CRC News

2012 Summer Registration Live

2011-11-30T11:03:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago we sent out an email to all our parents that the Camp Cherokee 2012 summer camp registration system is up and running. Now we are also posting that news here. Consider gifting your young loved one a session of camp at Camp Cherokee this year. Just go to our webiste and follow the "register" button: www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com

See you this summer!

Greeneyes General Store Grand Opening!

2011-05-26T08:24:00.001-05:00

Greeneyes General Store Grand Opening!, a photo by Kelly_Howington on Flickr.

At the recent Cherokee Presbytery meeting we were excited to debut the new Greeneyes General Store. Named after our resident ghost story the store will be a place for campers, visitors, and rental groups to pick up items from flash lights and toothbrushes or rent linens to a selection of snacks and Cherokee Retreat Center memorabilia like t-shirts and waterbottles. Summer Camp families are encouraged to go to their online account and "charge" up their child's account with a little bit of money to enjoy the store during their week of camp rather than to send cash with their child to camp.

2011 Online Registration Up & Running!

2011-02-02T11:07:00.002-05:00

www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com

C.I.T. Pathfinders Information Available

2011-02-02T11:06:00.002-05:00

http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com/CRCPDFs/CRC%20Leadership%20Pak.pdf

2010-11-16T11:16:00.001-05:00

2010-10-23T22:58:00.001-05:00

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God Moment

2010-07-06T13:29:00.002-05:00

OK, so a little history on what "God Moment" is - at the beginning of each staff meeting we go around the circle sharing our high of the day - our most happy/silly/exciting thing that happened during the day - and where we saw God that day.

Since I don't typically work with the kids, I don't get to witness their silly antics or see God through their eyes. I do, however, load all the pictures for our Ecamp site so that you, the parents, can see what your kids are up to here at camp!

But today when I was going through these pictures I found two that I would have to say make up my God Moments. They are both very similar pictures, but one is a CIT and one is a counselor. In these pictures, the counselor and CIT are sitting with one of the campers and you can see their full attention is on these kids - what ever that child is saying or doing, they have 100% of the Counselor/CIT's focus and it is wonderful to see that devotion not only from the counselors but also from our counselors in training!

Along with those amazing pictures, there are also some really funny ones. For the first time in 6 weeks of summer camp, I have pictures of kids jumping into the pool that are more than just big splashes of water! A couple kids even look like they are walking on water! Anyway, check them out for yourselves at our ECamp Site - I know you will love them as much as I did!

Till next time,
God Bless!

Week 5

2010-06-29T09:08:00.002-05:00

Last night's all camp activity was fantastic! Our activity was Water Games and since the pool is currently out of commission, we played Watermelon Football in the lake! It was so much fun - I will have pictures up this afternoon so that you can take a look at those. I am really excited about tonight, too, because at the Camp Fire, one of our staff, John is going to do a magic show! I have seen a preview and it looks really exciting.

I will have all the pictures of yesterday afternoon and this morning up by 3 PM, but in the mean time, go to our Ecamp Site and check out pictures from yesterday.

Till next time,
God Bless

The past few weeks...

2010-06-23T08:39:00.002-05:00

Hey folks,

Sorry it's been a while since the last post. If you haven't been following it, there are new photos added to our ECamp Site everyday, so make sure you get on and see what all the kids are doing!

Just to update everybody on what's been going on, last week was our High School Connections group plus a group of day campers and volunteers from Mars Hill Presbyterian. It was such a great week - the high schoolers and day campers were all so much fun and the volunteers spent the week painting the outside of Parker Lodge (it looks great, by the way!).

On Thursday, a huge storm came through and knocked out all of our power for about four hours! So not only did we have dinner by candle light :) but we also had to move the always-favorite Skit Night to the lodge where the stage was lit from the light of the setting sun (what a beautiful sunset!). I am working on getting those videos up, so you will definitely be notified when I finally get the kinks on that worked out because they are all great! Then was worship, put on by the Mars Hill volunteers and CITs. That was the most moving worship service I have been to this summer! After worship, Julie and Josh, our senior staff, planned a whose-line around the camp fire. Some of the sketches were hilarious!

This week we have Middle School Connection and Exploration groups. I went down to the pool yesterday for all camp swim and the kids were all having so much fun! It's always my favorite to see the kids playing in the pool and having fun with the counselors and CITs!

Once again, I'm posting pictures everyday, so make sure and check out ECamp whenever you get a chance! I know you will all love looking at the pictures as much as we love taking them!

Till next time,
God bless!

New Photos!

2010-06-08T09:33:00.003-05:00

Photos of campers are up! Check them out at our ECamp site and come back daily for more updates!

Open House This Saturday

2010-03-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

Join us this Saturday, March 6th to check out the Cherokee Retreat Center, home of Camp Cherokee. Play, hike, check out our facilities and enjoy a free hot dog off the grill! Bring a friend and make a relaxing day of it!

Sr. High Retreat Postponed

2010-02-12T16:02:00.001-05:00

Due to the snowfall, this weekend's scheduled Sr. High Retreat has been postponed until March 5-7. We will wrap the open house/first Mars Hill paintball tournament into the retreat and have a blast! Join us by contacting your youth leaders who can let me know who all is coming.

Kelly Howington

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2009 "In The Black"

2010-02-10T21:35:00.004-05:00

After lots of prayer and hard work by our CRC Board of Directors and Executive Director, we can celebrate a big success in the life of Cherokee Retreat Center, but 2010 will likely be another challenging year to "land" from a financial standpoint.

