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A New Generation

3/7/2018

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 In my short tenure here at CRC I've learned that there is always something new to learn!  As the staff cares for  200 plus acres of land, maintains over a dozen buildings, hosts retreat groups, and prepares for summer programs we are constantly learning and growing.  Often times we don't know what we don't know, until what we don't know goes wrong.   When  something breaks or doesn't happen as planed it is often not the ideal time to learn about  that various circumstance.  Yet, at camp and  in the world, this is what happens to you and me on a regular basis!    We learn and grow when crisis and unseen events come our way that we often would not volunteer to experience.   

Despite living in a world  of  uncertainty there are plenty of events we can prepare for!    One event,  or force,  that we need to  know, study, and be aware of   is  Generation Z, also known as   iGen.    The oldest   in this   bright generation  are heading off to college and   the work force.    The days of complaining about Millennials should be ceasing or you risk being left behind as another generation  creates change and separates from the norms that you grew up with.  The eldest in the Millennial Generation are approaching 40 years of life while the youngest  are in their mid  twenties now.   

So who is Generation Z, or iGen?  Depending which research center you read will vary the starting point.  Often, Generation Z  starts  between  1996 and  2000.    While the closing date for this generation is still being determined it is often said to end  between 2012 and 2015.    Denise Villa and John Dorsey , co-authors  of  "The State of Gen  Z  2017",   from The Center of Generational Kinetics, conclude that 

Gen Z will become even more influential than Millennials, but with a more practical mindset grounded in the present. They appear to be a true “throwback generation” that wants to work, save money, and not get stuck or trapped. Basically, as they told us during interviews, “We don’t want to end up like Millennials.” Marketers, managers, leaders, and others who think Gen Z will eventually “grow out of it” or suddenly start acting like previous generations should heed the warning of Blockbuster, Sears, and other legacy businesses that simply became part of the past within a single generation (thanks Millennials!). Gen Z will move faster and with even fewer ties to the way things were in the past because they simply do not remember a time before blazing-fast Internet speed, an African-American president, and being able to have anything you could possibly want delivered to your door with a single click (or not even having to click—just ask Alexa). This means the pressure is on other generations, including Millennials, to step up and pay close attention, begin to adapt swiftly, and do everything possible not to miss this huge Gen Z wave barreling toward them right now— as employees, customers, neighbors, voters, and citizens. All is far from lost, but choosing to delay a response or fail to make smart preparations now will only make the future more challenging for the non-Gen Z incumbent generations to employ, market, lead, educate, and influence this new generation. ​

This  new generation   will  make   up  my  counseling staff for   the next decade to 15 years   while also attending CRC's summer camps! These are the children that will attend  your churches and ministries.     Learn and prepare today  so that tomorrow we can  engage  with   those  who come behind us.

​Additional Resources: 
 
The Center for Generational Kinetics
The State of Gen Z 2017
What Do We Know About Generation After Millennials
​Who Is Gen Z  by the Barna Group
​Growing Leaders by Tim Elmore



​-Zach Bashore

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Camp Sponsorship

2/14/2018

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Last year CRC was astounded by the generous support that you provided for the camp’s sponsorship fund!  Without the generous support that is received almost fifty percent of our campers would not be able to attend summer camp.  Thank you for playing a lead role in our camp ministry and providing a way for children to hear of Christ’s redeeming love!  Last year we came close to meeting the camp goal of $20,000.  Collectively we raised over $16,000 to help send children to camp!  That is incredible! This coming year CRC will set out to raise $20,000!  With everyone’s help we can match and exceed this goal!

​I already have ten children on a waiting list in hopes to receive funds to offset the cost of camp.  This list will only grow over the next several weeks and months.

I ask that you consider taking center stage for an encore performance once again. The summer programs are the heart and soul of CRC and during camp we are fully committed to investing in the hearts and souls of our campers.  On average, half of our campers know Christ and I believe CRC is able to aid in building that firm foundation alongside of families and churches.  The other half of campers have never heard of Christ, and the idea of going to camp to hear the Bible taught is a strange concept. Nevertheless we work hard in God’s grace to make his glory known. Will you join CRC as we eternally invest in young lives this summer?      

