christmas is coming...

you'd never really know if you looked outside but christmas is coming. i mean, we still have bare ground patches on our site. that's crazy. i just spent four days in florida at a christian camping international conference and it was great. the conference brings camp workers together from all across canada for networking and equipping. it was really great to learn a bunch of new stuff from internationally acclaimed authors and specialists not to mention meeting some really amazing camp missionaries that have been invested in camp ministry for over 30 years. apparently it was cheaper to do the conference in florida, not that i'm complaining but i didn't really get to experience the warm weather and actually it seemed like we were not in florida...if that makes any sense. I could have just as easily been in West Edmonton Mall in Galaxyland or their waterpark with the fake palm trees or something. it was very surreal.

but onto more camp-related topics...we're getting ready for our Christmas Banquet. it's a time of celebration and thanksgiving for people who have given and invested in camp in the last year from our community and beyond. we do sleigh rides, sing carols, and have a silent auction for some pictures that staff have taken around site. ken goes all out preparing a 5 star meal and it's just a fantastic time...

next up? well, it's staff reunion time!! yes, that's right - we're bringing it back. so if you've been a staff member here before get ready because we're having a staff reunion on dec. 31st. what a way to bring in the new year but together with people that you worked with this past summer and summers past. we'll be having a concert of prayer, worship, and so much more. make sure you contact me at the office or email me at program@camp-evergreen.com.

and finally...my last announcement...RISE 'n' SHINE!!! that's our jr. high retreat in January. it's on January 16-18th, 2009. (2009? ugh...it seems so weird to be writing 2009 all ready). if you would like more information make sure you click on the Camp Evergreen website link to the right and register if you're with a youth group that is not coming or if you're too old - that's okay - come and volunteer. i am always in need of volunteers.

stay tuned in the coming year as Jan. 1st always means that we're nearing the camping season again and we're beginning to get brochures in and are starting registrations for summer. i'll be attempting (it's my goal) to update this blog once a week...so bare with me as i try to hit that mark. but i'll leave you with this for right now. it's a picture by Andrew Baerg (present and past staff here). it will remind you of warm summer evenings while december is creeping up on us.

stay strong in His grip,
cort