Dear Friends of Fair Haven Camps,

As the leaves change color, the weather turns colder and camp becomes quieter, we have the opportunity to reflect on the ministry of the summer.  Every summer has its share of challenges, and this summer was no different. However, just like every other summer, we can see how God was working through it all.  We saw over 70 campers come to know the Lord for the first time.  Several of those campers even came forward and asked to be baptized.  It was a joy to watch campers publicly acknowledge in front of their friends and counselors their new commitment to following Christ.

The campers may be gone, but we know that God is still working at camp.   Just a quick walk around the lodge reminds me of over a year ago when a visit from the Fire Marshall put camp in a very tight situation.  We needed to bring many of our buildings up to code in order to continue to operate.  With no money in the bank for upgrades, the necessary changes seemed overwhelming.  By the end of the year, donations towards the “Marshall Fund” totaled $129,450 and to date we have raised over $191,000.  We have watched as God has provided the funds in His perfect timing, even though it may not have always been when we thought we needed them.   Many projects have been accomplished in the lodge: the basement has been cleaned out and framed, one of the stairwells from the second floor has been turned into a fire escape, a new eight foot deck was installed with a wheelchair ramp, and a new propane furnace has been installed.  In addition to the upgrades in the lodge, new windows and chimneys have been installed in the cottage area, the wood boiler for the gym has been relocated, and new hardwired smoke detectors are being installed around camp.  When we first began the work over a year ago, we did not know the full scope of all that needed to be done.  While working on the basement, it was discovered that one exterior wall had begun to rot, forcing us to replace it entirely.  As work has progressed, it has become apparent that we simply cannot band-aid camp so that we can pass inspection.  We need to be looking to the future and doing the job right.

As we approach the end of this year, we are beginning “Marshall Fund: Phase 2.”  Once again we are raising funds to continue the work of bringing camp up to current codes ensuring that camp is rustic by design, not rustic by neglect.  It is our desire to see our goal of $91,000 raised by December 31, 2011.  The goal for “Marshall Fund: Phase 2” is to bring the lodge to the point where we can once again use it to its full capacity.   The necessary updates include: insulating and drywalling the second floor bunk area, drywalling the basement, installing the wood boiler and the first part of a sprinkler system, widening one of the main floor bathrooms to meet ADA requirements, and expanding the infirmary to include a state required quarantine room.

In addition to “Marshall Fund: Phase 2,” we are now entering the winter months when camp’s income is not always enough to cover expenses.  Each day camp costs around $360 to operate, and to help cover our overhead expenses we have developed a Dollar-A-Day program.  We are looking for individuals or families to set aside one dollar every day to donate to camp.   This setting aside one dollar a day for a year would sponsor one day of operation for camp.  Donations for this can be made once a year or on a monthly basis.  This is not intended to replace other donations that come in to camp for specific projects, but to allow camp to operate without worrying about where the funds are coming from to heat the buildings or to keep the electricity on.

In the book of Nehemiah, the wall around Jerusalem had fallen into ruins.   Many people worked to repair the wall, each with their own section and each in their own way.   Some repaired the section in front of their house, some repaired gates, and some stood guard so others could work.  Because many contributed to the rebuilding of the wall, it was completed in only 52 days.  I ask that you prayerfully consider what your “section” of Fair Haven Camps may be.  Whether you are able to contribute to the financial needs of camp, volunteer your time, or keep camp in your prayers, your contribution will help fulfill camp’s mission of sharing Christ with the world.

In His Service,

Dave Sheldon