Support Woodcrest

I still remember it.  I was a teenager sitting by a pond. It was a sunny afternoon at a summer camp in northern Pennsylvania.  The director is sitting with me sharing the hope and joy that is found in knowing Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross.  That day I surrendered my life to the One loves me, gave His life to make me His own, and set me free to love Him. Since that glorious day, I have literally spent every summer at camps sharing that Gospel to campers and staff.

Something special happens at camp. When you are surrounded by God’s creation which is declaring His glory and surrounded by caring staff who are demonstrating God’s love, the Gospel truly comes alive. God is using Woodcrest’s summer camp program to transform the lives of young people. Nearly 40% of our campers are unchurched. Not only was our summer camp full this past summer, every weeks had a waiting list. What great Kingdom opportunities.

With this explosion of growth, we are in need of making significant improvements to our summer camp facilities. One of the most urgent needs is to our overnight camp facilities. It has been almost 20 years since Woodcrest invested in updating this heavily used area of camp. The current bathhouse, built in 2007, was supposed to only be a “temporary” solution to meet the needs of the early camp program.

Use of Poplar View Pavilion, located in this area of camp, has increased greatly in the past few years. Families and youth groups are using the bunkhouses as a regular getaway location. All of this has put a strain on that “temporary” bathhouse. We need to consistently have the septic tank pumped out at least twice a week (which is a significant expense). Additionally, it is too small and inadequate for our growing needs.

Our 2023 campaign is to raise $350,000 to replace the old bathhouse with a new shower house building. The project includes connecting the overnight camp area to the camp’s existing sewer lines and laying the groundwork for future improvements in this section of camp (this removes the need for those weekly pumpings) This new shower house (see rendering on reserve side) will not only be more attractive, but will provide showers and handicap accessibility for our guests. We are certain that this project will make campers (and moms) happy while also improving our service to the groups we serve.

Please consider how you can help us reach this ambitious goal. We would love to have the funds raised in time to have this structure in place for the 2023 summer camp season. Your gift will help us make this happen. Thank you for your continued support of Woodcrest and joining us in building for Kingdom impact.