Virtual Camp
We miss you, our campers, and want to send a little taste of camp home to you this week!
We will share our greetings daily through a summer blog posting. Monday being “Marvel”ous Monday, then Tune Tuesday, Wild Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Find-it Friday. We will have the opportunity to stay a bit connected even though our circumstances may be preventing us from gathering in person as we long to do.
Know you are remembered, prayed for, and thought of – often!
Good News!
Good news! We’ve had so many families signing up for Family Camp this summer, we are happy to announce that we will be opening up 4 MORE SESSIONS!
Fill out the form below if you are interested. Mary will contact you to confirm registrations. Our space is very limited, so sign up now!
If the date is not listed, that means we are full. You may, however, request to be put on the waiting list for any session that is full.
July 4 Events Postponed
With all the on-going restrictions, we will not be holding any events on July 4, 2020. The Splash Bash, Spaghetti Dinner and Pass it On events have all been postponed.
Families are invited to come for 3-day mini-retreats where you will stay in your own cabin and participate in camp activities. Click here for details.
We may be holding a fundraising event the end of August. Keep watching for news!
Announcing Family Camp 2020
Due to the current CoViD-19 pandemic state, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel resident camp for July. We will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision about August as time gets closer. If you have already registered for camp, we will be contacting you about your options for refunds, transferring fees, etc.
Instead, please join us at camp as a family this summer! Fill out the form below if you are interested. Mary will contact you to confirm registrations. Our space is very limited, so sign up now!
AmazonSmile Now Enabled in Shopping App
AmazonSmile customers can now support Camp Cherith of Western New York Inc in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app.
New Board Members
We’re pleased to introduce our newest board members:(front L-R, back L-R)
Anne Birt lives in Buffalo and has been connected to CCWNY for many years as a staff member, camper parent and CILT instructor.
Ron Duttweiler is the pastor of Trinity Church in Nunda and is a staff parent and our boating instructor.
Sandy Thompson lives in Hunt and has been connected to Camp for many years as a camper parent/grandparent.
Diana Gressinger lives in Dansville and has been an invaluable resource, volunteer and camper/staff parent.
Financially Speaking
With the help of our faithful donors, God has graciously provided for our current financial needs. The uncertain state of our economy does give each of us pause when we consider how best to use our resources. Our fees do not fully cover all our expenses so we’re trusting God to guide you in your giving to enable us to impact lives for eternity (and pay for the pool!)
Joy Dietrich, ‘Hermi’, VP of Finance
Campers in Leadership Training (CILT)
You may hear or see us talking about CILTs, but not know what it is or stands for. Camper In Leadership Training (aka CILT) is a very special program at Camp Cherith for high school-aged boys and girls. Through the program campers are taught and challenged to become confident, proficient teachers, leaders and Christian role models, not only at camp but wherever life takes them.
We have had many over the years, and celebrate each summer when a new class graduates. Alums line the path to the campfire on Friday night to commemorate the event. Are you interested in something like this or know someone who is? Apply here or contact our director for more info.
CILT had a very significant impact in my life. The CILT program uncovered, built, and exercized my leadership ability for Gods kingdom through the excitement, stress, and sometimes monotonous apects of ministry. I learned how to take skills such as camp craft, archery, and hiking and turn them into an avenue to share the Gospel. Through spiritual development, I was faced by my ignorance in knowledge and commitment to faith. My fears were tested and ultimately diminished by the Godly challenge and support the CILT program provides. Importantly, I was forced to grow up in my responsibilities and skills so that I can more effectively be a role model and spiritual disciple for youth across the country and ultimately around the world. -Stella
CILT was the highlight of my teen years. It taught me how to dig deep in my Bible and cling to my Heavenly Father. I learned how to work with a group of people and how to teach kids and those around me. These are all skills I have continued to use in my life. -Tailor
CILT means so much to me. CILT is a great way where you can bring people together and build friendships with people; I met some of my best friends in CILT…. CILT also helps you get 100 times closer to God. God is the most important thing to me in life, and when I joined the CILT program it was mostly all about God. I loved that. CILT is a good way to make friends, learn leadership, team building, and learn more about God.- Amanda
Directly Speaking
I’m looking ahead to the summer of 2020 and praying for 20/20 vision as we focus on our theme:“Fix your eyes on Jesus”
Hebrews 12:2 states “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As I sit and write this, I know that things in the world around me are uncertain at this time however, I will fix my eyes on Jesus and trust that He will make a way for summer camp.
Since last fall and early this year, I have had the op- portunity to share about our awesome camp ministry at churches, Pioneer Clubs, local school fun fairs and even in the resident house (on property) as I invited folks in for an ‘Open House’. We had 15 Christmas trees and about 40 guests at the Open House who were excited to learn more about camp.
The best part in all this has been meeting campers from last summer, seeing kids excited for the upcoming summer and hearing from adults about their camp experience.
As I have shared in local churches and clubs, I convey that for a period of usually a
week, around 10,000 minutes––often more––campers experience actual adventures in an outdoor setting. They form new relationships with brand-new peers and caring, adult role-models ––a temporary community where they can take risks and ask--and even answer, life’s most important questions about faith, family and God.
Debbie Betts, ‘Willow’ - Director
Still Accepting Camper Registrations
As spring blossoms, we continue to prepare for a normal camp schedule in hopes that physical distancing requirements will be lifted by the time summer comes.
We are still accepting camper registrations, but you will be placed on a waiting list until we know for certain what the summer schedule will look like. This allows you to let us know you are interested in coming, but you won’t be responsible for any payments until later.
UPDATE: We had some technical issues with the waiting list. For now, select “Enroll in Payment Plan” and “Deposit+1 payment” and “Pay Balance Manually.” This will allow you to register with $0 deposit.
See our previous article to understand steps we are taking to prepare for this summer.