Dear Partners & Friends of HYC,
What a year this has been! As we draw to the conclusion of 2022, my mind is racing as I look back on the things that have transpired...and the things to come in the next few months.
I’m so thankful that the Lord knew everything that was, and is, and is to come for Hiawatha Youth Camp. He somehow knew it was time for our ministry to move to a new home and He went ahead of us in preparing the way. He also knew how hard it would be to go through this sort of change and upheaval that we never saw coming. But He also blessed Lora and me with an incredible gathering of HYC supporters like you.
Hardly a day has gone by since the news of HYC moving that one (or more) of you hasn’t reached out with a question, an encouragement, an idea, an offer of support, a promise to help HYC gain its footing at our new home. Those notes, texts, calls, and letters help drive home one important reality – the Lord has MUCH more in store for HYC, and He will not be confined by any geographic location.
It’s quite likely that as you sit down to read this letter, you’re preparing for a special Christmas celebration with family and friends. At some point there will be excitement, anticipation, and smiles on every face as you gather to open gifts, share a special dinner, read the Biblical account of the birth of Christ, and soak in precious memory-making times.
It won’t be long until our staff, program, and campers will be coming together for the summertime version of making memories – and doing so at our new home near Roscommon, at Bambi Lake. I can’t wait for the sounds of excitement from the staff connected to the arrival of the first group of campers in 2023, and to watch the staff serve those kids with the love and heart of Christ, even while they acclimate to a new setting while building new traditions and memories.
Before those warmer days arrive, however, there is much work to be done at our new home. As expected, the State Inspector has shared with us a list of projects that need to be finished before next summer. Even throughout these cold winter days there will be work crews making their way to Bambi Lake to begin working through the checklist and pouring themselves into the physical work that makes the spiritual blessings possible.
While I don’t have an exact estimate of the costs of these required projects, it looks like our portion of the expenses will be in the range of $20,000. Once we have a more detailed and specific total I will certainly pass that along. In the meantime, for those of you considering a year end gift to HYC, please know that it would be much appreciated and put to immediate use in helping prepare our new home.
Thank you again for being such a blessing and a vital part of the ministry of Hiawatha Youth Camp. Have a wonderful Christmas celebration!
In Him,
Craig