Camp Aldersgate

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Ryan Everett

Name: Ryan Everett

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   

'97 to '03 - Camper 
'04 - Counselor in Training 
'05-'08,'11 - Summer Staff

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Camper -> CIT -> Lifeguard -> Counselor -> Unit Leader -> Fun Specialist -> Health and Safety Director Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

I was sitting on the hill at the waterfront, looking out over the lake after my first Labyrinth walk. I could feel God's presence with me as I sat and stared at the stars. The stars that had once made me feel so tiny in the expanse of the universe now told me a new story. As I sat there I now realized that the same God that made those stars and the universe is the same God that made me and loves me so much that he met me there at that moment and will never leave me. That experience was life-changing for me.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

It's impossible to pick out one funniest moment at camp. One time that clearly sticks out, though, was a specific rendition of "If I wasn't a (job position) at Camp Aldersgate..." skit. Eric and I were the cow and the farmer (in that order) which meant that nothing about it was normal. Everything was seeming pretty rehearsed until Christine Martin says "I'd be a pirate...and I'll not be singing your silly song". She proceeded to rant and rave in full pirate garb while harassing each staff member in the skit with her sword...with no regards to the beat. Then came Travis Harding who threw everyone for a loop with "I'd be a fencepost". He stood there without moving or saying a word. It was more than I could handle. Luckily, I think this gem is on video somewhere. 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I'm currently living back home in North Canton, Oh. I just recently graduated with a B.S. from Ohio State. I'm currently working on entering into medical school for this upcoming year. In January I am moving to Aldersgate to assume the position as Assistant Director. I look forward to the opportunity to give back to a camp that has given me so much through my lifetime.

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Penny Jackson

Name:   Penny Jackson

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   2008-2009

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Counselor both years (and a lifeguard) Favorite memory from Aldersgate: There are so many memories it's hard to pick just one! As I sit here on the back deck of my house in Australia I think of all the amazing people I met and all the incredible moments I was apart of! My favourite (this is the way it's spelt!) memory would be listening to one of my 10 year old campers and her sharing wisdom beyond her years.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate: As I think back on all the hilarious things that happened at camp, I can't get past the time a 10 year old camper told me that she thought I was 30 and when I said I was actually only 18, she declared "Wow, most 18 year olds I know are pregnant or high on crystal meth!"

 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I'm now back in Australia. I'm studying primary teaching at the University of Canberra and am officially half way through my degree! I am actively involved in my church back home and with my sister I run the youth group and a weekly bible study for high school students. I am so very happy and grateful for such wonderful experiences at Camp Aldersgate!

 

 

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Kyle Jacoby

Name:  Kyle Jacoby

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   

1998-2011

 

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   I was a camper for 4 years, a cit/jc for 2 years, maintenance for 1 year, fun specialist for 1 year, program director for 2 years and the summer camp director for year. Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

Anytime a camper would have an intimate moment with Christ where they grew deeper in their relationship with him.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

One time Eric was sitting in his office and yelled out to me "Guess What?" and my reply was "I am going to say chicken butt because that's what my childhood has taught me". This might not be that funny but Kim will laugh when she reads it.

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

After the summer ended I took a job at Natures Classroom at FFA down the road from Camp Aldersgate. For the past three months I have been showing children all the amazing things our planet has to offer. However, with winter approaching the season ended at Natures Classroom. So I have moved to Kent and am currently speaking with a church in green about a possible music and youth ministry position. I will also in the near future be entering into the candidacy process to become ordained and also putting in applications to go to seminary. God has a lot of things in store for my future and it has been exciting to be a part of it. 

 

Fun Christmas retreat ideas

Hosting a retreat around this time of the year? Whether its a retreat hosted at an outside venue or simply a day retreat at your church, its always nice to offer a fun and easy activity that participants can take home with them afterwards. This year, why not offer them an opportunity to make a fun ornament to hang on their tree.

Homemade Ponsiettas

Supplies:

coffee filters
red acrylic paint
foam brush
toilet paper tube
scissors
glue
small clothespins (optional)
needle and floss for hanging

Directions:

1.Wet the foam brush with water and spread over the filter until the filter is completely wet. Dip the foam brush in a little paint and spread over the filter until completely covered. Some areas of the filter may be more saturated with paint than others and that's okay.

2. Now you're going to prep the toilet paper tubes. Cut them in half to make painting the inside easier. Use a foam brush to paint the tube inside and out, then set aside to dry. Once dry, press flat and cut the tubes into slices. You should get about 8 slices per tube.

3. Make a shallow puddle of glue (the size of the tube slices) and dip each slice into the glue, then 
place on the coffee filter and let dry.

4. Once the slices, now petals, are dry, trim away the extra paper. Glue six petals together, using mini clothespins or something similar to hold them until they dry. Run a strand of floss through the outer tip of one of the petals for hanging. 

5. Then you're done!

Healthy Christmas Ideas

With Christmas coming up, its usually the time when we begin to over indulge on foods and treats as we spend time with family and friends. This year, why not consider making some dishes that are not only tasty to eat but are also kind to your body?

Listed below are some healthy alternatives to the usual favourites, plus maybe some new ideas!

Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad

Ingredients

• 4 stalks celery, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
• 2 tablespoons cider, pear, raspberry or other fruit vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe pears, preferably red Bartlett or Anjou, diced
• 1 cup finely diced white Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Tip)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 6 large leaves butterhead or other lettuce

Method

1. Soak celery in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Whisk vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl until blended. Add pears; gently stir to coat. Add the celery, cheese and pecans; stir to combine. Season with pepper. Divide the lettuce leaves among 6 plates and top with a portion of salad. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Other ideas:

Horseradish crusted Beef Tenderloin

Winter Squash Risotto

Roasted Fall Vegetables in Cheddar crust

Spinach Salad with warm Maple dressing

The Narrow Gate

This past weekend Camp Aldersgate hosted The Narrow Gate which is a three day retreat for High School Students aged 14-18.

The weekend was amazing fun! We along with 14 high school students spent the weekend hanging out, spending time looking at the Bible (Specifically the Sermon on the Mount) and relaxing with friends. 

We are so thankful to all that attended as without them we would've have not been able to install the insulation in the Dining Hall, which they helped in putting up in during a service project time on Saturday. 

Saturday night, we hosted our first Indoor Boat House Beach Party, which was a ton of fun as well as sharing many many laughs.

It was a great weekend being able to re-connect with old friends, as well as make new ones. We are thankful to the parents of these teens for bringing them down for the weekend and for allowing their teenagers to continue with their Aldersgate journey.

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Christine Martin

Name:  Christine Martin

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   

As a camper, starting in 1987 until I became a junior counselor for in MADD in 1991, and volunteered after that every summer. On camp staff from 2005 (?) to 2008.

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Spiritual life director for summer camp and retreats coordinator year-round. Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

One among many: I loved being there for retreat groups and getting to share in many meals, rituals and worship times with people who love the camp as much as I do. I especially loved A Place for Us weekends because the people in those groups are so full of love and Jesus.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

The time I was cooking for a retreat group and needed a conversion for a measurement, but couldn't find any Americans around to help me. Seriously, you need to train your international staff on our measurement system!

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I am the director of youth ministries and spiritual life at Winona UMC in the middle of nowhere (because ever since living at camp, I can't live anywhere but the boonies). I am blessed to be in ministry with my husband, Brian, who is my other half, and everything that I am not...I couldn't do it without him!

 

Why a Men's retreat?

Like a women’s retreat, there are many valuable reasons as to why it is important to host a men’s only retreat. Men like women need time to be with other men and spend time in fellowship and having fun. With men’s retreats it is important to plan according to the men’s retreats, if the men that are attending are outdoor types, then it is important to incorporate times outside and the likewise. Men’s retreats allow time for men to meet with other men and share honestly and openly about their struggles and their joys. Men’s retreats are typically the time when “men can be men” this while is sometimes over exaggerated, is still important for men like women to have time out and meet with other Godly people.

Edible Christmas Gifts

With Christmas coming up, the thought of buying lots of gifts can be overwhelming. So why not make some of your own gifts to give. Making your own gifts can be fun, rewarding, inexpensive, plus they are made with love.

Here are some suggestions:

Cookie gift tags

Peppermint Nougat

Peanut Brittle

Pie

Jam

 

Below is a recipe for homemade strawberry jam, which is a great gift and like the food revolution is fun to make and great to eat!!

 

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Ingredients: 

5 cup(s) (crushed) Fresh Strawberries

1 package(s) (3/4 ounce) Reduced-Calorie Or Lower-Sugar Powdered Fruit Pectin

2 1/2 cup(s) Sugar

 

Method:  

Prepare six 8-ounce canning jars and their lids and bands for processing following manufacturer's directions. Heat jars in canner with enough water to cover to boiling. Meanwhile, in large bowl, with potato masher, crush enough berries in batches to measure 5 cups crushed berries.

In 5-quart Dutch oven, with wire whisk, gradually stir pectin into crushed berries. Let mixture stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place lids in small saucepan and cover with water; heat to boiling and set pan aside.

Heat strawberry mixture to boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar and return strawberry mixture to a rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove strawberry jam from heat. With metal spoon, skim off and discard foam as it accumulates on top.

Place jars and lids upside down on wire rack set over towels to drain. Spoon jam into hot, drained jars to within 1/4 inch from top of jar. Wipe jar rims clean Seal jars. Process in boiling-water bath for 10 minutes. Cool jars on wire rack to room temperature. Label jars and store in cool, dry place. Use within 6 months. Once opened, store in refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.

 

IdentIty

We are pleased to announce IdentIty at Camp Aldersgate!

IdentIty is a 3day retreat for college aged students aged 19-24yrs. The event will be held on December 27^th-29^th.

This event has a very special guest speaker, Matt Elrod who was on CBS’s Survivor: Redemption Island. We are excited to hear Matt speak on remaining true in our identity in Christ and what this looks like.

This 3 days get-away is bound to be an awesome time of fun, time with friends and relaxing over Christmas break.

If you would like any information on this event, please call the camp or go to our website www.campaldersgate.org.

We hope to see you, or someone you know there!