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Reflections Spring-Summer2024>>More YOUTH CAMPUS on next pageSoaring with hope in the Lord!Our theme this year is Isaiah 40:31; the word we will focus on is “SOAR,” a concept that seems truly appropriate this spring. We’re coming out of winter with the girls’ (upper) cabins ahead of schedule in view of a June 9 dedication ceremony.The exteriors of all eight cabins are weather-tight, and a mix of volunteers and contractors are finishing up the interiors for this summer. Yes, the girls will have cabins for summer camp and the boys will not—let’s see how that goes!Also ahead of schedule, the excavators have cleared the boys’ (lower) cabin area, and already we are pouring foundations for the eight cabins there. We expect to be using these cabins for next winter’s 2025 IGNITE youth weekends.We have much to be grateful for on this project—the excellent work of our supporting contractors and volunteers, as well as the community that has funded this project. We are truly blessed!Youth CampusRIBBONCUTTING &DEDICATIONJUNE 9, 2024 @ 2:00 PMJoin us as we celebrate the opening of our Upper Cabin Area! Look for upcoming details: sprucelake.org“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength; they shall SOAR on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31Youth Campus
Youth Campuscontinued from page 1Timeline• UPGRADE Pavilion: Spring 2024 • COMPLETE Upper Cabins: Start of camp 2024• DEDICATION: June 9, 2024• COMPLETE Lower Cabins: January 2025With your help, we can keep cabin costs down! Consider oering your skills, and EMAIL us to determine the date and time:CONTACT Dennis Gehman:cabinvolunteer@sprucelake.orgVolunteer!Meanwhile, “refounding” is happening at Pinebrook as well. This winter has been largely about rebuilding after the kitchen fire last fall. The dining room was put back into service in December, 2023, just in time for our Christmas groups. What a blessing to not have to use the temporary tent as our dining room in the winter months!The kitchen area, however, is still under construction. Our Food Service Team continues to operate out of the mobile kitchen we rented to maintain food service during the rebuild. We expect to be serving out of the new kitchen by late May, just in time for the summer rush. All the while, Pinebrook’s attendance continues to grow, and the sta team continues to meet guest needs despite the challenges of the fire.“Out in the big world” everything continues to churn! Our culture seems bent on segregation, discord and conflict. Many look to government, money and systems to address the issues that keep arising, and we feel less reassurance that peace and civility can return.It is in this context that our ministry has a special purpose as God continues to bring people to these grounds. Last year brought the largest number of guests that have ever come on retreat at Spruce Lake Ministries, and 2024 appears to be following suit. People continue to seek answers to the issues we all confront, and God continues to find them here and give them the peace they seek. We continue to meet people “as they are” and in age-appropriate ways share the good news that God is the answer to life’s problems when we are willing to seek Him.We are also blessed with sta who care about doing their work well “as unto the Lord.” Each week we review one of our faith statements and core values. Teams look for ways to develop incoming sta and to “stir up one another to love and good works.” Ministry happens as sta are invigorated to expand in excellence and grow into our core values.Yes, these times are stressful—especially if that is one’s focus. But as we daily put our HOPE in Him, we have HIS hope for the future. I can’t think of a better ministry to be investing in these days—calling people to seek God’s face for themselves in this broken world! Thank you for supporting this ministry, for enabling Spruce Lake Ministries to SOAR into another year of pointing people toward Christ!Blessings!Mark Swartley, CEOSpruce Lake MinistriesPainters Carpet-layers& moreNew cabin interiors so far
