I received this message from my good friend Matt Cornish, and it is what I am going to do this upcoming weekend, so I thought it would be worth posting.
It was entitled:
Camp Washington- Unfortunate News
"As many of you have undoubtedly heard or read by now, Kevin Holland, director of camp programming at Camp Washington announced that Sept. 30th will be his final day as camp director. This announcement comes as a result of a decision to limit the director of programming position to, basically, one third of the time of the previous full time position it was. According to Kevin's announcement, this has occurred due to the budget and economical constraints that have come hand in hand with the times.
I will not portend to speak for Kevin. Nor can I speak to the reasons why this decision has been made. That is a discussion to have with Kevin if he wishes to share and if you are willing to ask.
What I will speak to is the negative impact I believe this decision will have upon the program and ministry of one of the crown jewels of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. It is sad to say, but the impacts of similar decisions in the past have left camp in a state of distress, and in desperate need of growth. A task that Kevin Holland stepped up to, and if I may say, labored tirelessly to correct. The fruits of his labors have been prominently visible over the past five years, as camp has once again become something to talk about in our diocese.
I write to all of you now because you currently have or have had in the past, a loving relationship with Camp Washington and the ministry it presents to the children of our diocese, as well as non-Episcopalian young people who have found a safe and comfortable spiritual home away from home. A place where they are free to enjoy the gifts God has to offer in our great outdoors, to find a kind and loving ear, and to ask questions that plague them year round.
This place exists thanks to a devoted staff of people who wish to share its magic with all youth who dare cross the threshold. And this devoted staff exists thanks to the tireless efforts of the Camp Director. The work of the camp director doesn't end when the last staff member has left the property on closing day. No, it is only just beginning. Planning, scheduling, hiring, and public outreach work allow Camp Washington to grow continually, to welcome new faces, and to touch lives.
I believe that the ministry of Camp Washington will suffer without the hands of a full-time programmer at its helm. I ask this question of you:
WHO WILL SPEAK FOR CAMP THE OTHER TWO THIRDS OF THE YEAR?
WHO WILL EXTEND THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY IN THE OFF SEASON?
WHAT DO WE WISH OUR CAMP PROGRAM TO BE?
I ask you these questions in hopes that you will feel as I do. That you will feel that the ministry of Camp Washington cannot be relegated to a mere three months a year. That to be adequately trained a staff must have a full time leader. That what we have to offer in Lakeside, CT is special, and will only remain so if there is a permanent entity devoted to its success. A custodian of the light Camp Washington offers.
We have the chance to allow our diocese to hear what we believe and feel, even if only as a catalyst to begin the discussion. Next weekend there will be a series of town hall-like meetings in order for the people of our diocese to meet the candidates for the next Bishop of Connecticut.
Friday, Oct. 2nd 7p.m. at the Torp Theater at Central Connecticut State University.
Sat. Oct. 3rd 9:30 a.m. at Grace Church in Old Saybrook
Sat. Oct. 3rd 2 p.m. at Trinity in Southport.
From what I have been told, in the case of the meetings at Central and in Old Saybrook, questions to ask the candidates will be submitted via question boxes at each site. From those boxes, questions that occur most often will be asked of the candidates. This is why it is important for many people to attend. If we want our questions answered, we need to represent!
In the case of the meeting at Southport, the candidates will do a traditional walk about. In this format, attendees will be broken up amongst four rooms, and each candidate will make their way to each room. All rooms will have a moderator, but questions may be offered freely.
I challenge each and every one of you to attend one of these meetings, or all of these meetings, and pose the questions you have:
How do you feel about the ministry of Camp Washington?
In what direction do you wish the ministry to grow?
Do you think it possible to maintain this growth with out a full time programmer at the helm?
If enough of us are present we can begin this discussion. If you have a family member whose life has been touched by Camp, bring them along!The diocese
will see that this is an issue that needs discussion.
I ask you each to remember that if you present yourself at these meetings, remember whom you represent, Camp Washington! Present all your questions with the utmost respect and hold yourself in a light befitting we who treasure this gift of god.
If you are unable to attend, consider writing a letter to Bishop James Curry, under whose jurisdiction the camp program falls. Ask what led to this decision, and what you can do to help plead the case for Camp Washington! Remember Camp Washington doesn't need us to save it right now, but it definitely needs our prayers and support.
Any further information you might need can be found at the diocesan website, www.ctdiocese.org.
I hope to see you at one of these meetings, and hope to hear your voice. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to email me, message me, or give me a call.
Help us illuminate our diocese to the work we do, the work that must still be done, and whom we need to do it!
Blessings,
Matt Cornish"
