by Kristin Hoover, Chair of the Camp and Retreat Ministry Board
On October 22, 2022, in the large recreation field at Wesley Forest, surrounded by stunning autumn leaves, The Susquehanna Conference UMC Board of Camp & Retreat Ministry held their first Camp Fancy Gala.
When at camp, things get a little silly! Guests dressed in their “Camp Fancy” finest; Camp Fancy means anything from prom night outfits to outdoor gear, and in most cases a fun blend of the two. Guests celebrated the goodness of God with smiles and laughs as we offered the Superman Prayer before our meal and sang and danced to camp classic “Pharaoh, Pharaoh.”
Campers and former campers offered testimonies- sharing their memories of camp and explaining how the camping program has impacted their lives.
The SUSUMC camping community generously participated in the Live and Silent Auctions. Guests bid on items like a Fly-Fishing Experience, Wesley Forest Rolls, Old Camp Signage, Camp Penn Metal Trays, Philadelphia 76ers tickets, Hershey Bears tickets, local theatre tickets, Greene Hills Oreo Fluff, Camp Tie Dye Shirts, and a Mystery Box of Camp Lost and Found Items!
The Board is thrilled to announce the Camp Fancy Gala raised over $20,000 for the Camp and Retreat Ministry! Many thanks to our generous gala sponsors- Aldersgate UMC Mechanicsburg, Swissdale UMC Lock Haven, Trinity Charge Williamsport District, Calvary UMC Harrisburg, Cardinal Creek, Hess Hanna & Associates, and Juniata UMC Altoona.by Kristin Hoover, Chair of the Camp and Retreat Ministry Board.
Dave Poole ended his remarks at the gala with the simple, yet profound statement “Camp Changes Lives.” The success of this event allows us to change the lives of even more young people. You too can offer your support to the SUSUMC Camp & Retreat Ministry through the Matching Monday campaign. https://susumcamps.org/index.php/donate/matching-monday
Stay tuned for information on the 2023 Camp Fancy Gala!
