Haycock Happenings Archives
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - June 2004
SHARING THE VISION
As you read this, summer camp is upon us. In
just a few days, Haycock will be filled with
many boys ranging in age from 8 to 80! Our
campers will enjoy their fun-filled days, while our staff will be charged with leading them. At
first glance the term leading
might simply mean from activity to
activity, but at Haycock it means much more.
Because
we desire to lead boys to Christ and train them for service, our leading of each camper is the most important thing we do.
It is so important that we dedicate six weeks to our Leadership Growth Program
(LGP) so that young men can be challenged to become servant leaders. Our LGP is the premier experience at Haycock. In this program we tie together our founding
principles, traditions, vision and goals for the future.
Boys ages 15 and 16 are taken under the discipleship care of committed and capable
Christian leaders, are put through hardships, and are taught Biblical principles. They spend six weeks learning, developing and
growing towards the goal of graduating from the program as servant leaders. These young men then go into their schools,
churches and neighborhoods sharing, through their servant leadership, the love and life of
Christ.
Our Leadership Growth Program is just one more step toward growing boys into godly men.
2003 marked the demise of our commercial walk-in
freezer. We let our “Haycock Family”
know of the need in March and by the first of May we had received the total needed for this project. A new
refrigerator/freezer unit is scheduled to be installed the week of June 14—just days
before summer camp. Thank you for your generous support!
Jay Craven graduated LGP in 2003. Since his father is the Facilities & Grounds
Director, Jay lives on-site here at Haycock. Being
at camp year round has both advantages and disadvantages, but Jay always does what is
asked with a smile. In fact, he has a knack
for finding things to do! If given the chance,
Jay likes to work with the horses: riding, grooming, or repairing fences. He also enjoys exploring our nearly 200 acres and
playing football . Jay has an outstanding work
ethic, can make everyone feel at ease, and has an ability to work with kids of any age
group. We very much appreciate you, Jay, and
look forward to working together during summer 2004 and in the years to come.
SUMMER CAMP
Interesting in volunteering? We can put your
talents to work this summer. If you or someone
you know is interested, please call Greg or Chris at the office. The following are just a few of the needs:
 | · Devotional
leaders |
| · Van/canoe
trailer drivers |
| · Maintenance
help |
| · Kitchen crew |
| · Lawn care |
| · Missionary
Counselors |
It is not at all as complicated as it may seem and
proper estate documents are more important than ever.
A Will is a legal document by which the writer directs to whom his property
shall pass at the writer’s death. A Will
may also contain provisions which create trusts, appoint guardians for minor children, and
appoint executors. In the absence of a Will,
your estate will be distributed by the state — they will determine who gets what
portion of your property. Without a Will, you
give up the right to make gifts to charities or friends, to set up a trust, and to appoint
a guardian for your minor children. A
thoughtfully-drawn Will can save time, money, and much heartache for your loved ones. Attorney Greg Reed, a long time friend of Haycock,
has offered to provide counsel and assistance with your estate planning. Greg has 27 years experience and is happy to be
able to help in this way. For more
information, please contact our office.
Welcome to our newest Board member, Pastor John
Kinyon. John and his wife, Claire, have five
boys so already they fit in well at Haycock! John
brings a variety of experience to the Board with a ministerial, financial and legal
background.
We have received two tee pees for summer camp 2004! Thank you to all who helped us purchase these
exciting new bunk and program areas.
Wednesday,
August 25, 2004
Tickets $10/Family
Activities
include swimming, archery,
riflery,
horse rides, hiking, hayrides,
sling-shots,
lunch, and more!
Please
RSVP by phone or email
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - March 2004
Sharing the Vision
Recently I met with Haycock Camping Ministry staff and board members to
discuss whether or not ministry to boys is still needed in today's culture.
I have also asked this same question of church and community leaders.
Interestingly enough, they all agree the need for Haycock's ministry is even
more important today that it was 40 plus years ago when we were first founded.
The negative influences affecting our families, children, and our boys, are
staggering.
The impact we have as a ministry through building relationships with both the
campers and staff members DOES make a difference. I see it each summer and
throughout the year. Let me share with you a glimpse into why we are here:
"I have tucked John into bed a hundred times during his stays with our
family. He rarely says more than a word or two, but this night was
different. John peppered me with questions about God's character and how to
live the Christian life. He told me he liked to lie in bed at night and pray
to God. I was flabbergasted. I puzzled over the change until John tried to
teach me his favorite Christian song (learned at Haycock). Thank you, for
God used you to awaken in John a taste for Him." (the name is changed)
This boy, through camp songs, programs and relationships built with our
missionary counselors, was introduced to Jesus Christ and for the first time
has a growing desire to know God. He also has another picture of what men
look like: men who love the Lord. This is the vision of Haycock Camping
Ministries. By God's grace we are growing boys into Godly men.
