April 8, 2020

Dear Camp Swatara family and friends,

On behalf of our staff and board members, we extend our greetings to you during this unchartered season. We also recognize that the past few weeks have brought about experiences and information that have influenced our hearts, minds, and spirits, causing us to reflect, to question, and to wait.

I made it outside for a moment today, talking with Udo, our Buildings and Grounds Manager, about a repair project that just wrapped up on the north wall of our barn. This day was just so beautiful with new life springing up, insects and animals becoming active once again, and feeling the warm air rising. Even though that is all so vivid and enjoyable, it is not the fullness of what is intended for Camp Swatara.

Over the months of March to August, Camp Swatara historically hosts and/or facilitates the greatest number of families, guests, and campers through our Family Campground, Camp and Retreat areas and Summer Camp programs. This timeframe has typically ushered in schools, non-profit organizations, churches, and family groups to discover, learn, grow, and enjoy each of the arms of ministry at Camp Swatara.

The last time we served guests was March 15th, having seen a few cancellations up to that date and every group cancelling due to life-sustaining guidelines and stay at home orders since. We have been closed since March 16th and remain closed through May 1st, with groups cancelled out to May 8th and no clear picture of when we can re-open, or what the climate will be in our communities.

As I return to thinking about our DNA here, it is evident that you, the family unit or group – church or church group – school group – non-profit specialty organization – and summer camper are so intimately woven into our design and purpose. Camp Swatara is not who we are made to be without your . . . presence . . . campfire gatherings . . . songs . . . waves . . . discoveries . . . reconnections . . . laughter . . . tears . . . smiles . . . and friendships.

We are here to serve you and we also are unable to do so without you. During this time of closure, each of us is impacted. Today, would you consider before the Lord, partnering with Camp Swatara to provide a regular or one-time gift to be used for our general operation, specifically in first taking care of our staff, then our buildings and grounds, and infrastructure? Your gift can be designated toward our general fund and will bless the ministry of Camp Swatara as we eagerly await our opportunity to serve you and our other families, guests, and campers soon.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and for giving

Tim Courtright, Executive Director, Camp Swatara

2 Peter 1:3-11