rest, and renewal. Quiet walks in the redwoods,
joyous laughter around delicious meals in the dining hall, a life
changing conversation with a roomie when the lights were out, an
inspiring message with uplifting music in a meeting room are memories
shared by people of all ages, life situations, cultures, and
languages.
Walt Disney has said, "You can dream, create, design and build the most
wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream
a reality." That is the testimony and history of Redwood
Glen. From very humble beginnings with platform tents to a
conference center with motel-style accommodations today, Redwood Glen
thrives because of the faithful support of people who continue to give
of their time and resources to continue thiis ministry in the beauty of
God's creation.
Work days have been and continue to be the
backbone of the camp and
an important connection with churches and with people. With the
purchase of the Loma Mar property in 1958, Rev. J. Bryant Wright, Director of
Christian Education and Camping for the San Francisco Bay Cities
Baptist Union, organized monthly work days when churches would spend
the day transforming a redwood forest into a working campground.
Though all churches were invited, Bryant knew which churches could be
counted on, and was thankful that he could call on them when in
need.
Over the next decades, the tradition of camp work days continued
through the changes in American Baptist denominational life in the Bay
Area. Sponsored by the regional office and organized by the
Director of Camping, work days were held at Redwood Glen and but also
at Sierra Pines Baptist Camp, our sister camp in the Tahoe area.
According to Ray Miller, the
purpose of work days were two fold: to prepare for summer camp, but to
also ready the camp for county inspections so that the camp could
operate.
 Before coming to
Redwood Glen in 1987, Ray and Romona
Miller served as Camp Managers at Sierra Pines Baptist Camp for
over 7 years. Retiring from Redwood Glen in 1995, the Millers
have over 15 years of experience in camping. Having been a part
of many work days as a camp manager but as a local church pastor before
that, Ray recognizes the wonderful team building opportunity that a day
in God's creation provides, and encourages churches and youth groups to
make it an annual outing. (Pictured
above at a 1989 workday, Romona with family members, Danica & Ryan
Huckaby, Jody, Jeremy, & Denise Miller)
During Ray's ministry at Sierra Pines and Redwood Glen, the Camp
Boosters Club was launched in 1983 to "keep camping before the
churches." Building
strong relationships between churches and the camp, the Boosters
provided scholarships for campers and contributed financially to the
improvements on the campgrounds.
 Boosters were
challenged to make a donation to the camps based on "a cup of coffee a
day." "Coffee was only 50 cents back then," Ray recalls. A
collection of coffee mugs
is evidence of the annual reminder to the Boosters to give and to pray
each day for camping.
There were 4-5 gatherings each year, in various locations throughout
the region, often including Sacramento, Reno, Santa Clara, and
Berkeley. Gatherings in churches were as small as 50, but as
large as nearly 300 at H's Lordships. At the larger banquets,
Boosters would often invite guests to fill a table of 8-10 so to share
the blessing of camping with friends and family.
 From the first
capital campaign for what was then called "Loma Mar Baptist Camp" (promotion material left), through
the Boosters, continuing with special gifts today, the generosity of
individuals and churches has made a week of camp possible for many
youth and children who would not be able to attend. As Redwood
Glen celebrates our 50th anniversary, we are preparing to launch a new
opportunity for God's people to give to camping through
estate planning and other major gifts.
Details of the "Dr. Charles R.
Shepherd Legacy Circle" will be shared at the 50th anniversary
celebration on June 28th with Dr. Shepherd's daughter and two
granddaughters present.
We hope that you will make plans to join us for our 50th anniversary
celebrations, and if you are able, to assist in the parties (see article below). Consider
how you might also be able to give back to camping through the gift of
your service by joining us for Redwood Glen's annual workday on May
31st (see article below), or
through a financial gift to our 2008 camp scholarship fund (see the note from our Executive Director
on the left).
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 50th
ANNIVERSARY -
TRIVIA QUESTION
As we celebrate 50 years of ministry at Redwood Glen this year through
2008, we have created a monthly trivia contest to test your knowledge
of the camp's history. Answer correctly and you could win a
Redwood Glen 50th anniversary momento.
Our
March question:
During the 1980's, what were the "Boosters"?
The answer: THE CAMP BOOSTERS CLUB was a backbone of camping ministry
through the 1980's into the 1990's, which connected local American
Baptist churches with the camps. The Boosters provided camper
scholarships, and financial resources for camp improvements. (See
article above for more information.)
Congratulations
to this month's trivia question winners:
- Carol
Maslin of Menlo Park First Baptist Church
- David
Oshiro of Alameda First Baptist Church
Our April
question:
We have two
outdoor chapels: Sanctuary at Indian Point and the Chapel in the Woods
at main camp. To whom is the Chapel in the Woods dedicated?
Send guesses to news@redwoodglen.com.
The correct answer and winner will be featured in next month's
e-newsletter.
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 STAFF
SPOTLIGHT: Yessenia Herrera
For many, Redwood Glen provides an
opportunity for firsts. For campers, it is their first view of
redwoods, first time away from home, first encounters with God.
But for Redwood Glen staff, the camp is often a first job, as it is for
our youngest employee, Yessenia
Herrera, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday and her one
year anniversary with us.
Born in Michuacan, Mexico, she and
her family moved to the area 5 years ago. She first
learned of Redwood Glen through her brother, Miguel, who was and still is part of
our Food Service staff. When she was 15 and old enough to work,
Yessenia joined our staff, serving in the kitchen, but
also with housekeeping. She decided to work here
because "it looked nice and they have lots of staff that are so nice."
