My faith has been challenged and I consider myself an atheist, but I still come to Loch Leven because I know that I will be welcome and that my friends here will accept me for who I am.” -Anonymous CYF II, Camper 2011

Variations of this quote are heard every summer at camps around the country. According to relevant research, including recent major studies conducted by the American Camp Association, camp programs can be a positive bridge during that period from adolescence through early adulthood when many of our beliefs are challenged. Those who otherwise might leave their faith altogether remain connected through the programs, and more importantly, the relationships fostered at places like Loch Leven. Our commitment to the principle, “Everyone is welcome at our table” finds a powerful practical application in the lives of young people who are developing what will become their own guiding principles and personal worldviews. A living example of a faith community doing good work in the real world sends a message that rings true for a lifetime. At this time when there are more and more distractions vying for shorter and shorter attention spans, Loch Leven provides an environment that nurtures the deeper and more sensitive aspects of a young person’s developing character. In doing so it meets needs that secular institutions are unable to address and supports the work of churches, youth groups, families and all those who are actively involved in the spiritual development of the coming generations.

This is how Loch Leven renews spirits.

Needless to say, even those with a firm and established faith are still in need of occasional spiritual renewal. Spending time

at Loch Leven is an opportunity to be free of the burden of unessential distractions that are a part of everyday life and be reminded of the more fundamental truths that feed and inspire our souls. Here those truths can manifest by sitting around the campfire singing songs and eating s’mores; a heartfelt prayer at Inspiration Point; digging a ditch for something that must be important; sleeping to the sound of a mountain stream and wind in the trees; a poorly told joke that is absolutely hilarious; or any of an infinite number of simple yet profound expressions of our inherent divinity in its human clothing.

This is how Loch Leven renews spirits.

When we seek support for Loch Leven, it should always be borne in mind that the support is ultimately not for this or that maintenance item or a certain type of funding, but rather it is support for all of those who come here and the many benefits they enjoy. By renewing spirits at Loch Leven we offer a meaningful measure of renewal to the families, neighborhoods, churches, schools and other communities that our guests return to after their visits. Over the last half century those threads of renewal have touched countless lives to create a tapestry of blessings that confirms the truth and eternal relevance of the command, “Love one another.”

There needs to be a place where people can come together...to remind themselves and one another of their benevolent intentions, their general goodwill.”

- Evelyn Whitehead

Loch Leven is just such a place.

A PUBLICATION OF THE OUTDOOR MINISTRIES COMMITTEE • DISCIPLES OF CHRIST PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION FALL 2011

Our Mission is to serve all God’s people in a mountain retreat setting, with a commitment to quality and excellence.

SPIRITS RENEWED HERE

Summer Camp Highlights Camps build skills necessary to prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Growth in areas such as spirituality, self-confidence, independence, making friends, exploring and learning new activities benefit campers through adulthood. This summer over 200 youth from around the Region attended a week long summer camp at Loch Leven under the theme – “Traveling the Holy Way” using the curriculum developed by John Adams, FCC Lompoc.

This week made a big impact in my life. This camp opened my eyes and helped me realize that there’s more to life than texting all day. The people (kids) here are absolutely amazing. They are sweet, kind, genuine and fun to be around. The counselors are the best and are super helpful and willing

to take time off to help us see our way and to prepare us for our journey ahead. I’m truly going to miss this camp with a passion.” – CYF1 Camper

I love camp and how it touches my heart.” – Chi Rho Camper

I learned that the people in my family group will stick with me forever.” – Chi Rho Camper

In an effort to expand attendance, the Regional Church Office in partnership with the Camps & Conference Committee is developing an endowment for camp scholarships. Gifts of any amount can be designated to this fund. For more information about how you can contribute to the endowment fund, visit www.lochleven.org.

2011 Summer Camp Stats7% increase in campers over 2010 89 1st time campers (37%) 42 Congregations represented $11,898 in scholarships were given to 72 campers 11 clergy participated as volunteer staff 60 additional DOC members participated as volunteer staff

2012 CAMP SCHEDULE

JUNIOR HIGH JAN-BOREE • January 13-16 FEB CAMP (High School) • February 17-20 (at Pilgrim Pines)

SUMMER CAMP Mini Camp • July 1-4 Junior Camp • July 8-14 Chi Rho Camp • July 15-21 CYF I • July 22-28 CYF II • July 29-August 4 All Ages Camp (Grades 4-12) • August 5-11 Young Adult Camp • August 17-19

Summer Camp Volunteer TrainingApril 13-14 Fri-Sat May 5-6 Sat-Sun Jun 9-10 Sat-Sun

Summer Camp Volunteer Training is an intensive 2-day session for all persons interested in becoming volunteers for Loch Leven summer camp sessions and who have a desire to understand being intentional in program and development. These weekend workshops will be held at Loch Leven and will be fun and informative. At the end of the training, participants will be given a certificate of completion. An assessment of skills and abilities along with contact information will be made available to Camps & Conference Committee for consideration. All participants must be a minimum of 16 years old.

SPRING WORK CAMP • APRIL 27-29, 2012

Pack up the station wagon! We are planning our first ever “Family Work Camp,” with projects and activities for every age. Registration and detailed Information will be posted on www.lochleven.org after the new year. Questions? Contact Sloan Hamilton, Camp Manager, at 909-794-2507 or info@lochleven.org or Mike Row at mdrow1968@att.net.Sponsored by the Outdoor Ministries Committee

Work and Fun for the Whole Family!

