Dear Parents and Loved Ones,
Lynn and I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I am sure you have enjoyed spending some quality time with your student while they’ve been home for break. We have been praying that the Lord would allow students to not only rest physically and mentally, but also to thrive spiritually.
I was challenged recently while reading Matthew 6 in my quiet time. Jesus reminds us to not be anxious about the future, but to set our hearts and minds on the things of God; He will take care of the details we tend to worry about daily. I hope this is the kind of peace that you can rest in during this season.
Packing for Snowcamp
Snowcamp is quickly approaching—and with it, the season’s cold temperatures. Here are some things to consider as you’re helping your student pack their bags for when they return on Monday.
- A wool or polyester base layer will be a lifesaver on cold days.
- For Snowcamp, layers are preferable over one heavy parka (a parka would be nice for walking to class, but you’ll want some fleece layers for when you’re serving campers at the tube hill or ice rink).
- Waterproof gloves or mittens are a must! Your cute knit mittens will not keep your hands nearly as warm as a waterproof material.
- Everyone will need a pair of snow boots. Sneakers and snow are not a good combination, and your feet are one of the first things to get cold. Throw in a pair of wool socks, and your toes will thank you.
- You will want a warm facemask this winter. Not only will it keep your face warm and free of windburn, but it will help trap warm air inside your jacket.
- Don’t forget snow pants! Make sure you get ones that are at least water resistant, if not waterproof. Blue jeans hold water, and water makes you cold. I get all my outerwear for snowboarding at the-house.com.
Upstate New York gets so cold that water freezes in minutes. However, if you are properly prepared, you will not just survive this winter season; you’ll thrive.
-Tommy Sewall, New York Youth Camps Director
Return from Break
As a reminder, students are scheduled to return to campus on January 9 by 7:00 PM. We will have a Welcome Back Meeting at 7:00 PM in the Wyrtzen Center, and we encourage all to attend.
Snowcamp
As you may be aware, the ministry element of our program includes hosting Snowcamp during the spring semester. Our students have the opportunity to serve in counseling and camp operations. Training will take place during the week of January 16. Our first weekend of camp starts January 20, and our last weekend is March 3.
This year’s theme is “Out of Control.” Our theme verse is 1 Peter 4:7, which says, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
We still have spots open for Snowcamp! If you know of someone who would like to attend, they can sign up here: https://home.wol.org/reg/events/snowcamp
