Camp Maranatha

THE LADIES OF PROMISE LUTHERAN TIP-TOE THEIR WAY THROUGH THE SNOW TO THE DINING HALL-4/21/2007

2007-04-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

SNOWY MORNING AT CAMP MARANATHA- 4/21/2007

2007-04-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2007

2007-04-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

For those of you who only get to visit us during the summer, here's a glimpse of our latest spring storm.

SOME MORE OLD-TIMEY PHOTOS FROM GOOD OL' CAMP MARANATHA

2007-04-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

MOWING THE BALLFIELD

2007-04-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

"All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."

CCCA Sectional Conference

2007-04-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Eight of our staff members attended the Christian Camp and Conference Association's sectional conference at beautiful Big Bear's Pine Summit this March 19th- 23rd. Camping leaders from all over Southern California gathered for a time of renewal and reflection within a community of Christian fellowship. It offered seminars on everything from facilities and food service to leadership and spiritual formation in which we could share ideas, gather new information and bolster enthusiasm. They fed us very well, and there was always a willing ping-pong opponent available. One of the most exciting aspects of the conference was being in the general sessions among people who have been called to the camping ministry. Worshipping alongside so many others who have left their "regular jobs" to serve God through serving others was a blessing and encouragement.

Attendees left to right: Jeannie Oleson, Bobbi Crawford, Nancy Beggs, Kaitlin Barr, April Wilson and Rita Reynolds (Pine Summit).

Left to right back row: Lisa Richard, Keith Shirley, Paula Shirley, Jeannie Oleson and Bobbi Crawford. Front row: Kaitlin Barr, Nancy Beggs.

2007-04-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Camp's office is now easy to find thanks to our beautiful new sign. It was designed by our former Food Service Coordinator Cameo Lussier- Lawrence and fabricated by MMAP volunteers and Walt and Keith Shirley. Its large scale makes it visible from our entry gate, and we've already received compliments from our guest groups and UPS driver.

FORMER REDSKIN SPEAKS AT CAMP MARANATHA

2007-01-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Greg Huntingon with Camp Maranatha's Assistant Director Josh Tate
This past weekend Camp Maranatha hosted Restored Life Fellowship, a men's group from South Pasadena. Their speaker was Greg Huntington who played for Penn State and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the early nineties. He went on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears before leaving the sport and pursuing ministry full time. Washington Quarterback, Mark Brunelle, played an integral part in bringing Huntington to the Lord. He faithfully invited him to Bible studies at his house and conferences, and also modeled what it meant to be a Christian by living with integrity in the midst of their profession. Huntington accepted Christ into his heart as his personal Lord and Savior during his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and was baptized in Brunelle's swimming pool. For the past few years, Huntingon has served as co-chaplain for the Washington Redskins while pursuing other ministry opportunities as well. Many of the men who attended the retreat said the Huntington's life and message had a big impact on them.
The men of Restored Life Fellowship reported having a wonderful stay here at the camp. They enjoyed wonderful weather and fellowship during their time at the camp, and are already planning another retreat next year.

SUMMER STAFF 2007

2007-01-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

Camp Maranatha, located a mile high in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, is looking for High School and College students who are seeking more than a typical summer job. Do you long to invest yourself in the Lord’s service? Would you enjoy living and working with like-minded young people in a camp setting? Do you feel that the Lord is calling you to use your gifts in His service? If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you should consider joining Camp Maranatha’s 2007 summer staff.

Ever since the camp’s beginning in 1951 our summer staff has played a major role in the camp’s ministry. They have come from all around the country to serve the Lord through serving others. Over the course of the summer you will develop important work experience, make friends, and be stretched in your relationship with God. The summer staff experience isn’t just about work either. We also make time for staff activities, Bible studies, day-trips off the mountain, and just hanging out in the beauty of God’s creation.

So, what are you doing this summer? If you have a heart for the Lord, and are looking for an exciting and rewarding summer ministry experience, Camp Maranatha is the place for you. For an application or for additional information about working on the 2007 Summer Staff contact Camp Maranatha today!

Camp Maranatha is owned and operated as a non-profit organization by the Advent Christian Conference of Southern California.

Keith Shirley, Director
Josh Tate, Assistant Director
Lisa Richard, Food Service Director

Camp Maranatha
PO BOX 1736
Idyllwild, CA
92549

951-659-2739
camp_maranatha@juno.com

The Oasis House Church

2006-11-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, The Oasis House Church of Tempe Arizona drove out for a retreat here at Camp Maranatha. It was a lot of fun having them.

