The Hometown Treasure May 2012 | Page 29

Summer Bible Camp Program Offered At Brethren Retreat Rick Miller, Executive Director of the Brethren Retreat at Shipshewana Lake, announced at a press conference on April 19, that a new opportunity will be available for LaGrange County families, from financially stressed households. These families will be able to participate in the Brethren Retreat’s summer Bible camp programs, called “Camp Shipshewana,” free of charge. Miller stated, “This is a direct response to a newspaper article, published back in December of 2011, stating that LaGrange County has the highest poverty rate of all Northeastern Indiana Counties.” The camp will provide many family values such as: exploring self-discovery, building lifelong relationships, creating precious memories, guidance from positive role models, leadership development opportunities, gaining self-esteem and spiritual growth. This program is called, “Treasures in the Field.” The name was derived from a verse in The Bible, Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. Where a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went a nd sold all he had and bought that field.” Miller went on to say, “We believe that as a valuable and distinctive outdoor ministry, we can help many LaGrange County families escape a world of distractions.” A financially stressed household experiences numerous obstacles for developing healthy relationships. Therefore, the Brethren Retreat invites any LaGrange County resident, whose income level is below $22,314 (based on a household of four) to attend Camp Shipshewana for free in 2012. College-age staff will lead activities. Campers will be lead by the staff in numerous camp-related activities, to help the campers grow spiritually as well as, develop friendships. Miller went on to say, “We believe that “Treasures in the Field” will meet a need in LaGrange County as we pursue our mission to foster healthy relationships.” He concluded by saying, “I’m a life that is changed by the impact of Camp Shipshewana.” For further information, you may contact The Brethren Retreat at 260768-4519 or by visiting www.campshipshewana.org. 2012 Relay for Life of LaGrange County IN June 23-24, 2012 • 9am – 9am at Lakeland High School Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in the LaGrange County area a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. It provides funding to support programs and research of the American Cancer Society. Event Schedule If you want to join us or know a survivor, call Suzanne for more information at 269-503-3810. Would your business like to be a sponsor of the LaGrange County Relay for Life? Contact Melanie for more information at 854-4349 or [email protected]. Celebrate - The Survivors Lap • Shortly after Opening Ceremony at 9am Saturday, June 23. Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony • Approximately 10pm on Saturday, June 23. Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony • Afternoon on Saturday, June 23. Hope – The Closing Ceremony • 8am on Sunday, June 24. Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser • New this year! Open to the public, Sunday 5:30-8am. Each hour, we will have a different activity relating to our event theme for this year - Board Games. We will have live bands, food, and plenty of entertainment to keep you motivated for the full 24 hours! The Hometown Treasure · May ‘12 · pg 27