Urgent Need: Freezer
2003 marked the demise of our commercial walk-in freezer. In order to run summer camp 2004, we must replace our unit. Working with several volunteers, we have ordered a unit to be installed before camp begins. We need your help! Please consider a donation to this need.
Board Changes
| Thank you to Jim Hamlen and Tom & Barbara Hendrickson for the many years of commitment you provided while serving on the board and in various other roles. |
| We are very please to welcome Rich Mench onto the board starting this spring. Rich, his wife Chryss, and their three children are actively involved in camp. |
Spotlight on Staff
Andrew is from Berwin, PA. After completing our LGP program in 2000, he became one of our most friendly, dedicated summer missionaries--one who always has time for a laugh. Andrew attended his freshman year at Grove City College where he excelled on the swim team. This past year he joined Americorps and has traveled the eastern US, recently in South Carolina providing manual labor and working with kids. Andrew plans to return to Grove City in the fall. He has an incredible servant's heart and willingness to work with others no matter the cost. We very much look forward to working alongside "Gilby" again this summer.
Workday Schedule
We would love your help! If your church, bible study, men's group. father & son pair, etc. are interested in a service project, we are scheduling groups for the spring. There are always projects which need attention before the camping season begins. We can match your group's abilities and time schedule to come up with the best plan for all involved. Please call the office or send us an email to set up a project and date. Our volunteers are indispensable to us!
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - November 2003
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As winter approaches, Haycock prepares for perhaps its busiest time of year. Busy with no campers, fewer buildings open, no grass to mow? As a matter of fact, yes!
This is the time of year we spend planning, recruiting, speaking, fund raising and marketing. The facilities that stay open need regular attention for rental groups who brave the cold season, and there is usually much snow to be moved.
Winter is also a more strained time of year for finances. Program income is much lower in the winter which makes it difficult to meet daily expenses.
This is where you come in. The fall and winter are great occasions for Haycock to receive donations. Your tax deductible gift will greatly and immediately impact this ministry by off-setting those daily expenses. Please consider supporting Haycock in this very important way, knowing that your gift is at work as we seek to reach the lost through Christian camping. --Greg Rudder
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
T.J. Hamel, who has served on summer staff the past 3 summers, began his internship with us in September. T.J. is a graduate of Cheltenham High School. His presence has had a positive impact on our full-time team as he has had a hand in a variety of areas of camp including maintenance, construction and programming. The internship also focuses on discipling. Twice a week the men on staff meet: once for prayer and planning and once for Bible study. We praise God for T.J.'s servant heart and service!
2004 NEW PROGRAMS
Look for our brochure coming this February.
| Father/Son Kayak Trip (back by popular demand) |
| High Seas will include white water rafting, wind surfing. |
| BMX Biking (in the works) |
ESTATE PLANNING
It's not as complicated as it may seem and properly written estate planning documents are more important than ever. We would like to help. Attorney Greg Reed, a long time friend of Haycock, has offered to provide counsel and assistance with your estate planning. Greg has 27 years experience and is happy to be able to help in this way. For more information, please contact our office.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FOR BOYS!
Give the gift of summer camp this year. Purchase a week of summer fun for boys ages 8-16. No need to worry about weeks filling up! Call the office for prices.
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - September 2003
CAMP NEWS
God was pleased to grant us yet another summer of unity as we ate, worked, played and served each other and the campers. God kept His hand upon us, allowing many opportunities to share the Gospel and impact the hearts and lives of campers. By His grace, 31 boys professed Christ while another 14 re-committed their lives to Him. God does not promise that we will see hearts transformed during their stay at camp, so we are so thankful that He allowed us to witness His living grace in these lives.
NEW PROGRAM
This summer we were looking for a twist to our Father/Son Mini Week, so a Kayak Trip was offered. Six father & son pairs, including our "program guy" Chris Hendrickson and his dad, trekked to new Jersey to try their hand at the Mullica River. Narrow kayaks and moving water combined for a few spills and lots of laughs as campers, both young and old, stored a few treasured memories.
On Sunday, June 8th, many friends and family turned out to see the official dedication of our latest building project, the Lancaster House. This staff house was named in memory of Charlie Lancaster, whose heart for ministry continues to serve as an example to all of us. The three bedroom home will house staff members Chris Hendrickson and Joel Craven. It has already become the home away from home for many of our summer staff! Praise God for allowing us to complete this project and thank all who helped make it possible.
