Last chance to sign-up for Winter Camp!  Register TODAY or before 10:00am Friday, December 28!

40 of our reunited Summer Staff are EXCITED for a FUN weekend program with returning campers for Winter Camp this Saturday!  Register today!

WINTER CAMP RETREAT FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH, DECEMBER 29-30:
Need a BREAK from your Christmas break?  Give yourself AND your campers a Christmas gift and send them kids to Winter Camp, Saturday, December 29, 10:00am through Sunday, December 30, 2:00pm.  Register ASAP or before Christmas!   Winter Camp is a fun and spiritual holiday program for campers in 1st through 12th grades led by our reunited Summer Staff.  $60 includes 4 meals, lodging and all programming including games, hiking, crafts, Bible Study, summer 2012 slide-show, our big end-of-year bonfire, singing, fellowship and a sneak-peek at summer 2013, “All Things New.”  If there is snow on the ground we WILL hit the “Bethel slopes,” so bring your sled and bike helmet!  Printable form OR on-line registration is at www.campbethelvirginia.org/winter_camp.htm.

SUMMER CAMPS 2013: “ALL THINGS NEW: SEE WHAT GOD IS DOING!”
Registration begins January 1, 2013!  The schedule and a sneak preview of our theme is at www.campbethelvirginia.org/summer.htm, and all other Summer Camp information (brochure, forms, etc) will be posted soon.  We excitedly announce that Katie Furrow and Maureen Zach will serve as our two 2013 Summer Program Coordinators.  Katie is a member of the Monte Vista CoB congregation, and she is a Junior at Bridgewater College.  Katie served as a Camp Bethel counselor 2008-10, and was on the Youth Peace Travel Team in 2012.  Maureen attends Augustana College, and she has served as a Camp Bethel counselor in 2011-12.  Many of your favorite counselors are returning in 2013!  Brochure packets will be mailed in January to all campers, churches, camp reps and pastors.  Register early to guarantee your chosen week and before May 1 to save $50. New FUN activities, programs and adventures!

KEVIN JONES PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO: MUSICAL THEATER RETREAT FOR ADULTS, MAY 3-5, 2013:
Parents: It’s time to show those KJPAS kids how you can strut your stuff on the Broadway (Camp Bethel) stage!  Kevin says, “I am delighted to announce the inaugural KJPAS AdultMusical Theater Retreat!  This action packed weekend will provide you with quality musical theater training, including a performance opportunity, and a great camp experience in the beautiful and serene setting of Camp Bethel.  This is the perfect opportunity for a weekend away from the kids -or just a weekend away from the rat race!  This all-inclusive package costs less than 1 night away at a moderately priced hotel!  And the “early bird special” will make this retreat an even better deal – and an excellent Christmas present! (hint-hint!).”  Check www.campbethelvirginia.org/KJPAS.htm for information, or contact Kevin Jones at kevin@kjpas.com.

LIKE “CAMP BETHEL SUMMER CAMP AND EVENT CENTER” ON FACEBOOK
Finally created our “official” Facebook site page for you to LIKE. Check it out here, and please LIKE and SHARE! Thank you!

SEND YOUR CHURCH’S REP TO THE CAMP SUPPORTER LUNCHEON, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9:
Saturday, February 9, 12:00-3:00, all Camp Representatives, pastors, youth leaders, friends and supporters of Camp Bethel are encouraged to attend our Camp Supporter Luncheon.  Please ensure that at least ONE person from your church is in attendance. You do not have to be an official Camp Rep to attend.  After a free lunch in the Ark, we’ll share and distribute all the tools and information you need to communicate Camp Bethel to your home congregations.

SOW THE SEED SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET, THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 6:30PM:
Plant seeds of FAITH in the lives of children, youth and young adults!  At $40 per person (larger gifts accepted), all costs and donations from the evening directly fund “camperships” and our summer camp ministries.  RSVP by February 28 to 540-992-2940 or campbetheloffice@gmail.com.  Payments accepted in advance or at the table.  Each year the need and demand for scholarships increases.  Our base fee for a week of camp in 2013 is $270.  Your gift is tax-deductible!  Give the gift of CAMP; it’s an experience that can change a life forever.

CAMP BETHEL WISH LIST, DECEMBER:
Scholarship donations to cover remaining 2012 summer campers; Vacuum cleaner(s); AC window units (for summer 2013); Treated lumber, all sizes; Extra cases of screws and nails for Maintenance.  Please bring any items you can to the camp office porch.  Thank you!

YOUR END-OF-YEAR GIFT MATTERS!  Donate NOW HERE!
In summer 2012, we continued our tradition of bringing ALL children to camp.  We granted partial or full scholarships in the amount of $30,615 to 132 children who would not otherwise have been able to attend camp.  This still exceeds currently available scholarship funding by $2,281, so we hope to receive additional scholarship gifts by the end of 2012.  Now more than ever YOUR gifts and YOUR participation can help with end-of-year expenses and help us begin 2013 ready for an exciting and dynamic year of outdoor ministry.  All gifts are tax-deductible!  Camp Bethel, as part of the Virlina District Church of the Brethren, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  100% of your gift directly funds the remaining 2012 camp expenses.  Contact us for more information about your tax deduction, and THANK YOU for supporting your Camp Bethel!  Donate NOW HERE!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
December 28, 2012: (Fri): Summer Staff & CIT Reunion.
December 29-30, 2012: (Sat-Sun): Winter Camp Program.
January 1, 2013: Summer Camp Registration opens!
February 2, 2013 (Sat): Camp Bethel at Rke Camp Fair/Tons of Fun, Tanglewood Mall.
February 9, 2013 (Sat), 12:00noon: Camp Supporter/OMC Rally & Lunch.
March 7, 2013 (Thurs), 6:30pm: Sow the Seed Banquet, RSVP.
April 6, 2013, 7:30am Spring Workday & 1:00pm Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
April 19-20, 2013 (Fri-Sat): 12th Sounds of the Mountains Story & Music Festival.

Submitted by CAMP BETHEL