There is still time . . . there is still room!

The Annual Youth Retreat at the Presbyterian Center in Holmes, N.Y. has been a key source of strength and renewal for many children, youth, and adults alike!  This year our retreat will return to the format of having male and female counselor partners with appropriate age-levels groups.  According to the American Camp Association: "Summer camps for young people have been offering developmental opportunities to children and adolescents for over one hundred years. Identifying the elements of camp experiences that result in positive youth development is necessary to assure that camps continue to provide "a world of good."

A national study was undertaken by researchers associated with the American Camp Association (ACA) to measure changes in young people as a result of summer camp experiences offered for the duration of at least one week. Positive changes in youth development constructs were found (see the full report, Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience at www.ACAcamps.org/research ). The purpose of this aspect of the research was to explore a logic model applied by the researchers that asserts that the goals set by camp directors and staff lead directly to positive outcomes for youth.

Our Annual Youth Retreat is a testament to the commitment of leaders such as the late Rev. Angelina Burgos, elder Luis Andrini and so many witnesses that have come before us who paved the way for such a viable ministry. 
 
I have been part of this ministry for the past 34 years and it has been a transformative experience for me and the ministry God has given me.  To witness the work of the Spirit through the Bible studies, worship experiences, fellowship times, and evenng hikes, has been a re-energizing venue for all that I do throughout the course of the year. 
 
I invite all who have participated to share some words of testimony as we moe forward in the proclamation of The Word through this fresh-air camping experience.  We need to know the amount of campers who will be attending the retreat by Sunday, August 8th.  Please call me at 609.462.1460 and/or send the applications/medical forms with registration fee to the address located in former posts.
 
-Rev. Victor Aloyo, Jr.