If you have been following the changes in the direction of Cherokee Presbytery, you know that there are some very exciting and new vistas on the horizon. A more worshipful and relationship based approach has paved the way for a new way of being in community that is fresh and colorful. Through these changes, Cherokee Retreat Center has been upheld as one of the few ministries that will carry on a programmatic emphasis throughout our 41 churches. To this end CRC is positioned to be a great resource for our collective "living into" our vision. While we could easily state that to bring 2010 to a successful end there is a financial number to shoot for and manage, perhaps it is more appropriate to say that in 2010 we must see even more participation in the life of this ministry. Our primary goal is to bring many more people to Christ through their experiences at Cherokee Retreat Center and the unique environment it provides.

That being said, we do need your help financially to offer the level of quality experience and improve areas that are in need throughout 2010. Under the new design of Presbytery, CRC receives exactly $50,000 of direct support. For comparison in 2008 and before we often required three times this amount and more just to make "ends meet". Careful management and restructuring of how we do this ministry have made a great difference, but now more than ever we need your direct giving to this ministry. Please urge your session to give fully to the Presbytery as planned and to also consider CRC for a place in your mission budget. Help us to find individuals who are interested in giving directly to CRC and tell them that accounts are now set up for designated giving that will ensure that their gift will be directly received and used by Cherokee Retreat Center. In 2009 we needed and received an additional $60,000 in giving from individuals and churches for our operating and capital repairs. We couldn't have done it without these gifts, thank you so much if you or your church were a part of this additional support.

Together with God's help we will give flight to this graceful ministry which has kept so many safe and warm under her wings as they grew in Christian faith and love since 1957!

Be A CRC Hero!

2010-02-10T20:49:00.002-05:00

This year is an extremely important year for Cherokee Retreat Center. In the wake of 2009's economic challenges, we were blessed to be able to finish the fiscal year "in the black." Now that hurdle has been jumped the real work begins. You can be a CRC Hero this year in three ways:

First and foremost, we need your prayers. All you can muster. The last several years have been filled with movement from the Holy Spirit and we feel it is imperative that prayers continue in order for our success story to continue to further important milestones.

Second, give, give give! Give of your time by volunteering all year round, give financially as you are lead, talk to your session and share the importance of Camping Ministry in the live of Cherokee Presbytery as well as in your own lives. While we were able to land in the black in 2009, this year will be even more challenging as we continue to repair buildings and improve programs with only the same amount allocated from Presbytery Unified giving.

Finally, come and enjoy all the blessings that are offered by the natural surroundings of Cherokee Retreat Center and our summer program Camp Cherokee. Your participation in our activities and usage of this site is why we are here - to provide a sacred space apart where you can come and connect, fellowship, worship and just reconnect!

2010 Day Camp

2010-02-10T19:24:00.002-05:00

Last summer we started the first ever CRC Summer Day Camp. Several children came and enjoyed the same Christian Community, fun, fellowship and love that our traditional sleepover campers experience. This year we hope to fill every space for our Day Camp but we need your help getting the word out to your family and friends.

This year we have day camp sessions planned for nearly the entire summer and the price is only $125/week. In addition, with the early bird discount available until March 1st, the price is only $100/week. Where else can a child experience high quality Christian Community, awesome fun, great food and fantastic role models for only $100?

Please help us get the word out in your community today!

turkeys!

2010-01-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

Year End & In The Black

2009-12-11T17:04:00.003-05:00

For anyone who has been following Cherokee Retreat Center over the last few years, you are well aware of the roller coaster we have been on. For a variety of reasons, our budget over the last several years has been changing dramatically. While overall these changes, which have been masterfully lead by our leadership (both volunteer and paid), have set CRC on a new path of fiscal responsibility and good stewardship, they have also meant a dramatic new understanding to what we have resources for and what we may not. As we began to live into 2009, we also began to feel as though the rug was quickly being pulled out from under us both financially and missionally. With resolve and direction, however, we charted a course to end the year in the "black," and I for one am ecstatic to say with confidence, that our plan has paid off. With only days left in 2009, CRC has enough reserves to cover the remainder of our expected expenditures......with a little bit to spare!

Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say REJOICE!

What this means, is that following year after year of large cutbacks in 2009 when we were required to make perhaps our most daunting cuts, we kept our bearings and have landed soundly on our feet. In an age when it is more and more important to demonstrate viability in so many different ways, what a statement this year's financial performance makes.

Thank you, to everyone who has had a hand in making THIS a reality!

Sincerely,
Kelly Howington
Director - Cherokee Retreat Center

Pumpkin Patch Success!

2009-12-01T13:17:00.002-05:00

The tally is in and we can celebrate because our first ever CRC Pumpkin Patch fundraiser brought in $1,000! Just the other day the Heritage kids came over and delivered the check and I for one am eternally grateful. The ball is rolling, or the pumpkin rather. Now we have 11 months to plan the next round!

Presbytery Hanging Of The Greens

2009-12-01T13:04:00.002-05:00

Check out the Presbytery Office Hanging of The Greens pics!

Christmas is coming!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherokeepresbytery/sets/72157622914193436/show/

Register Early = Last Year's Rate

2009-12-01T09:23:00.003-05:00

The 2010 summer camp dates are now online and the system is ready for you to register. This year we hope that many of you take the opportunity to lock in at the 2009 rates by simply putting down your deposit BEFORE the end of this year. You can always change which week you are signed up for as we go along, but this price break will end when the ball drops on New Year's Eve!

Register Today & send your child or grandchild a Christmas gift that will last all year long!

the pumpkins have arrived!

