As we approach the winter months and witness the weather change, we are reminded of the seasonality of camp. Whether it's s'mores in the summer, a fall clean up, snowshoeing in the winter, or hearing the icy lakes "sing" upon spring's first thaw, there are certain things that just don't happen any old time!
Over the last few years, we have been blessed to have been a part of another thing that didn't just happen at random, and that is to have had Sharon Cook as our Executive Director. Sharon has served Crossways since 2019 and will be stepping down from her role on December 1st.
Throughout her time at Crossways, Sharon led us through perhaps the biggest challenge Crossways has faced - the COVID pandemic. She has been instrumental in shaping the board into a productive and knowledgeable team and has worked hard with all of her staff to develop impactful ministry. We very much appreciate Sharon's work with us.
As she departs, please know that the board is actively engaged in finding an interim director and putting together a search team for our next permanent Executive Director. Times of transition like this can be scary and you may be wondering, 'What will happen now?' or 'What can I do to help?' These are great questions!
I encourage any of you to reach out to me with your thoughts or questions. Additionally, support in any form is greatly appreciated! Be it financial, a gift of time, or simply prayer - all are needed. The best way to contact me is via email: jakethebandman@gmail.com
Before Sharon's last day at Crossways, please feel free to reach out to her with your words of encouragement. She can be reached at Sharon@CrosswaysCamps.org
Thank you for your continued support.
Your Crossways Board,
Jake, Wendy, Tom, Kristin, Joe, Mike, Jenn,
Shirley, Chris, Jen, Laura, Craig, Rich, and Beth
Matching grant update
We have been delighted by the outpouring of support from Camp People far and wide to help us unlock a $50,000 grant from the Synod Endowment Fund. Thanks to your genrosity, we have raiseed $42,756 so far. We are almost there! Your continued giving helps unlock this grant and provide high-quality experiences for campers and guests now and into the future. Until we meet this goal, every dollar you give is matched by the Synod Endowment Fund. If you want your donation doubled, now is the time to give!
It's registration season – we are ready to see you!
In addition to all your favorite experiences, this year we are adding:
Mission Camp, a week for campers and congregations that may not be able to organize a traditional mission trip experience.
Onsite Day Camp, a week for younger campers to experience camp without staying away from home overnight.
Wilderness Backpacking Trip, a week to get far out into the wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains with experienced leaders.
We know it seems early to talk about next summer, but the best way to make sure you can come during your first-choice week is to sign up early. This year, we're back to offering an Early Bird Discount, so there are lots of reasons to start thinking about camp now.
Registration goes live the first week of December. Take a look at the calendar now, and be ready to log in on December 5 to sign up for the best week of your summer!
Can't wait for summer? Our retreat season is in full swing, and we just celebrated a strong return to our Junior High Blast event at Imago Dei Village. Coming up, we have both youth and adult reatreats.
At Crossways, we love Camp People -- the donors, advocates, and supporters who make this mission possible. Because of you, we are bringing people together in Christ, so that lives are changed and communities enhanced.
