General Description
Family Camp is a 5-day family event for all ages (includes 4 nights lodging & 10 meals prepared for you and served in the camp's dining room). It is a Christ-centered event where families can build relationships with another in a safe environment through interactive learning experiences (worship sessions, vespers & music), recreational activities (swimming in a pool, canoeing, paddle-boating, pond play, mud slides, hayrides, hiking, archery, campfires, etc.), crafts (T-shirt making; family crafts, etc.); and fellowship times (table games, jigsaw puzzles, table tennis, and more).
Mission Statement
"To grow families in Christ through Bible study, fellowship and fun, at a camp setting."
Our Four-Point Mission Strategy (...how we intend to carry out our Mission Statement)
- Outreach - As Jesus reached out to the masses in his Galilean ministry, we will offer an active OUTREACH FAMILY MINISTRY open to churched and unchurched families alike within the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, and to boundaries beyond where God may open doors of opportunity.
- Fellowship - As Jesus had a flock of faithful followers, 72 of whom he trusted enough to send out ahead of him to prepare for his ministry (Luke 10:1), we will prepare for and offer FELLOWSHIP opportunities so that all families who attend will feel they share an important place in God's family to also become a faithful follower.
- Faith Nurture - As Jesus chose twelve for a more in-depth ministry, we will offer a ministry that will provide FAITH NURTURING opportunities, so that families who attend will be able to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, their understanding of God's Word, and their ability to integrate their faith with their daily living.
- Discipleship - As Jesus had three disciples with whom he had a personal friendship, this family camp ministry will offer DISCIPLESHIP opportunities through staff/participant family prayer partnerships, Family Focus groups (family small group interaction), and encouragement and affirmation for one's faith journey through one-on-one conversations.
Our Ten-Point Family Camp Philosophy (...what we believe):
- Christ-Centered Focus: We believe that in everything we do, and in the decisions we make, we must work toward achieving the goals of our Mission Statement. Therefore, our philosophies have been determined with that in mind. - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." ~Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
- Impact Event: We believe that when families take time away from their everyday routines, with particular goals in mind to impact their lives with spiritual growth, fun, and fellowship, they will return home feeling energized and recharged. Therefore, we commit to offering this annual family camp impact event for just such a purpose. - "Stand at the crossroads and look... ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls..." ~Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
- Ministry Leadership: We believe the most effective family camp ministry is not merely TO the family, but WITH the family. Therefore, we will select and invest in Christian family role models who are ready for leadership, and will equip them for building up and growing the family toward spiritual maturity in the Body of Christ. - "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." ~I Timothy 3:1 (NIV)
- Leadership Team Approach: We believe in the "TEAM approach" (Together Everyone Achieves More), and that God has gifted each of us differently with no one member of the team being more important than another. Therefore, we will strive to gain the insights of all involved, guided by Scripture, believing that the combined efforts of the group will create a stronger and healthier family camp ministry. - "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." ~Romans 15:5 (NIV)
- Relational Ministry: We believe that every intergenerational family worship experience, class session, Bible Study, craft activity, recreational activity and fellowship gathering represents an opportunity to build a relationship with another family. Therefore we will offer such opportunities, realizing they may become a bridge for that family to also build a relationship with Christ Jesus. - "You may be sure that wherever the good news is told all over the world, people will remember...and they will tell others." ~Matthew 26:13 (CEV)
- Intergenerational/Active Learning Ministry: We believe that families may not remember "what we say", but they will remember "what they did". Therefore, we will teach, model and encourage active-learning opportunities where families can begin to develop positive skills and attitudes and mature in their faith ( i.e. Bible Studies; hands-on intergenerational worship experiences; group discussions; recreational interactions; family vespers; sharing talents; writing encouraging notes "warm fuzzies"; etc.) - "Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word." ~Psalm 119:18 (Living Bible)
- Family Involvement: We believe it is important for parents, extended family, and/or guardians to be involved in their children's growth as followers of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we will familiarize families with our ministry philosophies and goals and encourage them to build a stronger relationship with one another and with Jesus Christ. - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." ~Prov 22:6 (NIV) - "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." ~Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV)
- Family Service/Mission: We believe that service (contributing to the welfare of others) and mission (passing along the legacy of God's love) unite families in Christian love, and also help to develop spiritual maturity. Therefore, we encourage opportunities for families to reach out to one another with a servant's heart, and then to carry this legacy of God's love back to families in their local churches and communities. - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." ~Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
- Safe, Affirming Environment: We believe that in an increasingly dangerous world, our family camp ministry must offer a safe and affirming environment for all of the people entrusted to our care. Therefore, we will continually be vigilant to present an environment that is physically and emotionally safe and spiritually healthy. - "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned...~-Titus 2:7-8a (NIV)
- Foundation of Prayer: We believe that nothing of eternal value can happen without prayer. Therefore, we will develop a foundation of prayer on which to build our family camp ministry (i.e. staff prayer chains; a staff/participant family prayer partnership; prayer board; mealtime prayers; and on-the-spot prayers on an "as needed" basis at the event). - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)
Widewater Retreat and Ministry Center
Liberty Center, Ohio
How to Register
- 1. Print and fill out the registration form (see below).
