The economy has been quite a challenge over the last couple of years for many of our families. Yet, in all the chaos that has been brought on by the economy, parents still see clearly the value of the camp experience for their children. We recently heard from one parent,

“My daughter has gone to camp for the past two years. She would love to go for 2 weeks. Camp has become such an important part of her life. She talks about it all year and plans her return almost everyday. It has become a piece of solid footing for her life. The friends she has made and the experiences she has had have become almost bedrock experiences for her young life. She feels so good about herself and about life when she comes home. We have been hit hard by the bad economy, so we can't afford camp this year.

Chestnut Ridge would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of our Camp Advocates!  We are on our way to a record year and a terrific summer because of your support.

• Getting information about summer camp in the church newsletter
• Placing inserts in the church bulletin about summer camp
• Making summer camp brochures available to families at their church
• Asking the pastor if they can make an announcement in church on behalf of the camps
• Finding opportunities to share information about camp at your church on Sunday morning during church, or during Sunday School, at a fellowship supper, at youth group, or any other church occasion.
• Inviting a staff member from one of the camps to come and speak at your church on Sunday morning during church, or during Sunday School, at a fellowship supper, at youth group, or any other church occasion.

Fulfilling the mission of Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center requires the involvement of many volunteers. While we are certainly in need of financial gifts, often the gift of time can be just as valuable. It doesn't matter whether you're young or old, a student or retired, want to volunteer once a year or once a week - we've got a job for you!  Chestnut Ridge is in need of individuals and groups (large or small) willing to offer their time and talents to insure the beauty and sustainability of this sacred place set apart for Christian ministry. Each volunteer opportunity listed below indicates a need and how it can be filled. There might even be opportunities that we missed, so please contact us if you can't find a match for yourself. Some opportunities need only a couple hours of your time, others require a half day, a whole day, or more. Nevertheless, there's an opportunity for you to use your time and talent for the glory of God here in this community at Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center.