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
As a father of 4, one of my goals for my children is to instill in each of them a desire to work well together. When they do, it transforms their task into a joyful experience. This summer we had the pleasure of having 3 brothers serve on staff: Jeremy, Drew and Ian McGinniss. Each, with their particular gifts, demonstrated a servant's heart and passionate desire to serve God and impact young people for Christ. Jeremy is a student at Philadelphia Biblical University, Drew at Brookdale Community College and Ian will graduate from high school this spring. It was truly an honor to serve alongside these three brothers in Christ.
BOARD UPDATE
Thank you to our two departing Board Members, Scott Revell and Rob Garringer, for their service. Welcome to the following Board Members:
- Rob Fairbaugh, Christ Independent Bible Church
- Kevin Hendricks, Calvary Church of Souderton
- Steve Marks, Palisades Community Bible Church
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - February 2003
SPOTLIGHT ON CHARLIE LANCASTER
I first met Charlie in the Fall of 1999. Lisa and I had just completed our first summer at Haycock and were thrilled to have this special visit from Charlie & Dottie, Walt & Marie Jones and Rob & Olive Pfeiffer. These pioneers of Haycock were so encouraging to us, especially Charlie. His enthusiasm was contagious. We benefited from his stories of the past and how God had blessed this ministry. Charlie was one of the original "Haycock 10" -- the men who put their own homes down as collateral to secure a loan to purchase land that would become Haycock. Throughout the years Charlie faithfully served on the Board and in many other capacities. He and his wife Dottie spent many summers serving in the camp store. Charlie knew the store was the one place where he and Dottie could have contact with every boy in camp. And they used that precious time to share the Love of Jesus Christ! Recently, we would look forward to a visit from Charlie and his friends, not to mention the faithful prayers and financial support. While we are deeply saddened at his passing, we can rejoice in knowing two very important things: Charlie was a man who loved the Lord and he, by God's grace, led many to Jesus! Well done, good and faithful servant.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a conference for Christian camps. The fellowship was fantastic. The praise and worship was awesome and the instruction was priceless. Many of my colleagues expressed some of these same sentiments as we said our good-byes. The one thing that stood out the most in my mind was a comment the keynote speaker made. While using King David as the example, he encouraged us to do everything and give everything we have now to ensure the next generation has all they'll need to continue this ministry. David could not build the Temple, but he made sure that Solomon had all the resources necessary to get it done.
I want to challenge us all, as a ministry--have we done everything, given everything we can to continue this ministry?
Because we have no financial reserves, this ministry must be funded by individuals who respond to our requests. Won't you please send what you can to help us for today and the future?
STAFF HOUSE
After a couple coats of paint the staff house is another step closer to being finished. The floors have been purchased and we have received word that one of our supporting churches is donating new kitchen cabinets! Another generous donation of a hot water heater has also saved money on the project. Every little bit helps. We continue to need your tax-deductible contributions to the project so it can be completed debt-free. Please consider supporting this project today.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Can you believe that summer camp is only a few months away! You will be receiving the 2003 camp brochure in the mail any day--some of you have already registered for the programs by downloading the information from our website. Greg and Chris are busy recruiting summer missionaries, planning activities and most importantly, praying daily that many campers will come to Christ this summer. Interested in helping out this summer? Call us for information about counseling or volunteering. Our spiritual theme for 2003 will be taken from Luke 10:27 ...Love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind... It is our prayer that we would be able to challenge campers and ourselves to love our Lord with everything we are and have.
ANNUAL BANQUET
Haycock's Annual Banquet is Saturday, March 29, 6pm at Davisville Baptist Church in Southampton, PA. $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12. Contact us ASAP to reserve your spot!
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - December 2002
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As the year comes to a close, I like to look back and see how God has led and kept this ministry. 2002 has been a tough year for many, financially and otherwise. Many of our plans here at camp have been postponed for lack of funds. Yet, through His provision,n we are able to rejoice in our new staff house, the many renovations made to camp facilities, our outstanding full-time and summer staff, and the lives that have been changed for eternity through Haycock. We sing it at camp each summer-- "And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
STAFF HOUSE
Dry wall is complete and painting is scheduled. Carpet, cabinet and appliance installation begin once the paint is dry! Praise God for all who have volunteered and provided generous gifts toward this project. We are still in need of your financial gift to finish the staff house debt free.