2009-10-11T19:51:00.001-05:00

045
Originally uploaded by Kelly_Howington

This afternoon, around 20 folks gathered at the Pre-owned Jeep Store on Hwy. 20, and got their Sunday workout unloading 753 beautiful orange pumpkins from the truck. Working in lines, we passed each pumpkin from person to person, down the line until it reached its destination. The younger kids chased each other in and around the pumpkins as the youth and adults worked, and there were some adults who didn't move pumpkins, but instead acted as our cheerleaders and moral support. And it struck me, as we were out there, that moments like this are really little slices of what church is supposed to be... everyone working together on a common project to their ability, supporting and encouraging one another, struggling some, but having lots of fun in the process. And the whipped cream on our little slice of church pie? The ice cream man showed up just as we were unloading the last few pumpkins! I think we made that man's day.

If you get a chance, please come out and join us at the pumpkin patch. We'd love for you to come help, or just come and buy your pumpkin and help support camp. Maybe if you're lucky, the ice cream man will stop by then, too. I recommend the cherry slushes.

Jean

God's Great Surprises

2009-04-06T10:36:00.005-05:00

I knew it might not be the best of starts when I arrived at Camp Cherokee already close to "really, really tired." It had been quite a long week involving big projects at work and at home and, to be honest, I was wishing that our Suburban were headed for Disney World or the Grand Canyon.

To be frank, it's never been my nature to really be excited about work. Spa days? Absolutely! Ladies Night Out? Uh-huh. Movie Night with my family in my pjs? I am ALL ABOUT IT. Contrary to popular opinion, I don't get all that excited about work.

I've done this enough by now that it shouldn't surprise me. Without fail, God somehow manages to turn my ho-hum-it-sounded-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time attitude into one that always surprises me. Suddenly, as we round the corner of camp, dipping into another pot hole and spot the crew that's been expecting us, my spirit is lifted. And I am surprised. Again.

Last night, I was tucking two of our little ones into bed. As usual, I helped them with their nightime routines - including nightime prayers. As an afterthought, I offerred to pray with their two little roommates who eagerly accepted the invitation to privately praise God for our first day. Just the two of us. As I closed their bedroom door, one of those precious children jumped out of bed, hugged my neck, wept tears of appreciation and said: "no one's ever prayed with us before." And I am surprised. Again.

I have discovered that this is the beauty of mission work, for me. In a world that is so predictable... work, soccer, homework, work, laundry, pets, mail, work, cutting grass, work... there are few surprises anymore. But not this week. Not at Cherokee Retreat Center. Not with snow on the way. Or the amazing Joe Garrett, roofer, who's here to help. The expert carpenter father/son - Max and Jeff Vanderlip - team who have decided to take on every transition/threshold issue in the lodge! Or three teenagers (Jessica Gamble, Gino Arocena, Andrew from Heritage) who are learning how to lay ceramic tile, as I write. Or the fantastic team of Lily-Kate and Kelly - 10 and 13 year olds - who have literally scrubbed every piece of trim in Parker until it looks like it's all been freshly painted! Or even six year old James MacPherson who suprises me constantly with his passion (and precision) for paint. Or Richard "Rooster" Hunter who is now on his eighth hour of pressure washing even as the temperature drops steadily.

We are out here with our palm branches, FPC. We hope you will join us this week. You won't want to miss (I know I don't) what awesome surprises God has in store for tomorrow!

By-Becky Jordan

2009-04-05T16:23:00.002-05:00

Planning worship

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2009-04-05T16:23:00.001-05:00

Making more sandwichs

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2009-04-05T16:21:00.001-05:00

Heritage making sandwichs

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Another Happy Youth Group!

2009-04-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

From: Adrian Martin [mailto:amartin@athensfirstpres.com]
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 10:41 AM
To: Janwday@aol.com
Cc: director@cherokeeretreatcenter.com
Subject: RE: FPC ATHENS FINAL.PDF

It was a wonderful retreat! We were so bless to be able to use the facility. It was very clean, very large, and very comfortable. The hospitality was awesome. Anytime we needed anything, we got it really fast. Our questions were answered quickly and our problems dealt with. It was an awesome experience and I am glad we chose to be at Camp Cherokee. We will definitely return sometime in the future. Thanks for helping us get set up and taken care of, Jan. You did a great service to us in all that you did to make this retreat happen!

Peace,

Adrian

Adrian Martin

Director of Youth Ministries

First Presbyterian Church

185 East Hancock Avenue

Athens, GA 30601

706-543-4338

www.athensfirstpres.com

Camp Cherokee Valentine

2009-02-11T12:14:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Philip Fishing

2009-01-14T14:42:00.003-05:00

The other day while the Friends of Camp Cherokee were meeting and teasing me about my birthday, my two sons were busy at work in my office. The task, to create a picture of something fun they remembered doing while at Camp Cherokee. Neither one of them have been campers but by the same token neither one of them are strangers to the program or staff either. Jean and I frequently say that neither Iain or Philip know a stranger and while that can be both good and bad, it is undoubtedly a result of their time at camp as children of the Director. Day to day encounters with the college staff leave both of them feeling like they are totally the center of the world and for a short time capable of commanding the attention of superior beings, full of laughter, energy, open arms and unbridled Christian love.

Jean & I work hard to make sure that Philip and Iain are not treated differently than the rest of the children who attend camp. While staff often gravitate to them because they are around every week, I deeply believe that the summer staff at Camp Cherokee work diligently to provide each camper with that unparalleled experience of feeling as though they are the center of THEIR role model’s attention. If we could all just feel that feeling again on a regular basis, just think if each of us could truly feel like they have a personal and central connection and focus with their maker! What a different world we would live in indeed. At any rate, each camper who comes to Camp Cherokee is immersed in an environment that fosters such relationships, and with that foundation we send our campers back out to be Christ’s “Fishers Of Men” in their own communities.

