Camp Shalom registration opens Saturday
Kids will build their faith in God, explore nature, and learn how to discover and use their gifts for others during Camp Shalom’s summer 2015 season.
The theme is “A love that never ends,” said Andrew Brehmer, program director.
Registration opens this Saturday. Visit campshalomia.org, call the Camp Shalom office at 563-323-2790 or stop by the office at 960 E. 53rd St., Suite 1B, Davenport.
“Camp builds confidence, it builds character. It pulls out the leadership skills in everybody,” Andrew said. “Parents will see their child grow in their time away at camp – and they are growing in God.”
Camp sessions are available from June 7-August 7. Kids as young as entering second grade can come for overnight camp, with options available through high school. One new option is a senior high weekend camp the weekend of July 10-12.
Families can also come and experience camp together, with a variety of housing options – from an air conditioned retreat center to the rustic outpost cabins. Dates for family camp are June 19-21 or July 17-19.
St. Paul purchased land for a camp in 1976. Originally called the St. Paul Outdoor Ministry Center, it primarily served youth of the congregation. A master plan was formed to provide a vision of the future. Volunteers labored to turn the rough farmland into a working campsite. They constructed cabins, cleared trails, cooked meals and created a summer program.
In 1982, St. Paul Lutheran raised money to build the Program Center. This building continues to be the hub of camp life. Around this time, St. Paul held a contest to re-name the camp. A young camper won the contest with the name “Shalom.” Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning “Peace.” Commonly used as a greeting, it can also mean the kind of peace only God can give.
By 1995 many of the buildings from the master plan were in place. In 1996, Camp Shalom incorporated as an independent ecumenical ministry.
Today, more than 1,100 youth and families from 110 different congregations in the region support Camp Shalom. Every child is welcome at Camp Shalom without regards to race, gender, creed or national origin.
Camp Shalom has a cadre of dedicated volunteers who love the place – donating their time and resources to its health and vitality. The staff is top-notch, too.
“These are committed young adult Christians who give of themselves by sharing their time and their hearts to provide and environment that allows campers to physically and spiritually,” executive director Tom Bley said.