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF - The Mench Family
Each summer not one, but the entire Mench family, move to camp to spend 8 weeks of their summer with us. Chryss Mench has served as our outstanding head cook since 2000. For those of you who have tasted her cooking, you will agree! She is assisted by her youngest daughter, Joy, who also helps out at the store and babysitting. Heather has served as our store girl, lifeguard, office help and childcare provider. Clinton graduated from LGP in 1999 and has served as a missionary counselor each summer. And Rich Mench, patriarch, commutes to work each day then spends his evenings serving camp through maintenance, kitchen help and as a mentor to staff. This small paragraph does not do justice to the sacrifice this family gives to God's ministry here at camp. Thank you, Mench Family, for the love and friendship you share with us all.
FAST FACTS
- Summer Campers 440
- Parent/Child Campers 450
- Homeschool Events 340+
- Weekend Rentals 1,200+
- Workday 70+
- Banquet 120
- Open House 300+
- Grand Total = over 2,920 people!
MEMORIAL HONORS
Haycock Camping Ministries gratefully acknowledges the following Memorial Gifts, and wishes to thank each contributor for their generous donation.
In Memory of Brent Bissinger, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lancaster
In Memory of William Kennedy, presented by Ms. Helen Kennedy
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - September 2002
CAMP NEWS
We could see God's Hand throughout the 9 weeks of our core camp program. The abundance of excellent staff He provided was a blessing beyond measure. It was a joy serving along side our missionary counselors and volunteers as we focused on leading young men to Christ. Of the over 440 boys this summer, we were able to see 34 come to a saving relationship with Jesus. Twenty others have rededicated their lives to serving Him. We are working on keeping in touch with these new young lives in order to disciple them throughout the year. Please pray they would be taught and fed at home or in a church. We gave out a new record of 130 Bible awards!
BUILDING PROJECTS
The Staff House
The inside work of plumbing and electrical is complete so we are now ready for siding and drywall. We are still in need of your generous financial gift to finish the staff house debt free. Please help us get Chris moved in by Thanksgiving!
Health Care Center
We plan on laying block in October so we can be under roof no later than December.
Rifle Range
The new concrete platform is poured and ready for the roof structure and completion date of November 1. We thank our donor and volunteer laborers on this project!
GIVING
Come September each year, we brace for the off-season financial struggles. Although we are still busy with weekend groups and homeschool programs, our revenue will not meet expenses. It is our goal to keep Haycock affordable to everyone in summer camp and throughout the year. Therefore, for every program, what we charge does not match what it costs us. Please consider a financial gift to Haycock at this time.
PROGRAM UPDATES
HOMESCHOOLERS
We again had over 300 people at camp on Wednesday, August 21 for our Homeschool Family Day. The ranges were open, horses out, the hay wagon traveling and lunch was served. As a special treat, JAARS flew in one of their helicopters and gave away a free ride! In October, we're offering three new homeschool programs: Ropes Course/Life Lessons, Wings-n-Things and Horsemanship 1. We have had to open both a morning and afternoon session to accommodate all who are interested.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER OVERNIGHT
This revised program received rave reviews by attendees. Mothers and daughters alike enjoyed the dramas, activities and fellowship. They even requested a full weekend when they return next year!
AFGHANS
Several mothers and daughters helped complete afghans or took home yarn to make some themselves. So far, we've sent 22 for distribution to refugees in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. You can still contribute toward the next deadline in early November.
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF - Keith Moran
We were blessed to have Keith Moran serve with us again for the entire summer. He is great fun for the campers and staff and very willing to share his faith with everyone the Lord puts in his path. He currently works as an emergency medical technician and firefighter and has also received his pilot's license. Thanks, Keith, for sharing your life with us this summer. Pray that Keith and other staff would continue to grow in their walk in the off-season.
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - June 2002
OPEN HOUSE
What a beautiful day! We had over 300 friends and family arrive Sunday, June 9th for our annual Open House. It was day filled with sunshine, fun, food and fellowship. "Thank you!" to the volunteers who helped out and all of you who came by.
SUMMER CAMP NEWS
This year we have opened two more weeks of camp to try to make room for each boy who would like to be at Haycock this summer. Six of the seven weeks of camp are already full for boys 11-16. Please pray that the lives of our staff and campers are touched this summer as we learn about David, "A Man After God's Own Heart."
BUILDING PROJECT
The Staff House
It is framed with a roof thanks to our volunteers. The inside work of plumbing, electrical, drywall, etc. has begun. Please consider a generous gift and your labor or materials.
The Health Care Center The excavation is complete thanks to volunteers. Please contact us if you can offer your services for block laying.