We also hosted a group of about 50 from the Rock Church. Both were first time groups, but things went really smoothly. Meeting new brothers and sisters is one of the joys that comes from working at Camp.

LIABILITY PROBLEM!!!

2006-11-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL DAY HERE IN IDYLLWILD 11-9-2006

2006-11-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful day here in Idyllwild. The kind of day where you would be comfortable in a sweatshirt, but if you start moving around you might want to take it off. There is a little bit of a breeze blowing the smell of pine around, and there isn't a cloud in the sky. I like the way the green mountains are juxtaposed next to the blue sky. Everything is so crisp and clear in the mountains. Really it is a beautiful day up here. We wish you were here to enjoy it with us... cancel that... why don't you come up?

For no particular reason I am posting two old Kids Kamp pictures. I just thought you would appreciate them. The top one is from 1968 and the bottom one is from 1957.

THE NEW OAK LODGE'S DEDICATION CEREMONY

2006-11-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Lunch was served prior to the dedication ceremony.
Dave Crimi led everyone in prayer before the meal.
The afternoon sun shining through the fish cut outs which adorn the railings and stairways throughout the building.

2006-11-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

2006-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Roughly 90 people attended the dedication ceremony. We were grateful for the turnout.
Conference President, Dave Crimi, addresses those in attendance.
Walt Shirley, Camp Maranatha's most faithful volunteer and honorary MMAPer, had a few brief comments. He is pictured here cutting the ribbon. Several people cut the ribbon throughout the ceremony in recognition of their contribution to the camp and specifically the building project.
The MMAPer ladies donated two framed Thomas Kinkade puzzles, which they completed during past projects. Eva Sprague (pictured above) and her husband, Jay Sprague, were instrumental in introducing Camp Maranatha to the MMAPer organization.
Veteran MMAPers, Dave and Vaal Eckenroth, were recognized for completing their 100th MMAP project- twelve of which have been at Camp Maranatha. Over the construction of the Oak Lodge the MMAPer organization has contributed 17, 825 hours of volunteer labor. The construction of the Oak Lodge would not have been possible without their hard work and generosity.
Keith Shirley and his "right hand man" Dave Shoemaker. Dave Shoemaker, from the Tustin Church, regularly drove up to camp on weekends to assist keith with the building.
A slide show was shown showing the different stages of the construction project down through past few years. It was an incredible visual reminder of what a massive undertaking the building was and it also served as a reminder of how faithful God has been.
Louis Gransee dedicated the building to God and His use through prayer.

BOBCAT SIGHTING AT CAMP-11/7/2006

2006-11-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Last night, as we were sitting at our dining room table eating dinner, we heard the ravens outside making an unusual amount of noise. We are used to ravens making a lot of noise around our house, but their cawing was of an unusual intensity, frequency, and volume. Sarah stepped out onto the porch to see what all the fuss was about and saw a bobcat right across the road by the fountain. I joined her on the porch just in time to see the bobcat jump down into the concrete area around the fountain.
The ravens were dive-bombing the beleaguered feline, who left the fountain and made its way calmly around the edges of the center grass. Sarah ran back inside, grabbed the camera, threw on a sweater and shoes and then went out to see if she could get a picture of it.
Being the expert tracker that she is, Sarah caught up with the bobcat at the far end of the center grass by the gazebo. She was able to take a couple of pictures, but because of the gathering dusk they are a little dark and fuzzy. Sarah got a good look at it and said that it had short dark fur and most of one of its ears was missing. The ravens didn’t leave it alone until it disappeared into the manzanitas on the hillside just north of the A-frame.
One of the MMAPer couples also saw the bobcat walking through the camp’s parking lot shortly before we saw it across from our house.

THE NEW OAK LODGE

2006-11-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

Looking north from the Gazebo.

Looking south from the tabernacle.
Rooms connected by bridges on the back side of the building.
The back side of the building looking north along the dirt road.

The chapel.
Inside one of the building's 16 rooms. The bunkbeds can be taken apart for campers who don't want to climb to an upper bunk. In this picture the bunkbed has been taken down. Each room has a private shower and toilet. Most rooms have three beds, but some have 5.

RT 243 FROM THE BANNING SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN IS STILL CLOSED

2006-11-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to attend the ribbon cutting and dedication service for the new building tomorrow the way up the mountain from Banning on rt. 243 remains closed due to damage from the recent wildfire.

There is a possibility it will be reopened before tomorrow, but you should check to make sure before you leave home.

To check if 243 has been reopened call the State Highway Conditions phone number at 1-800-427-7623 and request information about 243.