WISH LIST Tractor/Bobcat with front end loader and back hoe – new or

used (from about $6,500)

Virtually every major project and countless smaller projects would be made easier, or in many cases, possible by having one of these at the site. We have already received a donation of $3K towards the tractor from FCC Fullerton Tri Tip Group. Any amount designated towards this item or leads on one available for purchase is appreciated. Our wish list is always changing. For the most recent copy, visit http://lochleven.org/wishlist.html. Loch Leven is participating at FCC Fullerton’s Alternative Gift Faire this year. http://www.fullertonfirstchristian.org/fullertonfirstchristian/Newsletter.html. If you have an event that would be mutually beneficial for your organization and Loch Leven, we would love to be involved!

STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS at Loch Leven this year Church of the Valley • Cleaned up the switchback to Inspiration Point

Kim Perring & Friends • Cleared the trail to Wayfarer’s Chapel

Christine Johnson & her girl scouts • Cleared and widened a portion of the Creekside Trail

Chi Rho Camp 2011 • Landscaping at Campbell Lodge

CYF II Camp • Landscaping at Campbell Lodge

Fall Work Camp • Improved drainage around Staff House

Beginning in 2012, in addition to our Fall and Spring Work/Family Camps, we will be hosting monthly Saturday Work Days, held the last Saturday of every month. Additional dates may be arranged with advance notice. Lunch is provided in our Dining Hall. Please call or email if you plan to attend so we can be sure to prepare appropriately and make suggestions on tools or supplies for you to bring!

Schedule: 12:00 noon - Arrival/Lunch; 1:00 to 4:00 - Work on the “project of the day”

For questions or RSVP contact Sloan Hamilton at (909)794-2507 or info@lochleven.org

CAMP FASHIONShow off your Loch Leven pride with this hot new design. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and zip-up hoodies in styles for men, women, and children. Visit www.lochleven.org for an order form.

NEW!

Order yours today!

Do You “Like” Us?Check out daily updates about what’s going on at ...and be sure to visit our new improved website!www.facebook.com/LochLeven www.lochleven.org Join the group of current and former campers, “For those who have lived, loved, and learned off of Mill Creek Road”http://www.facebook.com/groups/2260733689/

Upcoming Grants The San Bernardino County Fire Department and the Flood Control District’s Hazardous Tree Removal Operations Division have included us in a Fuel Reduction Project. Funding for the projects under this program is divided by grants from the United States Forest Service and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. After months of planning and preparation, clearance has begun. The National Resources Conservation Services has award-ed us two grants for 2012 & 2013:

• A Forest Management Plan developed to address one or more resource concerns on land where forestry related conserva-tion activities or practices will be planned and applied.

• A rehabilitation plan under the WHIP program will help us remove invasive plants from the land near our foot bridge and behind Ross, and plant a new meadow with native plants that encourage pollinators and wildlife.

In an effort to provide a safe and beautiful facility, we have also been working with CalFire on areas inside of the main body of camp that are not covered under other grants. Cal Fire provides us with certified tree workers and hardwork-ing crews at a fraction of the cost of contracting with a private service.

Loch Leven Camp & Conference Center • 36910 Mill Creek Road, Mentone CA 92359(909) 794-2507 • info@lochleven.org • www.lochleven.org • facebook.com/lochleven

It was a gorgeous day in the newly cleared meadow for over 300 members of various congregations around the PSWR to gather for our first annual Rock the Loch.

This Region-wide music festival, held on Saturday, September 24, was an opportun-ity for our community to picnic, play, reunite, explore, enjoy camp and to hear from the many talented musicians from the DOC. Church of the Valley Youth

Praise Team, Emily Malotte, Casa de Oracion Praise Band, Imperfect, Drew Powell, Josh Elson & Tom Perring, J1.5 (Filipino Christian Church Praise Team), and Doc Rogers & Vertigo Blend all took to the stage from Noon to 9p.m. The RtL committee of young adults from the Region, Leah Dewey, Doc Rogers, Danny Bradfield and Josh Helmuth, organized this event and did an incredible job!

Bill Bailey (Fullerton)Sarah Bartczak (Fullerton)Tim Lewis (Un. Church of the Valley)Alisa Fraumeni Mittelstaedt (Orange)Mike Row (Orange)

JOIN THE OUTDOOR MINISTRY COMMITTEE

The Outdoor Ministry Committee (OMC) is a hardworking, Loch Leven-loving group of individuals from around the Region who strive to make sure camp is operating as efficiently as possible and meeting its potential as a resource for the Region and the greater community. This advisory board helps oversee operations and care for the buildings and grounds, fundraises and markets the camp, makes recommendations to other boards and committees, manages related events on and off site, and generally assists whenever and wherever they are needed. As we move into the future, the OMC will be helping to define and implement our vision for Loch Leven. We could use your help. If you are interested in joining the OMC, please contact Mike Row, Committee Chair, at mdrow1968@att.net.

OUR 2011 OUTDOOR MINISTRY COMMITTEEStacy Smith (Ramona Avenue)Steve WalkerMarty Warren (Orangethorpe)Sloan Hamilton (Loch Leven Manager)Susan Gonzales Dewey (Co-Reg. Minister)

Members of the band “Imperfect”

Musicians Josh Elson, Tom Perring & Drew Powell “Rocked” the meadow

Newsletter design byAlisa Fraumeni Mittelstaedt at AWP • www.awpprinting.com