Camp that feels so far away...

2009-01-11T15:34:00.001-05:00

This will be our third summer at Camp Cherokee; and I can't imagine feeling more safe or secure in our choice to send both the girls there. Ashley and Katie both had incredible experiences there, and return each summer looking like they had truly experienced the Lord in addition to fellowship and fun. Because of their two year age difference, the will be attending separate sessions this summer, and it is the number one activity they both choose to schedule their summer around.
We all think so highly of the staff and counselors, I believe it is truly the greatest camping experience around....the girls feel like they are both far away from home, and I have the peace of mind in knowing that I can get to the quickly if they needed me.
Lisa-Marie Haygood
Ashley and Katie Bates' Mom
Sixes Presbyterian Church

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How Old Is Kelly?

2009-01-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday, and I am sitting in the office dumbfounded at the realization that I now have a son old enough to go to Camp Cherokee. It seems like just yesterday, that little Kelly Howington nervously stepped onto the pavilion to check in for his first day of Camp at Camp Cherokee. I can still taste Mrs. Sue’s chicken fingers, smell the “possum patties” and feel the warmth from the fire at the wood chapel while licking my fingers clean of the smore goo. My faith journey really took off here at Camp Cherokee and I feel blessed each day that I am allowed to continue leading this ministry into what seems to be an ever more uncertain future.

What I know is that once you have attended Camp Cherokee, even for a short while, you become family in the deepest sense of the word. No matter how far you travel, how long you stay away, there is always a spiritual home here for you that invigorates the senses and quickly delivers you back to a simpler time in life when you could hear most clearly the voice of God in your life. From the hugs, songs and silliness to the deep conversations about beliefs and the faith challenges brought on by an ever more materialistic and status oriented society, the changes that happen on these peaceful lake shores are truly fundamental a life altering.

Regardless of how old I am, I am thankful for every day I have been blessed with the beauty that is Camp Cherokee and joyfully wonder about the future that is in store! Our God is truly an AWESOME God!

How old am I today? Old enough to look back and know without a doubt that through the challenges and questions, growth and changes God is indeed alive and at work in this world in new and miraculous ways!

Sincerely,

Kelly Howington

Director - Cherokee Retreat Center

877-647-8542 - Toll Free

678-848-5739 - Cell Phone

678-918-3387 - Fax

director@cherokeeretreatcenter.com - email

http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com- web

http://www.youtube.com/cherokeeretreat- Youtube

http://cherokeeretreatcenter.blogspot.com/- CRC Blog

Let's Keep Christmas

2008-12-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

The following is an excerpt from a sermon preached by the gifted minister, Peter Marshall in 1949. The words speak to our hearts and minds this Advent season. MERRY CHRISTMAS, dear friends!

"Although your Christmas tree decorations will include many new gadgets, such as lights with bubbles in them . . . it's the old tree decorations that mean the most . . . the ones you save carefully from year to year . . . the crooked star that you've been so careful with. And you'll bring out the tiny manger, and the shed, and the little figures of the Holy Family . . . and lovingly arrange them on the mantel or in the middle of the dining room table. And getting the tree will be a family event, with great excitement for the children . . . And there will be a closet into which you will forbid your husband to look, and he will be moving through the house mysteriously with bundles under his coat, and you'll pretend not to notice . . . There will be a fragrance of cookies baking, spices, and fruitcake . . . and the warmth of the house shall be melodious with the lilting strains of 'Silent Night, Holy Night.' And you'll listen to the wonderful Christmas music on the radio. Some of the songs will be modern - good enough music perhaps - but it will be the old carols, the lovely old Christmas hymns, that will mean the most.And forests of fir trees will march right into our living rooms . . . There will be bells on our doors and holly wreaths in our windows . . . And we shall sweep the Noel skies for their brightest colors and festoon our homes with stars. There will be a chubby stocking hung by the fireplace . . . and with finger to lip you will whisper and ask me to tip-toe, for a little tousled head is asleep and must not be awakened. And finally Christmas morning will come. Don't worry -- you'll be ready for it -- You'll catch the spirit all right, or it will catch you, which is even better. And then you will remember what Christmas means - the beginning of Christianity . . . the Second Chance for the world . . . the hope for peace . . . and the only way. The promise that the angels sang is the most wonderful music the world has ever heard. 'Peace on earth and good will toward men.' It was not a pronouncement upon the state of the world then, nor is it a reading of the international barometer of present time . . . but it is a promise -- God's promise -- of what will come to pass.The years that are gone are graveyards in which all the persuasions of men have crumbled into dust. If history has any voice, it is to say that all these ways of men lead nowhere. There remains only one way -- The Way -- untried, untested, unexplored fully . . . the way of Him Who was born a Babe in Bethlehem. In a world that seems not only to be changing, but even to be dissolving, there are tens of millions of us who want Christmas to be the same . . . with the same old greeting 'Merry Christmas' and no other. We long for the abiding love among men of good will which the season brings . . . believing in this ancient miracle of Christmas with its softening, sweetening influence to tug at our heart strings once again. We want to hold on to the old customs and traditions because they strengthen our family ties, bind us to our friends, make us one with all mankind for whom the Child was born, and bring us back again to the God Who gave His only begotten son, that 'whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'
So we will not 'spend' Christmas . . .nor 'observe' Christmas.We will 'keep' Christmas -- keep it as it is . . .in all loveliness of its ancient traditions.May we keep it in our hearts,that we may be kept in its hope."