The photos below are thank you cards written and drawn by summer campers.  They love this camp and are grateful for everything you have invested into CRC.  I ask that as an individual, family, business, Sunday school class, or even as a Church that you’ll provide money so that CRC can graciously give it all away to families who need the assistants in order to send their child to a week of camp!

For those desiring to support CRC for camp sponsorships please mark “Camp Sponsorship” on the memo line of your check.  Unmarked checks will go towards general funds. You can also donate below! How much should you invest? The cost of camp is listed below.  Any amount is warmly welcomed!
Discovery Camp - $99 | Pioneer Camps - $219 | Horse Camp - $329
Donate Now!
 
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The Start of a  New Year

1/18/2018

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Every day at CRC holds the possibility for new adventures, new challenges, and new lessons to be learned.  Some adventures, challenges, and learned lessons are joyfully welcomed while others come begrudgingly.  A broken water pipe, an ice block jammed bridge, and a propane shortage were all unexpected adventures our staff has embarked on in the last week.  It's weeks like this that can test our limits when it seemingly feels like everything is falling apart and going wrong.  It's weeks like this when you realize that no matter how much you prepare or train, we control very little at camp and you and I control very little of what happens in life.
 
The beginning of a New Year brings a sense of new hope and new resolutions but regardless of the year and regardless of the circumstances we will only go as far as God graciously carries us.  Most would prefer a year of smooth sailing, no trials, and no tribulations.  A life of no struggle though is a life of no growth. 
 
I would have preferred to not walk into the dining hall gushing water from a broken pipe.  I would have preferred to not have the bridge flood due to excessive rain and a warm 60 degree day that melted ice in the creek only to leave new ice blocks on the bridge once the water crest. I would have preferred our gas company to not have a propane shortage.  Yet all of that happened in a short time frame and our staff is better because of it.  We can also give praise because the water damage was minimal, help appeared to clear the bridge of ice and debris, and our propane situation was resolved!

When unplanned circumstances arise it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious.  I believe our seemingly natural response of doubt, panic, and fear ultimately stem from a lack of belief that God is truly sovereign and in supreme control of every aspect our life and every aspect of the world we live in.  We know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commands us not to be anxious for he cares for the birds of the sky and the lilies of the field. Will our good father not undoubtedly care for people made in his image? A resounding yes!      
 
As you venture into a young 2018, do not fear. Every day is filled with new grace and mercy form our Heavenly Father.  Never too much grace nor never too little.  Never too much mercy nor never too little.  Yet both freely rain from above like manna for the Israelites. There is only enough for today.  Do not be anxious about anything but let tomorrow come tomorrow and enjoy the goodness of the Lord today.  
       
-Zach Bashore
​

 
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2017:  A Year In Review

12/21/2017

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It's hard to believe that   2017  is  coming to a close!   Right when we start getting comfortable writing 2017  we'll have to retrain ourselves to write 2018.    As this  year  is about to end   our camp staff has realized  that there is so much to be thankful for  regarding   the past twelve months that CRC had.    We are left with  memories and  stories that  we treasure. To  everybody  who invested in this camp, thank you!  Thank you  to   our camp staff,   the camp board,  our volunteers,  summer counselors,   camp speakers, and everyone  else has prayed for  and encouraged us throughout the year.  

Almost every weekend in 2017 CRC hosted a retreat group.   Though our calendar is getting full with guest services  the heartbeat of CRC is our summer programs!    This previous summer  our camps saw a 30% increase  in attendance!   We joyfully welcomed   218  campers, 93 of which were first time attenders!    The goal this  past year was to have 200 campers.   In 2018  our camp staff will set a  new goal as we look to continual grow our summer camps.    In addition to seeing significant summer camp growth  we also  saw an increase in  giving for our camp sponsorship funds!    Collectively we  raised over $16,000 which helped  send almost 100 children to camp!  One of the best parts of working at camp is when we can generously give  money away to help families and individuals  send their child to camp who other wise wouldn't be able to afford the cost.   During the  four weeks  of summer camp, 12  campers decided  to start following Jesus while another 24  rededicated their lives as they also look to follow Jesus.  Camp  would not be possible though without the help  of my wonderful  counseling staff!  Comprised of high school and college aged students  these  young  adults  came together as a family  to  lead their campers well.    A  week of camp can  be a great influence  in the life of a child but the  opportunities, growth, and  influence that  is gained by  spending  several weeks at a camp is profound and life changing for summer counselors! 

