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Dear Friends of The Woods:
Our young people are coming of age in a culture of unprecedented change; the average 21-year-old has watched 20,000 hours of television, played 10,000 hours of video games, talked for 10,000 hours on the phone, and exchanged 250,000 emails. Our youth are informed about critical environmental concerns such as climate change, yet this generation spends precious little time enjoying the simple joys of wind and rain and outdoor spaces. Idle play and “creative brooding” are becoming obsolete as our children adapt to the pace that our world has set for them.
This is also the most unchurched generation our nation has ever seen.
Who can say what the implications of such change will be?
I will say that many of the young people that I meet appear deeply and profoundly exhausted – even before they finish high school. Sure, our kids are adaptable and resilient, but where do they find solid ground? They need us to point the way. They need us to engage in the Gospel with them. They need our help in growing up to live faithfully, fearlessly, and generously as beloved children of God who know how to reach out and spread Christ’s love to others.
Outdoor ministry plays a huge healing role in the lives of our children and youth. Westminster Woods is such a ministry. For one whole week, the fellowship of others, the power of Creation, and the fruits of the Spirit mingle to refresh kids from the inside out, replacing confusion with hope:
"Since our daughter came home, she is much more confident about herself and just has an overall good feeling about life." - Adventure Camp Parent
"My favorite part of camp was facing my fears." - Sherwood Forest Camper
"Camp is alot of fun and it gets you closer to Jesus and the forest." - Junior Explorer
"I recommend camp to my friends because I want them to grow in the same way I did spiritually." - Junior High Central Camper
"This is a great place to figure yourself out." - Buccaneer Camper
"Our son got a chance to grow and explore more of himself without his parents being present. That's an important part of navigating adolescence." - Buccaneer Parent
Last month over 300 friends of The Woods built a playground for our kids. Some volunteers flew here – from Southern California, Oregon, Colorado and Pennsylvania – to participate. It was accomplished in just five days, and it was done with much sweat and with great joy.
Let’s keep going! Let’s keep building this place up! In an age of uncertainty for many camping ministries, I am convinced that together we have the vision and the will to see that Westminster Woods remains a healthy and vibrant ministry for generations to come. There is much work to be done, but we have seen with our eyes that amazing things are indeed possible when we pull together in hard work and joyful service alongside our young people.
Thank you for your support of The Woods. I invite you to make an even deeper investment in this ministry at this time. Please contribute an amount that feels right to you – your enthusiastic financial participation helps guarantee that here, on solid ground, our young people will continue to grow strong in faith and hope.
May you and your loved ones enter into this season in wonder and gratitude for the many gifts of the Christ Child in your lives and in our world. God’s Grace and Peace to you,
Sheila Denton
Director of Ministries
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