Thankful for “Changemakers”
Thankful for “Changemakers”
by Ann Higgins, Director of Development
As I sit in my office at camp with my window open, sun shining, and voices of campers singing worship songs drifting in from the front lawn—my heart is filled with thankfulness! I am giving thanks to our God for the opportunity to minister to our campers again! What a privilege it is to be a part of this important work! And, as the Director of Development, I am also giving thanks for how faithful the camp family has been throughout these past months as we have all been challenged by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have done our best to continue to remain true to our calling at Camp: “To foster vibrant Christian communities located in awe-inspiring outdoor settings in which young people are spiritually transformed through Christ-centered relationships.” But to do that, we have needed the prayers, encouragement, and financial support of the camp family, and wow, we have really “felt the love!”
Most recently, we held our annual Weekend of Giving over Changeover, July 23-25. The goal was to raise $75,000 to help meet critical operating expenses associated with running camp in “COVID time.” A group of donors pledged to match donations up to this goal with gifts to the Scholarship Fund. After getting the word out using postcards, emails, and social media, friends and alumni of Camp responded with generous hearts, gifting over $150,000 during the weekend, thereby securing the $75,000 match for the Scholarship Fund. That’s over $225,000 for the ministry of Camp. To say we are humbled and amazed is an understatement! We are blown away by this outpouring of love and support. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made a gift (of any amount!), prayed, or spread the word about the weekend. We (accurately) call them, “Changemakers,” as they have joined with us to build communities where we hope to see lives transformed by the love of Jesus!
So, all I can say is, thank you to all our Changemakers, and thank you Lord Jesus, “who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Ann Higgins is the Director of Development for Camp Brookwoods, Deer Run, and Moose River Outpost where the best part of her job is interacting with the thankful and generous camp family that supports our mission. You can reach her at ann@christiancamps.net