The Season Of Giving

2008-12-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

I love Advent. The anticipation, the family, the joyous celabration make even dreary rainy days and bad economic projections light up wih optimism and life. Over the last several weeks, a great deal of work has been going on to reorganize the leadership of Cherokee Retreat Center while also working hard to secure the financial plan for the next 12 months. We are by no means through the woods on this, lots more MUST be done, however, the giving of time and dollars has litterally moved me to tears of thanksgiving. To date, we have had $10,000 committed in a matching arrangement, so for every dollar that you send in today there will be double that amount for us to use as we get into the new year. That's $20,000 of the estimated additional $50,000 needed to keep us on track financially through next year. What's more, in a time when everyone is stretched too thin and to far, we have also had an outpouring of volunteer leadership support. Our last Division meeting welcomed a host of newcomers showing support and ready to serve. The first meeting of the newly formed "Friends Of Camp Cherokee" group was graced with nearly 30 people of a WIDE range of ages and backgrounds. Camp Cherokee/CRC has truly touched the lives of countless souls!

Now is the time for us to continue to give back to this ministry that has given so much to us all. Our goals here are to continue to build the new Board of Directors and Friends Group, to raise the remainder of the funds needed for the 2009 budget year and to increase our campers attendance and rentals by a significant margin this year. When we meet these goals, we will be able to look back at this past few weeks and celebrate in the goodness of our maker. At every such turning poinnt in my own life, I have been graced with Just Enough to get to the next step in my ministry, but without Camp Cherokee I probably wouldn't have been able to recognize the resources that have been provided to me both practical and spiritual which have been so pivotal. I have no doubt that God is at work here, educating, motivating and celebrating His success through our witness to Him!

Sincerely,

Kelly Howington

Director - Cherokee Retreat Center

877-647-8542 - Toll Free

770-608-3564 - Cell Phone

678-918-3387 - Fax

director@cherokeeretreatcenter.com - email

http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com- web

http://www.youtube.com/cherokeeretreat- Youtube

http://cherokeeretreatcenter.blogspot.com/- CRC Blog

Camp Cherokee On The Chopping Block

2008-11-19T22:35:00.000-05:00

It is with a troubled heart that I write you this message. Over the last two days, it has become increasingly clear to me that the future of Camp Cherokee is in grave danger due to what is now known to be a massive financial crisis at the Presbytery level. At the Presbytery meeting yesterday (which you may have attended) the report from the Budget and Finance Committee demonstrated that at this late point in the year we are now aware that the financial standing of Cherokee Presbytery is teetering on the verge of collapse. As an arm of this larger body Camp Cherokee will be forced to close its doors, if nothing is done about it quickly. The likelyhood that this longstanding ministry (which is unique in this Presbytery in both how many lives it has touched and how collobratively it has been brought about by the hard work, sweat and tears of so many dedicated participants and volunteers) would survive even a single summer of inoperation is extremely low. Despite the excellent progress we have made over the last four years to reduce our costs and to increase our income as well as drastically improve our program, site and facilities, unless we have widespread and prompt support, this gem faces being cast asside in order to make the entire Presbytery's financial ends meet.

You Can Download More Details About The Financial Crisis Cherokee Presbytery Is Facing Below:

Powerpoint: http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com/documents/Financial%20Crisis.ppt

PDF: http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com/documents/Financial%20Crisis.pdf

This is not a drill or merely a possibility, it is a harsh reality and ACTION MUST BE taken quickly if we are to continue this ministry and have any hopes of seeing our 100th anniversary. Ironically the Presbytery's financial report came just moments after widespread applause for our recent American Camping Association Accrediation success.

If you are asking yourself "How Can I Help?," first of all God belss you!

Secondly, because this issue is squarely a financial one, the bottom line is that we need your financial support now more than ever before. For the sake of the ministry that transformed my own life through Christian community, I implore you to pray hard tonight with your family and join my family in donating to the Camp Cherokee Development Fund as you are led to through prayerful consideration. Cherokee Presbytery alone has over 10,000 members. If each member were to give only $5 we would be in the clear for 2008. If each member were to give an additional $5, we believe we would be set for 2009. Per/person, that's less than a value meal at McDonalds!

Thirdly, the leadership of Cherokee Presbytery needs to hear from you (Contact Info. Below). More than ever before, your church pastor and every member of the Presbytery Council and Presbytery staff should know the stories of how Jesus Christ has changed your life or the lives of people you hold dear through the ministry at Camp Cherokee. I encourage you to email, write, phone call or even IM your own pastor and the members of the Cherokee Presbytery Council, in order to let them know just how valuable this "spiritual asset" is in your life.

Can you make a difference? YES YOU CAN! In fact the only way to make a difference is for each individual to take on a smaller part.

Finally, to ensure our longterm success, it is imperative that we move into a Board Of Directors design of leadership for Camp Cherokee. In order to do this we need to hear from passion filled, spirit led, energetic people who also have the know how, dedication and expertise to make a change and do it quickly and effectively. Gone are the days of sitting around a table meeting for hours with little real progress. What is needed is creative brainstoming, decisive action, and mutual accountability through love and relationship. If you would like to join the new Board of Directors, please let me know ASAP. We only have one shot at this and today is the day for change!

In closing I simply want to add that over the last few days and weeks, I have personally found myself experiencing an odd sense of calm. My heart is at peace despite the circumstances whirling around the future of Camp Cherokee because I know that God is at work in this transition. It reminds me of the story of the feeding of the 5000. On that day long ago, Jesus told the disciples (who had just urged Jesus to send the people home to eat) "YOU feed them." The disciples rummaged around and found only a handful of loaves and fish. The miracle happened, however, when they handed over what they did have to Him. When all was said and done, the people were fed, there were leftovers even! Keep that in mind as we all face the fear of "not enough." Through Jesus Christ, ALL things are possible....but first we must offer to Him our own brokeness and inadequacy.