- 2. Mail the form, along with your payment, to the address on the form.
Click here to print or download the 2012 Registration Form in MS Word format (~50KB)
Testimonials
Following a rather energizing morning at one of the family camps, a mother commented, "You know, it really feels good to know that while I'm resting, my children are off playing with the children of other families and I don't have to worry about them because I know they're under a watchful eye." Knowing the person speaking, I also knew that she was not one to hold such a nonchalant attitude about her children.
Attending her second family camp with her family, she was speaking in a sincere way of the trust and confidence she felt at that family camp. She is also one of the parents who had served voluntarily as one of the "entrusted ones."
Family camps are more important now than they have ever been, in my way of thinking. Today's families need good role models of Christian family living. The problem is, there aren't enough family camps to go around!!
~Freshour Family, Columbus, OH
Family Camp was great! Having never been to camp before, I wasn't sure what to expect; even more so since this was family camp and it was my idea that we try it. In other words, I knew I would have to take the blame if it turned into a fiasco. Just the opposite was true. We all decided that we had as much fun at family camp doing simple, together things, as we did at Disney World doing some more expensive things.
Having been to Florida for our first real family vacation last fall, I fully expected to come home from family camp with that same feeling of "boy, do I need some time alone after that!" What really happened was that I came home feeling more relaxed than I ever have. I was able to enjoy my family without worrying about what the next meal would be or how we would keep ourselves entertained for the next hour. That was all planned for us in advance and I could enjoy my family without any thought to what was happening next. Everything from the food, to the accommodations, to the activities was great and the friendships that were begun were an added bonus.
I would highly recommend that any family consider going to camp together, no matter what the age of the kids. I know it is an experience I will never forget and one I look forward to repeating again next summer.
~Stansfield Family, Whitehouse, OH
I just wanted to let you all know that we had a great experience at Family Camp this year-and appreciate all the hard work that you put into making it special. We enjoyed getting to know some of you and look forward to getting to know all of you better! There just wasn't enough time! But we'll try to make more time next year... and maybe through writing, etc. we can know each other even a little better next year!
It's great to know that Family Camp is undergirded by prayer-and very touching to know that we were prayed for even before you knew us! That's really being the Body of Christ! Thank you!
To all of you, again, thank you for welcoming us to Family Camp. It's a joy to get to know others who love the Lord and who are fostering Christian families.
~Gaiser Family, Miamisburg, OH
Family camp was great! You've created just the right balance of fun and spiritual recharging.
My memory of church camp is lonely time away from family, with not much to do, forced to do something I didn't want, and not understanding or relating to any of the Bible teachings. Something was missing. I didn't want to put my kids through the same experience. You've found what was missing. Having your family with you at camp makes it less stressful and allows the kids to explore other friendships.
There were things to do, fun things to do! Things the kids wanted to do, and yup even things I wanted to do. The kids liked the paddleboats, canoes and pool. Sally really liked the swim Olympics-I think it was the diving for money she liked. I liked the archery-I was surprised you had that (someone put a lot of time into that range). The older kids enjoyed the time away from parents at the "barn activities." Wonderful things to do!
Meaningful spiritual recharging, and fun! The older kids related to [Bruce] their leader and what they learned. Sally liked her time and was excited to tell us about it. All the morning and evening worship had an impact on me. Building boats, getting lost with made-up directions, fishing for truth-what a fun way to remember teachings!
I had to miss the talent show, but the family tells me the skits, music, and singing were fun! I liked the "Finding Treasure" musical and it was something special. I've never heard kids sing so loudly! ... it's a special talent, I think it's called love.
Did the "first-timers" like it? You bet, and we want to go again next time. If there's anything the camp needs or we can do to help, let us know.
~Hause Family, Findlay, OH