Dear Friends,

There are places in the life of the church that become more than locations on a map. They become sacred spaces and places where faith is nurtured, callings are discerned, friendships are formed, and lives are transformed. For generations within our region, Camp Crystal and Camp Walter Scott have been such places.

These camps are woven into the spiritual fabric of our churches and communities. Around campfires, in worship services beneath open skies, on hiking trails, at dining hall tables, and along the water, countless children, youth, and adults have encountered God’s presence in meaningful and life-changing ways.

Camping ministry offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: space to slow down, listen, and connect. Removed from the distractions of daily life, campers discover the beauty of creation, the strength of Christian community, and the still, small voice of God. Many ministers, elders, deacons, and church leaders first sensed God’s call while attending camp. Others found healing, belonging, and lifelong friendships that continue to shape their faith journeys.

The sacredness of Camp Crystal and Camp Walter Scott is not found merely in their buildings or grounds. Their holiness is rooted in the countless prayers offered there, the tears shed in moments of healing, the laughter shared in fellowship, and the commitments made to follow Jesus Christ more faithfully. These camps have served as sanctuaries where generations have experienced God’s grace in profound and tangible ways.

“I had the opportunity to preach the Sunrise Service at Camp Walter Scott, this past Easter, as the sun rose over the water. It was an awesome and unforgettable experience.”

This year, I had planned to spend a week at each camp during June and July. Those weeks were intended to be a time of fellowship, worship, renewal, and reconnecting with the sacred rhythms that camp life provides. However, due to the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of our son and the responsibilities that have followed, I will not be able to make those visits this summer.

While I grieve the absence of those anticipated days at camp, my appreciation for these sacred places has only deepened. I know that even when I cannot be present physically, the ministry continues. Children and youth will gather, counselors will serve faithfully, worship will rise from camp chapels and campfires, and lives will be touched by the love of Christ.

As we look toward the future, may we continue to support and invest in these sacred spaces. Camp Crystal and Camp Walter Scott remain vital ministries of the church, forming disciples, nurturing leaders, and providing holy ground where people of all ages can encounter God.

For all who have been shaped by camp ministry, we give thanks. For those who will experience it for the first time this summer, we pray God’s richest blessings. And for these sacred places themselves, may they continue to serve as beacons of faith, hope, and transformation for generations to come.

As we celebrate the ministry of Camp Crystal and Camp Walter Scott, I invite our churches and members across the region to hold these sacred ministries in prayer. Pray for continued resources to sustain and strengthen their work, for dedicated and gifted staff who faithfully nurture campers and lead with Christ-centered compassion, and for renewed enthusiasm among volunteers, counselors, churches, and supporters.

Let us also pray for continued growth, that more children, youth, and adults may experience the life-changing power of Christian camp ministry. May God continue to bless these sacred places with abundance, vision, and faithful leadership for generations to come

Amen. Àse.

Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder, Jr.