Sincerely,

Kelly Howington

Director - Cherokee Retreat Center

877-647-8542 - Toll Free

770-608-3564 - Cell Phone

American Camp Association Accredited

2008-10-09T22:37:00.003-05:00

This evening it was my pleasure to find out that from all our hard work this year and this summer, Cherokee Retreat Center/Camp Cherokee has indeed earned the ACA Accreditation. This is a big deal in the camping world as ACA is the only nationally accrediting body and the standards required of each camp are quite in-depth. I am proud of both our summer staff and the RMD members who contributed significantly to this accomplishment!

Let's Celebrate!

Where is God's Place in MySpace?

2008-10-01T21:10:00.002-05:00

We get so caught up with school, sports, friends, parties, family and more, that we often forget about making space for God in the midst of our busy
lives. Some of us don’t even take the time to actually talk to our friends because all we have to do is read about what they are up to on their MySpace pages. How can we learn to build more personal relationships with our friends, and more importantly, how can we make space for God in our lives?

Come join us for the Middle School Retreat at Camp Cherokee the weekend of February 27-March 1, 2009 and invite a friend to SHARE THIS SPACE!

Camp Cherokee Staff vs. Chipmunk

2008-09-25T15:55:00.001-05:00

good times, rabid beasts!

Don't Let The Sun Go Down!

2008-09-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

In Ephesians 4:17 we are called to live as Children of the light. Each summer it seems that over the course of any given week, we have a mind blowing range of emotions and personalities. As summer staff, it then becomes our challenge and privilage to be the gentle guides of these dynamics to create something pure and exceptional. As the verse states, don't let the sun go down while there is still anger in your heart, don't let the devil get a foothold. During the summer camp weeks, we have the awesome charge to ensure that for at least a time this is the reality in the lives of the Children who grace our cabins and woods. More important than the schedules, the activities and all the fun and games we engage in, Camp Cherokee is first and formost about providing our campers with the opportunties to truly live in joyous community with each other in an intentional setting of love, forgiveness, openness and understanding. How else are we to expect the next generation of community and faith leaders to understand what the chapter in Ephesians is focusing on? How else are they to know that what is truly important is not the Nintendo Wi, the high end luxury car, the designer clothes....but the love in their heart for Jesus Christ, who reminded us that the most important thing of all is to love one another as we love ourselves? Camp Cherokee's primary focus is just that, helping children grow and love themselves through actively loving each other.And at the end of the day if two are angry with each other, we have found it is amazing what a chat and a prayer, hug and a gooey 'smore will do to mend those relationships! It's all about being intentional in our relationships.

A Time For Every Season

2008-09-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

It is true that there is a time for every season under heaven. Today as I watched the pool being covered for the 2008 season, my thoughts drifted back to the vitality and electricity of the summer camping season and I began to miss it deeply. Truly being a Camp Cherokee camper at heart, I remember the lazy days by the pool, the fun and games on the field and the sweet smell of Miss Sue's cookies coming from the kitchen. Warmed by the fire in the evening while the melodies of children rung through the air down at the old wood chapel. At nights I can remember never getting a better sleep than when I was in the hogans, snuggled deep in my sleeping bag, listening to both the box fan humming and the tree frogs with their regular cadence.

Then and there, time stood still as it still does for so many young people who call Camp Cherokee their summer home. It is a bit hard to explain, but there truly is "Camp Time" and "Real World" time. In camp time, counselors hang on your every word, thrust open their arms to the most awkward of individuals with warm Christian love and every step that is taken is undoubtedly hand in hand with our Lord Jesus Christ. During "Real World" time, it is sometimes less obvious where the divine resides in the crammed schedules, distracted classmates and sometime indifferent adults. But as summer camp leaders, ours is perhaps one of the most noble of ministries. We are the weavers of dreams, the constant playmates, the purest and most reachable of role models in difficult times. Simplicity in living is our creed and our singular focus is on the development of a solid foundation in Christian community and love. From a week or two at Camp Cherokee, our campers can take a year's worth of eneregy back to their homes and shine the light of Christ more brilliantly than before. We augment and amplify the valuable work of the "home Church" and to so many with no church home, we are their rock in a sea of over marketed information overload.

Shhhh.....be still and know that Christ is with you.

Every year I miss the summer that has just concluded, but that mountain top gives me such a great view of the dips and rises of the rest of the year, without it I would be lost in the valleys with little reason to cast my eyes heavenward. As the leaves begin to fall and we break out the firewood for the lodge, the embers will continue to glow in my heart until the next summer approaches when it will truly only take a spark to get the fire going again.

Shine on Camp Cherokee 2008, Shine ON!

kh

2008-08-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

Taking Care of The Earth, by becoming one with it!

Mission Revisited...

2008-08-08T09:35:00.003-05:00

Last April, our family went on a Mission Trip to Cherokee Retreat Center. At the end of July - just a few weeks ago - we went back.

I wasn't sure what to expect. Would the floor still be shiny and new? Would the flower beds need weeding? Had Andy remembered to water everything? How was the kitchen paint holding up? Had the new cabinets arrived yet?

Our family of five rode north on I-75 spontaneously bursting out in excitement every couple of miles...

"I can't wait to see the white kitchen walls!" said Lily-Kate (our 9 year old daughter who had spent a whole.lot.of.time in the kitchen during our FPC Mission to Cherokee Retreat Center).

"I can't wait to see the floor!" said Trevor (my husband who spent hours and hours upon his knees installing the new floor).

