2025 RecapWe always measure a successful camp season in this way:
-No injuries. No illness. No lost camper. No damage to property or equipment. -100% staff commitment. 100% Health Inspection. 100% Accreditation Standards. -Prayer covering, volunteer service, funding to cover all expenses, new equipment. -Smiles. Laughter. Stories. Art. Songs. Dance. Fish. Friends. Connections. Creation. This year’s numbers were down from the goal set (to double our numbers even with the lodge not yet completed). Government cutbacks to some of the programs that fund campers to attend were limited in both funds and staffing that managed placement. They just didn’t have the people needed to make connections with everyone that could benefit from camp. God already knew that would happen. At the same time camper recruitment fell short, VISAs were being denied to our foreign exchange program staff. The staff of twelve counselors was cut in half within two weeks of the beginning of camp. Six counselors, a nurse, two medics, and twelve Jesuit volunteers gave campers a fun, safe, and memorable experience keeping the ideal camp ratio of one staff to three campers. There was lots of personal attention available. The new Lodge is one third complete!
Many thanks to the volunteers that put in the fish gates, built the yurts, and answered the call to work in the background when their name was not renowned. Many thanks to the Board of Directors that encouraged and advised and advocated for strength, improvements and provisions. Many thanks to the faithful monthly donors partnering with this ministry to make sure services continue and grow. Many thanks to those who saw material needs and offered solutions in-kind. Thank you, Cabela’s Bass Pro Shop, for giving new bariatric life jackets and archery arm guards. Many thanks to the vendors like Sidekick Promotions discounts so all received a tee shirt, a cooler bag and water bottle. Upcoming EventsNov. 26-29 - Thanksgiving Camp
Nov. 22 - Volunteer Recognition, Camper Awards & Pie Potluck Dec. 6 -Winter Dance @ Blanchet Dec. 13 - Christmas Dance @ Blanchet & Photos w/ Santa (3:30-4:30) Dec. 24-26 - Christmas Camp 
|
Prayer and the Fair
Santa is always at the State Fair and is getting ready for the busy season ahead. He reminds everyone that he is a “praying Santa” and shares the real reason for Christmas. An essential tenant of Camp is modeling, offering and receiving prayer. At the State Fair booth, a sign reading “Free Prayer” gets daily attention. Some come with serious needs, deep felt burdens, others stop with wishes for things or events, and others come to pray for camp! There are even times when while praying in public, more come to join in the circle. Your prayer requests are important. Prayer is free and reaps huge rewards. Please keep camp and campers in your prayers and let us know yours so we may lift them together. Finding Joy is in the Giving It is celebrated that over two thirds of the camp budget is supported by private donations. The rest by camper fees. It is imperative to keep fees low enough that campers can attend without using government support such as Medicare or Brokerage funding. The camper expectantly investing in their experience pays one third of the cost of providing service. As the World becomes more volatile and uncertainty about tomorrow seeks to rob people of hope and joy, Camp continues to provide a place of community, connections with the Creator through creation, belonging, and a celebration of life. Joy and hope abound. Many people who are not residents for a camp week still find their inclusion in the camp community to be a vital part of their personal affirmation of purpose and model for living with abundant joy. To learn more about what makes Camp so special, come for a visit, volunteer for a project, or listen to the campers’ stories. There are a lot of ways to give and even more ways to receive. Joyfully giving raises the spirit and refreshes the soul. One should be inspired to support the work that they believe makes a difference. It is a gift to the giver to know temporal resources are being converted into eternal treasures. "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 Donors may send contributions by mail to Evans Creeks Up Camp PO BOX 532, Stayton, Oregon, 97383 Appreciated & essential are non-cash (in-kind) gifts. | ||||
|
|
Evan's Creek Merchandise
Proceeds from each sale will help with the cleanup and restoration of Evan's Creek Retreat. Click Here for Info |
Evans Creek Retreat is nestled on 10 acres in the Santiam Forest and bordered by the Santiam River and Evans Creek.
Only 45 minutes from Salem, Oregon, it is a beautiful drive past many popular recreation sites.
Only miles from Salmon Falls, Opal Creek and Elkhorn Golf Course.
Only 45 minutes from Salem, Oregon, it is a beautiful drive past many popular recreation sites.
Only miles from Salmon Falls, Opal Creek and Elkhorn Golf Course.
Whether you are looking to host an event for family or friends or a personal retreat from the world,
Evans Creek Retreat can help you create the experience you need to refresh, renew, relax and retreat.
Evans Creek Retreat can help you create the experience you need to refresh, renew, relax and retreat.