We are looking forward to seeing you here at Camp tomorrow!

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY THIS SATURDAY

2006-11-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held this Saturday the 4th at 1:30pm to dedicate the new Oak Lodge and thank the MMAPers and other volunteers who assisted in the building's construction. Lunch will be served at 12:00 pm prior to the ceremony. There is no cost for the lunch or to attend the ceremony, and we would love for you to come!

We hope to see you there!

THE CAMPS BEGINNINGS- EARLY 1950'S

2006-11-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to view an enlarged version.

Check out that huge parrot on that guy's shirt. I like his style.

The Old Big Pine Lodge.
The Old Ponderosa.
The Maple Lodge (staff house).

10-29-2006

2006-11-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we hosted three groups. The group pictured here in the Oak Lodge's chapel is Charisma in Missions. They brought 150 campers from the Los Angeles area. The other two groups, not pictured here were Village Bible Church (teens) and Promise Lutheran (women). It was a good weekend despite the distraction of the wildfire on the other side of the mountain.

FIRE UPDATE 10-27-2006 at 4:30 pm

2006-10-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

There isn't much new to report with regards to the wildfire. Route 243 andState Highway 79 remain closed, and although the fire has grown it has not moved any closer to Idyllwild. Ironically the Santa Ana winds, which are fanning the flames, are also driving them away from Idyllwild. Today was less smokey here at the camp with blue skies, and only occasionally was there noticeable smoke or haze in the air.

At this time, you will be comforted to know that Idyllwild is in no danger. Our hearts go out to all those whose property lies in harm's way and for those firemen who are working so hard to safeguard the welfare and property of area residents at great personal risk.

We are especially mindful today of those firemen who have died and become injured fighting the fire, and our hearts go out to their families and loved ones. Please remember those who have been affected by this loss in your prayers.

It is hoped that sometime in the next 24 hours the Santa Ana winds will cease and an off-shore breeze may blow the fire back onto the 26,000 acres it has already scorched and thus extinguish it. We are grateful for the brave and dedicated service of the firemen and others who have been battling the fire, and we are also grateful that the fire has not effected the camp's operation in any way.

Our three guest groups are still planning to attend this weekend, but we have made sure, as a precaution, that all guest groups bring and maintain a sufficient number of vehicles to safely evacuate their campers in the unlikely event that an evacuation becomes necessary.

Your prayers are appreciated. We will update the blog as developments occur.

A good resource for current local information on the fire and its effects is the Idyllwild Town Crier's Web site;

www.towncrier.com

IDYLLWILD NOT IN DANGER AT THIS TIME

2006-10-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following events on the news with regards to the Esperanza Fire you will be comforted to know that Idyllwild, and thus Camp Maranatha, is not in any danger at this time.

Route 243 between Idyllwild and Banning as well as State Highway 79 have been closed to through traffic due to encroachment from the wildfire on that side of the mountain.

The air here at the camp has been a little smokey throughout the day, but otherwise we remain uneffected.

We are expecting three guest groups this weekend with approximately 200 campers in all. We do not intend to cancel this weekend's retreats, as Idyllwild is in no danger at this time.

We would appreciate prayers for the safety of the firemen battling the fire, as well as prayer that the fire would not move further in the direction of Idyllwild.

I will update the blog with any developments as they occur.

CALLING ALL SERVANTS

2006-10-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend, October 27-29, we will have approximately 200 campers here at Camp Maranatha, and many of our regular kitchen workers will not be available to help. So, if you are interested in volunteering in the the camp's kitchen this weekend please give us a call. We would surely appreciate it!

951-659-2739

camp_maranatha@juno.com

BOWDEN TATE TAKES YOU ON A GUIDED TOUR OF CAMP MARANATHA'S SPOOKIEST PLACES

2006-10-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

With Halloween fast approaching, Bowden Tate (three years old) wanted to take you on a guided tour of Camp Maranatha's three spookiest places.
Ranking #3 on Bowden's list is "The Tunnel"

Me: Bowden why is the tunnel spooky?

Bowden: Um...um...um because God made it fooky.

Ranking #2: The maintenance building

Bowden: I think raccoons live in here Daddy.

Me: I don't think so buddy.

Bowden: I think they use these tools to make things.

Me: What kind of things?

Bowden: Fooky things.

...And the Fookiest place in all of Camp Maranatha- Dead Man's Cave

Me: Why is Dead Man's Cave the spookiest place at Camp?

Bowden: Because a dead man built it.

So there you have it folks, and just in time for halloween- Camp Maranatha's three spookiest places.