I couldn't wait to see it all - the flower beds, the painted walls, the new rug and the bright trim. I just kept looking out the window and thinking about the week that we'd spent there. How exhausted, how frustrated, how much paint (!!!).

"I can't wait to see my friends!" burst Joe (our teen age son who'd spent most of his time doing anything he was asked to do during our mission trip... and perfecting his lip synching techniques for the talent show night).

In a matter of a second, Joe had put things to right about the whole project. Yes, we'd worked, sweat, hammered, gardened, painted, painted and painted but in the end, what we'd done - what we remembered - was the time that we'd spent with friends.

A sense of thankfulness came over me. Joe had reminded me (as I sat in my typical task oriented - list management - Martha, Martha, Martha mode) about the real blessings from our Spring Break mission trip at Cherokee Retreat Center.

It's a truth you can count on, friends: when you let God stretch you to do His work - no matter how frustrating or unplanned the work may be - one of the real blessings that He showers upon you are friendships: the ones that He strengthens, the ones that He renews and the ones that come into your life that weren't there before.

Suddenly, we could not get there fast enough.

Just to see our friends.

2008-08-06T18:47:00.000-05:00

TROUBLE With a Capital T!

2008-08-06T18:45:00.000-05:00

Too Cool!

2008-08-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

Heather MAC!

Handle With Care

2008-07-01T12:03:00.002-05:00

As we come to the end of our fifth week of camp, I still find myself amazed at the level of excitement our staff has for each group of young people who enter our gates for a week of fun, fellowship and worship! I have watched children say goodbye to parents as they faced their FIRST night away from family and friends. I have observed other children and youth who are returning for their 3rd, 4th or 5th year of camp! Camp is a powerful time in the life of any young person, including our counselors. Camp is an opportunity for Christian community to be lived out with new relationships formed - with peers, couneslors and God, their creator.

I have been blessed to spend this summer on staff as the Summer Assistant Director and look forward to our remaining weeks of welcoming children into the arms of a loving, creative and dynamic staff in GOD'S SANCTUARY!!!!

FW: Hey Y'all...

2008-05-07T17:03:00.001-05:00

Hey, y'all,

I wanted to share with you all a fantastic camp opportunity that my children are really looking forward to this summer. Katherine and Michael are attending Camp Cherokee which is the Cherokee Presbytery of Northwest Georgia's Summer Camp retreat facility. (You don’t have to be Presbyterian to attend.) It is a 5 night 6 day sleep away camp and the retreat center is located on 100 acres on the shores of Lake Alatoona.

Katherine went last year and Michael is attending this year for the first time. He saw how much fun Kat had and can't wait to go. Its like youth group/vbs all week long!! I wanted to tell all of y'all about it, because although they will see some of their church friends, they would love for their school friends to know about this, too.

Read the description below and check out the website. Ask me any questions about it and I'll be happy to talk to you. Kat and Michael are registered for Discovery the week of July 6-11.

If enough people are interested, the director, Kelly Howington can come to my house to hold an information meeting which promises to be an amazing time.

Talk to you soon.

Nancy Mangiante

“Cherokee Retreat Center and all of it's staff seek to create opportunities for Christian growth while living in a caring, safe, fun Christian community and environment. With God's guidance, we seek to play a positive role in nurturing children, youth and adult's faith in Jesus Christ, through creative Bible study, worship, interacting with creation, encouraging self-awareness and sensitivity towards others.”

www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com

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Hey Y'all...

2008-05-07T17:01:00.000-05:00

Hey, y'all,

Read the description below and check out the website. Ask me any questions about it and I'll be happy to talk to you. Kat and Michael are registered for Discovery the week of July 6-11.

If enough people are interested, the director, Kelly Howington can come to my house to hold an information meeting which promises to be an amazing time.

Talk to you soon.

Nancy Mangiante

www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com

Summer Is Just Around The Corner!

2008-05-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that it is about that time again to start planning for
the summer program at Cherokee Retreat Center, but summer planning and
preparation are well underway for this summer's program. Brochures and
registration forms are currently being disbursed among the congregations of
Cherokee Presbytery, and with them Cherokee Retreat Center is sending out a
plea for help. As is tradition, volunteers play a vital role in the life of
the camp. Both adult volunteers and Counselors In Training are needed to
help fulfill the mission of Camp Cherokee. We are especially looking for
anyone with skills in such areas as craft making, outdoor living, games
leadership, singing and silliness! If you or someone you know are willing
to serve in this unique and memorable mission opportunity, please contact
the Cherokee Presbytery office as soon as possible. Please contact Kelly
Howington, Cherokee Retreat Center/Summer Camp Director either by phone:
(770) 386-6280 or by email at HYPERLINK
"mailto:cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net"cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net.
Remember, this year you can register online at HYPERLINK
"http://www.cherokeeretretcenter.com/"www.cherokeeretretcenter.com so
register today!

Shalom,
Kelly Howington
Director- Cherokee Retreat Center/Camp Cherokee

HYPERLINK
"http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com/"www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com
HYPERLINK
"mailto:cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net"cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net
Cell: 770-608-3564
Presbytery: 770-382-6280
Fax: 770-382-7804

"...each is given a bag of tools, a shapeless mass a book of rules, and each
must make, ere life is flown, a stumbling block.....or stepping stone..."