SPECIAL PROJECT
We are excited about a unique service project we'll offer as an optional craft during our Mother/Daughter Overnight on August 23-24. We'd like to assemble several afghans to help the refugees in Uzbekistan and northern Afghanistan. (for further information click here: afghans for afghans)
THANK YOU!
Have you noticed all the volunteer thank yous in this issue? We cannot say "thank you" enough to all of you who keep Haycock moving forward. This includes the youth groups who work on weekends, families who spend their vacations here, individuals who offer their time year after year, fathers who give a week of their vacations, spouses who support from home or at camp. We cannot go on without you.
COUNSELOR CORNER
Congratulations to our graduating counselors!
- Matt Linardo, Richard Stockton College
High School Graduates:
Luke Ozeck Drew McGinniss Andrew Gilbert Simon Skymba Hector Figueroa
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - April 2002
HAYCOCK CELEBRATES 40 YEARS!
What a wonderful evening of food, fellowship and praises to our God and KING as we celebrated GOD'S faithfulness to Haycock during our annual banquet held at Davisville Baptist Church on April 20th.
Our evening was full of joyous conversations about the past with an exciting eye on what GOD will do through us in the future. Jim Dearnley, a faithful servant for nearly 40 years, opened the evening with prayer and set the tone...to GOD be the glory for the great things He has done!
As we shared pictures and reports from the past we were reminded by the key-note speaker (Reverend Keith Schneider) that faithful servants take what GOD gives them and do the best that they can...and GOD blesses their efforts. Amen! Haycock has been doing that for 40 years, and GOD has indeed blessed us. If you would like a memento from the evening, please contact the office while supplies last.
WORK DAY BRINGS OUT THE BEST
Our 2002 Spring Work Day was once again a huge success. Dale Craven, Facilities and Grounds Director, led a team of nearly 70 highly motivated workers as they renovated cabins, built a lean-to building, split and stacked firewood, painted and cleaned. Several volunteers also provided an outstanding lunch for our hungry workers!
BUILDING PROJECTS TAKE THE NEXT STEP!
The Staff House
The LORD continues to provide for our building projects. To date our staff house has the footings poured, the block wall constructed and the floor installed--all by volunteer labor.
Framing will begin on April 29th, again by volunteers! Once it is framed there will be lots of other work to be done: roofing, siding, plumbing, electrical, dry wall and more.
We still need donations and volunteers to complete the project. Please consider a generous gift and your labor or materials.
The Health Care Center
The excavation is underway!
We may need to call upon an excavation company as some of the rocks are too large for our equipment to move. Once the hole is dug we will need volunteers to help with the block wall. If you can offer your services (your back!) please contact Dale Craven.
Of course, this project will need all of the same volunteer labor. Please consider helping us with the many needed aspects of the project. Thanks!
HAYCOCK HAPPENINGS - February 2002
Haycock Camping Ministries celebrates 40 years of leading boys, men and their families to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and training them to serve Him.
BOARD UPDATE
Some of our Board members will be switching hats this year. Dick Hawkins has stepped down as Haycock’s Chairman of the Board but will continue his service as a board member. Taking on the responsibilities of Chairman will be Jim Hamlen. Ken Underwood has completed his term as Treasurer and Scott Revell has assumed those responsibilities. Please pray for Jim and the Board as they direct the future of Haycock.
STAFF UPDATES
Congratulations to Chris Hendrickson! He joins the full-time staff as our Traditional Camp and Family Ministry Director. He will run portions of summer camp, weekends, and homeschool classes. Chris began his work on January 1.
Welcome also to Dale and Brenda Craven. Dale will begin as Facilities and Grounds Director this month. He comes to us with over 21 years experience. The Cravens have six children; Michael, Joel, Rachel, Jay, Greg, and Rebecca. We look forward to how God will use them as they minister along with the Haycock family.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2001 RENTAL GROUPS
Many have asked Haycock to provide food service to make their time here more enjoyable and a lot less of a hassle — we provided! Call the office to find out about 2002 rental rates and our new food service option.
CAMP NEWS
Yes, we can still use your talents and time this summer! We would love to hire an excess of staff because the more staff we have, the more kids we can impact for Christ! If you or someone you know is interested in counseling youth or volunteering their time for a week or more, please call Greg or Chris at the office (610-346-7155). And remember, the greater the relationship, the greater the impact!
2002 SPIRITUAL THEME
This year we will focus our attention of the life of David, specifically the characteristics in David’s life which labeled him A Man After God’s Own Heart. As we finalize our summer plans, please pray that we touch the lives of our staff and campers with the passion that David displayed as he pursued God!