Once  our summer camps  end  CRC  moves into the TIMS program.  TIMS stands for Teens In Missionary Services.  TIMS is a program that allows CRC to serve  our local community  while partnering with local churches throughout Central Pennsylvania.   We serve   those in the community by proving labor and materials for various projects    and home repairs.   This past summer TIMS had 105 participants  and we   served 12 different families  and  individuals.  The work  we did included building ramps, decks,  redoing  a porch, yard work, and painting.     While the work is good,  it won't last.  Grass will need mowed, homes will need repainted, and  decks  and ramps weren't made to last forever.    That is why we place such a great emphasis on the relationships!  Relationships  make a lasting impact with both the homeowner and the students.   The homeowners  appreciate the labor that was done but they  cherish  the relationships and memories they made with their work crew!   During  three weeks of TIMS,  the camp was able to invest about $25,000  in home repairs! 

When  our summer programs  end for the year CRC is still active as we host various  retreats.   In 2017 CRC hosted 64 retreats!   We were privileged to host   the Susquehanna  Conference BIC pastors, several  quilting and scrap booking retreats,  family camps/reunions, youth groups,  corporate retreats, a veterans information day,  women and men retreats , along with marriage retreats!  CRC has served churches from New York City,   the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area,  and the Philadelphia region.    Each   retreat group  brings a unique culture and perspective   which is a joy to  experience and learn about.   As we look to 2018  our  calendar is  almost full as we look forward to welcoming back  returning groups and warmly receiving new groups!

In the past year we also  took on two renovation  projects!   The  first project was started this past spring  as we renovated the Commons Building.  The Commons Building   sits in the middle of  our cabins and can be used for meetings,  cooking, and  indoor recreational activities.  With  help from The Meeting House (formerly  Carlisle BIC), we were able to   put down new flooring, repair the bathrooms, paint the walls, and upgrade our kitchen equipment! The camp now has another  accommodation that we can proudly offer groups  as the Commons Building  has a newness and freshness to it.    The second renovation project was  upgrading our Staff Trailer.   This project will be finished by the middle of January.   In the Staff Trailer we laid down  new flooring,   will be   placing a fresh coat of paint on the walls,  and  will be replacing a  majority of the furniture.    The Staff Trailer will be used to house weekend volunteers when the White Oak Lodge is  full   and will possibly  house summer  staff.   The camp staff  felt it was important to provide adequate and comfortable accommodations for those who serve on the weekends and for those who  invest in our summer programs!  

It's been an incredible year at CRC.   Thank you for  your partnership and support.  We look forward to another great year  as we  are about to enter 2018! 

​-Zach Bashore 



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CRC Amazon  Wish List

12/11/2017

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What is our Amazon wish list? It's a list that our staff has comprised over the last several months of various items that CRC needs and wants! There are various items on this list with price points that range low to high.  There are items on this list that don't exactly scream out FUN and EXCITEMENT but we use on a regular basis, like dish soap and toilet paper (our retreat guests would not be happy if we didn't supply toilet paper!).  Other items, like new computers are new canoes aren't necessities but would be really great to have!  Our staff updates this list on a semi regular basis as we think of new ideas or as new needs appear.  

Why did we make this list? Because the ministry that takes place here at CRC can't be done alone! It takes a huge collective effort from our camp staff, camp board, and most importantly YOU! Your prayers, support, and encouragement play a starting role in the ministry that happens in East Waterford and in Juniata County.  Our dreams are big and our want list is long. That's why were asking for your help! When you work at camp no idea is to big and no idea is immediately thrown off the table! We took that same approach with this list! Maybe we don't receive everything we're asking for... but maybe... maybe we do! It doesn't hurt to ask, right? 

Now, check out our Amazon wish list! (Click the green words to follow the link) We would love if you contributed to the ministry here at CRC! 


 
- Zach Bashore 
​
 
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