Maryland churches wrap up summer camp, pave the way for Fall 2010

The Refuge was thrilled to host a pair of Maryland Church groups for the final week of Summer Build 2010. The youth of Bay Area Community Church and a mission team from SPEC Church spent the week working on different projects, each of which help to prepare The Refuge for upcoming ministry this year. The workers labored tirelessly through the heat, on jobs including a second bridge on the bike trail, drainage ditches at the pavilion, a turtle pen, and structural work on The Hiding Place. The younger children formed a work team of their own, and they completed several painting projects and pulled a large amount of trash out of the woods. Free time each afternoon was typically spent swimming in the lake, or relaxing in the Luke House. The groups spent time together in God’s word each day after lunch, and they spent each evening together in worship. Every work group also had the opportunity to take a guided canoe trip down Contentnea Creek.

     

 

Camp Duo children have a blast!!

Camp Duo filled the camp with 230 campers from the inner-city of Kinston. Partnering with the Little-by-Little program and the Partnership for Children, The Refuge was able to share the love of Christ to a camp full of Children. Ranging in ages from kindergarten through 5th grades these children were able to canoe, fish, play kick-ball, walk the trails, swim and enjoy a snake presentation by the N.C. Museum of Natural Science.

 

 

 

Adults with special needs enjoys The Refuge; June 14-18

The ARC of Craven county held their annual summer camp at The Refuge for the first time. We held camp specifically for those with mental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. Though the group was small they had a marvelous time fishing, canoeing, doing crafts, singing praises and walking the trails. Our staff was deeply touched by each one of the campers and will remember the time spent with them for years to come. This is truly one of those weeks that you receive more than you give. We look forward to the children of ARC coming later in July for their day of fun.

 

 

Summer Build #1, Garner UMC; June 14-18

Three years ago Garner UMC came as our very first Summer Build Team. They have taken on several key projects at The Refuge that have allowed us to serve many youth and children over the past two years. Now in their third year, Garner UMC brought 5 teams, 34 total participants, that raised their own funds to work on several projects during Summer Build 2010. The projects they worked on included: Painting the Moses House, Renovating our wetland trail bridge, building a new bridge on our bike trail, cutting the bike trail and gutting the newest house that has been placed at The Refuge so that we can begin renovations.

This group has blessed us in so many ways over the past few years. The coolest part is that next year they will be able to stay at The Refuge for the very first time in the houses they have helped to renovate. In October we are receiving 50 trail bikes for children to ride on at The Refuge, and the trail that this group began last week will be finished at the end of the summer by our next team from the Bay area of Maryland.

The Scripture we focused on this week was from 1 Kings 18 and we looked at what the Idols are in our lives. The question was the asked "How long will you waiver?" Though a lot of time was spent out at work sites building the camp, the greatest work that was done was when we spent time in the Word, building our faith! Thank you Garner for another great week. If your church would like to join us for Summer Build 2011 please contact Sammy @ 252-531-3214.

 

 

Father/ Child Canoe Trip...May 14-16

Ten fathers and their children converged on The Refuge seeking adventure and time together. Though the weather was quite hot and the water was a bit low in the Creek we had an amazing fun-filled adventure exploring God's creation and seeking the face of Christ. Our Saturday evening devotion was focused on Luke Chapter 2 when Jesus went missing and was found at the temple with the teachers of the law. His parents were astonished at what they saw and heard. We spent the evening listening to the fathers share times of astonishment when they had seen the face of Christ in their own children. The children also were able to share what they admired the most about their dads.

A great time was had by all and we look forward to our next adventure down the eastern North Carolina waterways. If you would like to set up a trip for your group please call Sammy at 252-531-3214.