THE SILVER FIRE

8/7/2013 @ 8:21pm

Many of you have seen reports on TV and the internet about a wildfire in the Idyllwild area, which is being called the "Silver Fire." Camp Maranatha is receiving a high volume of calls from concerned parents who want to know how the fire is affecting Camp Maranatha.

As always, Camp Maranatha's first priority is the safety of our campers. Parents of campers who are monitoring the fire from home can rest assured that we take our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of our guests very seriously and we will continue to monitor the fire's progress closely.

Although the fire is 0% contained and continues to grow we are grateful that the fire does not represent an advancing threat on Idyllwild at this time, and that it remains far removed from the Idyllwild area. The air quality here at camp is perfect with no smoke whatsoever, and besides the closure of rt. 243 towards Banning, the camp remains completely unaffected by the fire.

(For updates on the fire check out the Idyllwild Town Crier's Website by clicking HERE.)

Although the possibility of an evacuation is extremely remote given the location of the fire, Camp Maranatha's staff will work closely with the staff of King's Kamp to formulate an emergancy evacuation plan in the event that such became necessary.

The campers just got out of their evening session in the main auditorium, and, as I type, they are watching a movie in Camp Maranatha's amphitheater. The staff and counselors are taking a break while the campers watch the movie to let their hair down and play some volleyball. Judging by the hooting and hollering I can hear from my house it sounds like they're having a good time. It's a starry night here in Idyllwild- the sort you only get in the mountains on a clear night. We give thanks to God for the work he is doing in the lives of these young people through the ministry of King's Kamp and for the beauty of His creation here in the mountains.

We will continue to bring you regular updates on how the fire is affecting Camp Maranatha- the next update will be at 9:00am tomorrow morning. Parents of campers should feel free to call as often as they would like for updates. Camp Maranatha's staff is always happy to talk with you.

Our prayers go out to the firefighters, emergency services personnel and support crews battling the fire, and also to those who have been hit hardest by the fire in the Twin Pines, Silent Valley, Poppet Flats area. Please be praying that for the safety of the those in harm's way and for the fire's containment.

 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1


8/7/2013 @ 5:00 pm

Some of you may have become aware of yet another fire in the San Jacinto Mountains. Today at 2:15pm a fire was reported in the direction of an area called Poppet Flats. The fire is being called "The Silver Fire." Poppet Flats is far removed from Idyllwild and the fire does not pose any threat to Idyllwild or Camp Maranatha at this time.

The fire was last reported at 300 acres and Rt. 243 is closed.

A number of parents have already called with questions about air quality here in Idyllwild. That's a good question. Air quality here in Idyllwild is excellent at this time with blue skies and no smoke whatsoever. In fact, the smoke from the fire is not even visible from our location.

We will bring further updates as circumstances warrant.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact Camp Maranatha's main office for updates as often as you like by calling 951-659-2739.

Another helpful resource is the Town Crier's website which you can access by clicking HERE.
The Town Crier is Idyllwild's local newspaper.