A Focus on Core ValuesResourceful stewardshipPinebrook Kitchen Manager JARED BRAWLEY: Jared started as a Kitchen Assistant in 2011. In 2021 he was promoted to Kitchen Manager at Pinebrook. Jared greets everyone with a big smile and positive attitude. He’s a gifted multitasker, a leader who thrives under pressure, and can switch between Pinebrook and Spruce Lake kitchens without missing a beat!Integrity & Christ-centered relationshipsDirector of Pastoral Ministries RANDY GAUMER: As a pastor and one of the ‘professors’ in the RENEW Gap Year program, Randy has provided multiple devotions in various settings. Randy says, “These times are opportunities to train our entire team so they might better point others toward Christ. I also spend time with the sta at Spruce Lake and Pinebrook, counseling, encouraging, coaching and praying with whoever God brings my way.”Consistent learningYouth Ministries Director STEPHANIE GEHMAN: Two four-legged “sta members” of Equi-Librium helped lead Spruce Lake’s Youth Ministry Team through leadership training activities on March 27. Equi-Librium, located in Nazareth, PA, is an equine therapy program that serves dierently abled people. With horses Libby and Rosie, the team explored group dynamics, communication and collaboration. Pictured is Lauren Everett, summer Expeditions Manager, with “sta” horse, Rosie.Recognizing qualityApril Team Member of the Month - STEVE LANDES: Steve joined our Pinebrook team in February, 2019, where he serves as Maintenance Technician with a focus on Construction Project Coordination. He wears many hats: master craftsman, community builder, and “disc golf commissioner.” (The disc golf course he established at Pinebrook receives high ratings.) Coworkers comment on his beautiful work and attention to detail. We’re blessed by Steve’s creativity, flexibility and dedication.Honoring teamwork & contributionsSpruce Lake Laundry Technician - DAWN FLATT: Dawn has been faithfully serving in laundry services since 1993 — that’s 31 years! Though recently going part-time, Dawn continues to spread joy and maintain a positive attitude, even as the ministry has grown bigger and busier. With a delight-ful sense of humor, she loves to laugh and will always greet you with a smile. She also adores cows; a bounty of bovine decor makes the laundry room an a-moo-sing area!Read our Core Values & Faith Statement at sprucelake.org/aboutYears of Service: - Less than 2 years 91 - 3-9 years 30 - 10-19 years 15 - 20-29 years 3 - 30+ years 3Year-round Sta as of 3/5/2024There is no limit to what God can accomplish through us when we keep our focus on Him!” —Jonny Tice, Spruce Lake Director
Ministry Impact 1,561Teens & young adults grew in faith atIGNITE, “SnoGlo” & “Encounter” winter weekends.4,466Day & Overnight campers + Outdoor Ed. students experienced God’s love in action at Spruce Lake & Pinebrook.230,537 Meals served for guests at Spruce Lake & Pinebrook.43,774Individuals, families & groups at Pinebrook & Spruce Lake encountered God in fresh, new ways.EMPOWERED to go on:“Please continue to bring such impactful and anointed speakers who speak truth into our lives. That empowers us to continue in the ministry.” —Pastor & Spouse Retreat, February, 2024“We had two girls recommit their lives to Christ and multiple kids find new friends.” —IGNITE youth group, FEB. 2024“The speakers were phenomenal, and it felt like their messages were directly to me. It was a blessing to be able to receive and refresh from the normal grind of serving. I am so thankful.” —ENGAGE Youth Leaders Conference, March, 2024Felt WELCOMED and at home:“(Your Guest Services Manager) is on point, very knowledgeable, and most of all so sweet and patient and makes you feel very comfortable. Also...the gentleman who put the event together made it fun and kept us informed of what is to come each day. Wonderful job! Thank you! —Couples Retreat, February, 2024Appreciated ATTENTIVE teaching:“A highlight is that the teachers quickly knew student names, and identified strengths and challenges to address with the groups and individuals.” —Outdoor Education SCHOOL Group, MARCH, 2024Valued TRUST and confidence:“We just continue to be so impressed with the entire Spruce Lake camp experience, both Day Camp and Wilderness Camp...the counselors truly care for our children, and the emphasis on Christian faith is so appreciated. We are also impressed with how well-run the camp is...as parents, we feel completely confident putting our children in Spruce Lake’s hands.” —Summer Camp Parents, 2023JAN. - DEC. 20232023 JAN. - FEB. 2024 APR. 2023 - MAR 2024