Calvary Harrisburg Youth VIM Journey

By Lauren Bell, Calvary UMC Youth Group

In June, youth from Calvary UMC in Harrisburg went on a four-day woodsy retreat to Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center in Weikert, Pa. Previously, we would use trips to Wesley Forest as an escape from parents and school or as an opportunity to connect with nature, build friendships, and be closer to God. 

This past winter, Wesley Forest experienced a terrible storm which uprooted trees and left the camp in disarray. To ensure the safety of the summer campers and restore Wesley Forest to its former glory, we spent our retreat time helping to clean up and learning the importance of caring for the Earth.

Among the many jobs we completed were extensive yard work around Penns Creek Lodge, removing tree branches and other foliage from paths, and planting flowers around the entrance sign. We ensured that summer campers had clean facilities, like bathhouses and the craft cabin, and safe trails to explore the camp and experience the beauty of nature that surrounds them. 

We worked together on large projects helping build teamwork and strong connections with one another. When everyone relied on one another to accomplish a goal, friendship and understanding blossomed, and inside jokes abounded. 

All this hard work could not have been accomplished without the different skills found within each youth. From one’s knowledge of landscaping, to another’s understanding of gardening, as well as compassion, hard work, high energy, and an obsession with a leaf blower, job after job was completed beyond expectations. 

You may be wondering, “All this hard work seems exhausting and unfair for the kids”. Well, we found time to enjoy some fun, playing 9-square, spoons, gaga ball, and other games, as well as Bible study and, oh yeah, even a trip into town for ice cream! 

Every challenge, obstacle, or job was completed and overcome through hard work and determination from the youth and loving donations from friends, family, and other members of our church. The youth can honestly say that they had a blast and are looking forward to when they can do it all again. 

Calvary’s youth would like to thank Volunteers In Mission (VIM) for helping to organize the trip and the projects. And another thank you to the staff at Wesley Forest for hosting us. We’ll be back in the spring!

For more information about VIM and opportunities, contact

Michelle Schwartzman, VIM Coordinator
vim@susumc.org
Web: www.susmb.org/vim/
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Camp & Retreat Ministry Announces New Director for Wesley Forest

Susquehanna Camp and Retreat Ministries is delighted to announce that TayLavor (TayLa) Fugate has been selected to serve as the new center director for the ministry at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center.

Originally from Southwest Virginia, Fugate is a Pennsylvania transplant by way of New Jersey, pursuing her Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School of Drew University. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she has discovered a passion for building relationships with others through her 10+ years of experience in several different ministry areas including worship/arts, children, youth, young adult/campus, and camp/retreat ministries.

While earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University, she found a home away from home at Cedar Crest Camp in Lyles, TN where she served in different capacities including waterfront director & office administrator. These, among other key ministry experiences, have greatly shaped and influenced her love and passion for camp!

When asked about her own connection to camp ministry, Fugate said, “I deeply believe camp has made every part of me better. It’s helped me learn to slow down, take test, and be WITH that which is around me, all of creation! It’s strengthened my spiritual well-being, my connection with the created, and the creator.”

She continued, “Camping is an incredibly unique experience that invites people out of their comfort zone to be challenged and grow in their faith and spirituality.” Her hope is to bring love and support to all the amazing things Wesley Forest is and all that’s already taking place. She plans to put her best self forward in the form of ideas and passions that may help Wesley Forest grow and expand for the better.

In her free time, you can always find TayLa painting, playing & writing music, at an open mic or a local music show, or out on the water with her pup Zero. She & Zero are overjoyed about heading west to Wesley Forest and can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones!

Eagle Scout Chooses Wesley Forest for His Project

High School sophomore Evan Funk has chosen Wesley Forest as the site for his Eagle Scout project. “I will be building a stage area at Wesley Forest UM Camp big enough to hold all campers at camp.” said Evan, who has been active in scouting for ten years, as a member of Troop 180 in New Kingstown.

“Wesley Forest Camp is one of my favorite places in the world. I have so many memories and friendships that were formed and shaped there,” he said. His dad is Rev. Eric Funk, currently serving Central UMC, Honesdale, in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District, and his mom has been a camp nurse for many years. Living in a pastor’s family means that they have moved to many places but Wesley Forest has been a special, constant place in Evan’s life. “My Eagle Project is to make Wesley Forest even better for future generations who will come to grow closer to God and to each other.”

Evan has now reached the stage of fundraising the $7,000 needed to complete the project. You can help! Your giving will support this Eagle Scout project and the United Methodist camping program as well. Check out this video for inspiration and an explanation of the project.

If you want to donate by check, please make it out to “Susquehanna Conference” and on the MEMO line you must write “Wesley Forest Eagle Project” 

Mail checks to: 

SUSUMC Camping Office,
303 Mulberry Drive,
Mechanicsburg PA 17050-3179. 

You can also give through the online giving site, or access it using the QR code below.