With a warm smile, willing spirit,
and positive attitude, Yessenia possesses a youthful joy that continues
to be a blessing to her co-workers as well as the guests whom she
serves. She especially likes the opportunities she has in the
kitchen to learn how to prepare different foods.
A ninth grade student at Pescadero
High
School, Yessenia
works part-time after school. With English as her favorite
subject she plans to go to college when she graduates. When
not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and
clothes shopping. Having extra spending money is often the best
thing about a first job, especially when you're 16.
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Redwood Glen Work day - Saturday, May 31st
Church
groups and individuals are invited to join us at Redwood Glen for our
annual Work Day on Saturday, May 31st. Instructions and team
assignments will begin at 8:45 am, with work continuing to 4:30
pm. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Overnight accommodations
are available Friday night, May 30th. Please RSVP by May 28th.
Projects
currently include: clearing fire safety zones around each building,
major repairs at Pioneer Village, preparation of Indian Point for
Adventure Camp, landscaping at Siden Conference Center, firewood
splitting, painting and staining.
Redwood Glen
Work Days provide churches a wonderful service project
opportunity. Last year, Kien Yu brought his youth group from San Jose
Korean Presbyterian Church. In preparation for a mission project
at an Indian reservation later that summer, the work day provided the
group "a good warm-up" for the types of projects the team would be
doing.
For more
information or to let us know that you or a group will be coming,
contact Joan
at (650) 879-0320 ext 44 or via email at workday@redwoodglen.com.
To ensure
that we have enough food for all who will come, please RSVP by May 28th and let us know when you will be
arriving, the meals you will be partaking, and the skills you and
members of your team will be bringing.
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It's
time to...
 Join us as we celebrate 50 years of
ministry at Redwood Glen
SATURDAY,
JUNE 28th
11:00
Children's Music and Drama presentation, followed by BBQ lunch (tickets
required), camp tours, historical displays, swimming, and children's
activities through the afternoon.
3:30 pm
50th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
5:00 pm
DINNER CELEBRATION (Space is limited to the first 200
participants. For reservation information, contact 50th@redwoodglen.com or (650)
879-0320 ext 44.)
SATURDAY, JULY 12th
11:00
Youth Music And Drama presentation, followed by BBQ lunch (tickets
required), camp tours, historical
displays, swimming, and children's activities through the afternoon.
As Redwood Glen hosts a "once in a 50 year" party, the staff could use
a few extra helping hands to serve the many guests who will join us on
June 28th. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
include: parking crew, set-up crews, clean-up crews, lunch and dinner
servers, program ushers, dinner table and coffee hosts, camp store
assistance, bounce house supervisor, balloon animal artist, face
painter. If you are available or need more information, contact 50th@redwoodglen.com or (650) 879-0320 ext 44.
In
preparing the HISTORICAL
DISPLAYS for our 50th anniversary,
we are collecting pictures and
testimonies which tell the real story
of Redwood Glen. For each picture and
story we receive, we will create a display which will be featured at
our Open
Houses this summer, June 28 and July 12. Click here to see a sample
featuring a 1971 memory
from Jill Altman. Send your jpg picture and brief
testimony to news@redwoodglen.com by May 31st to be
featured in our anniversary display.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
ANNUAL CAMP WORK DAY -- Saturday, May 31, 2008
Youth groups, fellowship groups,
churches, and individuals of all shapes and sizes are invited to Work
Day at Redwood Glen as we officially prepare the grounds and facilities
for a summer of celebration. Groups have the option of spending
Friday night at camp, or joining us for the day. A great opportunity for a
service project or training for a summer mission.
Email us for more information or
to let us know of your interest.
2008 SUMMER CAMPS -- "Rockin' on the
Rock" - Check our website for more information.
Though Youth Music And Drama camp is
full, and Junior Adventure and Junior High Camps are nearly full,
space is still available at Chilren's Music And Drama Camp and
Discovery Camp. Don't wait! Spaces are filling up!
Register online for the 50th anniversary price of $50. Click here for dates and
information Click here to register on-line
OPEN HOUSE and 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS -- Saturday,
June 28th & July 12th
PASTORS SABBATH weeks -- June 15-20 and June 29-July 3,
2008
A time of rest and vacation for
pastors and their families. A limited number of rooms are
still available in our Siden Conference Center for $50 per room for the
entire week.
Email
us to make your reservation. |
| For more information about our events
or facilities, email us at info@redwoodglen.com |
Redwood
Glen REFLECTIONS
This
monthly e-newsletter is being developed as a communication tool for the
supporters, friends, and guests of Redwood
Glen in Loma Mar, CA. We welcome your comments and suggestions. To ensure that you continue to receive our
e-newsletter, add info@redwoodglen.com
to your address book today. Redwood
Glen is located in the scenic coastal redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains,
between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.
We are conveniently located one hour from both San Francisco and San Jose
airports.
For more
information, www.redwoodglen.com.
 
Redwood
Glen, a Bay Area Christian Camp and Conference Center,
is an
accedited member of the American
Camp Association
and a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.
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If you have
a Redwood Glen story or an idea for this email newsletter, contact...
Larry
Jay
(650) 879-0320 Ext. 11
news@redwoodglen.com
If you would
like to
subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, please register your email via
the link
on our homepage (www.redwoodglen.com).
THANK YOU! (Our e-newsletter is supported by Constant
Contact.) |
Redwood Glen | 100 Wright Dr. | Loma Mar | CA | 94021 |
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