__________________________________________________________________

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7:46 AM

Challenge Camp & Sr. High Connection

2008-05-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

Summer at Cherokee Retreat Center is a blast for senior highs. This summer
come out and take part in Camp Cherokee's awesome games, hiking, boating,
swimming, Bible Study, nature study, crafts, singing and fun! Nurture your
creative spirit! Take time to play! Strengthen your relationships with
others and with God in this spirit- filled week that just might change your
life! And if you are more of an adrenaline junkie, we've planned a special
outdoor experience for those who are ready for a challenge! Past Challenge
Camps have included such activities as horseback riding, whitewater rafting,
and breathtaking hikes in the wilderness. While this week begins and ends at
Cherokee Retreat Center, every day in between is full of exciting fun, great
fellowship, tent camping and outdoor cooking. Join us this summer for an
all-new line up of Challenge/Wilderness experiences that will not only get
your adrenaline pumping, but also serve as an unforgettable reminder of the
beauty and power of God's creation. While these sessions are just around the
corner, there is still room for your budding adult. For more information on
these life changing sessions, please contact the Cherokee Retreat Center
Director, Kelly Howington at the Cherokee Presbytery office: (770) 382-6280
or by email at HYPERLINK
"mailto:cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net"cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net.
Remember you can also register online today and save your child's spot
immediately at HYPERLINK
"http://www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com/"www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com !

__________________________________________________________________

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from 4Team (HYPERLINK
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6:01 AM

Summer Camp

2008-05-04T17:07:00.002-05:00

Cherokee Retreat Center is in the midst of a wonderful transformation and I am grateful for all who are helping with that transformation. I have always had a love for Cherokee Retreat Center and camp ministry and hope the excitement continues to bring people and churches to the center to see what we are about.

Summer camp is just around the corner and we hope everyone will continue to encourage as many young people as possible to sign up for a session or two. I am excited to be a part of the Culture Camp session that will be June 4-7th and is for children who are internationally adopted. This is our 8th summer to partner with Cherokee Retreat Center for this amazing camp and we are always looking for more camp registrations. We are also in partnership with Holt International, Lutheran Services of Georgia, and Families First - all leaders in the field of international adoption.

Come join us!!

Cheryl

AMAZING PHOTOS!

2008-04-30T11:07:00.003-05:00

Kelly,

AMAZING PHOTOS!! I can't even believe it is the same place, you must be so pleased. What an answer to prayer! Looking forward to our work weekend out there!

Lisa Marie - Haygood - Sixes Road PCUSA

FW: What a difference a week makes...

2008-04-30T11:07:00.001-05:00

Hey Kelly,
What a wonderful newsletter! Just wanted you to send Jessica Gamble a
note that Westminster certainly was affected by the fruits of her labors and
that she should certainly feel satisfied. (She wrote if she affected one
person she would be truly satisfied) Tell her that has certainly been
accomplished. We enjoyed the retreat at Camp Cherokee so much this past
weekend. The Lodge was beautiful! And the weather was perfect! Thanks for
working us in. Anita, Joe, Brad Barris, and myself inspected the cabins
before we left on Saturday and I hope Joe will let you know that we would
like to adopt the Red Cabin (if you are looking at the pavillion, it is the
first cabin on the right.) Joe is in charge of this so I'll let him tell
you. Tee Hee. Thanks again for your hospitality. Camp Cherokee is such a
wonderful blessing to our Presbytery. Thank you for your hard work!

Susan Henley - Westminster PCUSA

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7:26 AM

FPC Cartersville Kudos

2008-04-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

Hey Kelly,

Thanks so much for all you & Andy did to help us with our weekend retreat! Everyone had a fantastic time, and didn't want to go home! The new families especially loved seeing the camp are excited about returning. I'm sure you will be hearing from Sherylann's homeschool group, she is especially excited about bringing her son, Cavett, and his friends to do some hiking there.

Thanks again!

Ellen Sanders - FPC Cartersville

If We Affect One Person...

2008-04-30T10:41:00.002-05:00

As I headed up to Cherokee Retreat Center, I was ready to spread Christ’s light. We had a lot to get done. We gave a woderful place a renewel. I will always hold Cherokee close to my heart, because I know our work will effect hundreds of kids coming for a wonderful time at camp. I cannot wait to see the effect of all our hard work. If we affect one person, I will be truly sastisfied.

-thanks, Jessica Gamble

2008-04-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

FPC Marietta Flooring Crew #2....Katie, Mason, Jackson, Joe, Jessica, Anna.....You Guys Totally Rocked Lydia Basement!

KH

Testing it with a photo!

2008-04-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

Shalom,

Kelly Howington

Director- Cherokee Retreat Center/Camp Cherokee

www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com

cherokeeretreat@bellsouth.net

Cell: 770-608-3564

Presbytery: 770-382-6280

Fax: 770-382-7804

"...each is given a bag of tools, a shapeless mass a book of rules, and each must make, ere life is flown, a stumbling block.....or stepping stone..."

FPC Teambuilding

2008-04-14T23:22:00.000-05:00

Mission Field CRC

2008-04-14T22:53:00.003-05:00

I am now totally exhausted, but at the same time in awe and inspired. Last week, FPC Marietta chose to change their mission trip destination from New Orleans to Cherokee Retreat Center. While talking to Dan Valentine and Debbie Peterson about the details, it was as if I were in a dream world. For over three years I have been working hard to get the ministry at Cherokee Retreat Center in the lime light of Cherokee Presbytery and in the last few weeks it seems that finally all our hard work has begun to pay off. Marietta came out and did some fantastic work, Sixes road is planning on coming out to revamp the challenge course, PW recently gathered and gave a heap of decor items, Westminster is planning to adopt a cabin....the list goes on. It would seem that our churches are waking up to the fact that this ministry simply cannot work without the body of faith's participation and sense of ownership.

Test Blog

2008-04-14T22:20:00.000-05:00

Test