Alumni Weekend, 2012

Alumni Weekend August 17 – 19, 2012:

Director:  David Campbell

Christian Formation: Exploring and experiencing the Christian faith has been the central theme at Camp Marshall since 1947.   The central event at Camp Marshall is Holy Eucharist at our beautiful outdoor chapel.  This has become the hallmark for participants at Camp Marshall.

Program Activities:  The primary goal of the weekend will be reconnecting individuals to each other and making time to celebrate Eucharist in the beautiful setting of Camp Marshall. Most particpants will gather on Friday for dinner and fellowship near a campfire, while others will arrive sometime during Saturday.  There will be a limited number of activities to choose from, depending on weather and programming interest.  Some of the activities to choose from may include; swimming, kayaking, fishing, sailing, hiking, Frisbee golf and nature activities on our 29 acres along the shores of Flathead Lake.  Arts and crafts, songs, drumming and skits allow for creative expression, and a variety of games that teach life skills.  All of our programs are age appropriate.  In 2010 we were blessed by some old song leaders who took us down memory lane with fun campfire favorites.

Registration info. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-enrolled basis.  Early registration is suggested to ensure space is available for your family.  Program participants are accepted without regard to race, color, national origin, or religious affiliation.  The Camp/Youth Director welcomes the opportunity to discuss registration for those with disabilities or special needs to aid in providing a complete experience for all our participants.

A note from the Director;  In 2011 our cabins were reserved by March 23rd.  If you wisht to attend the weekend and use one of our cabins please be sure to register early.  If you are able to make other housing arrangements to keep bed space open for others you might consider some of the following options.

  • Arrange for your own housing at a nearby location
  • Bring a trailer or tent and plan to camp on the grounds of Camp Marshall

Please let our office know if we can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

David Campbell, Camp/Christian Formation Director

Register Now! 

Alumni Weekend Schedule:  

Friday August -17th – 19th

Friday August 17th:

  • 1:00 People are welcome to arrive
  • 2:00 – 3:00 Check into cabins
  • 3:00 – 5:00 Open Waterfront, Arts and Crafts
  • 6:00 – 7:00 Dinner
  • 7:00 – 7:30 Music
  • *7:30 – 8:30 Introductions
  • 9:00 -10:00 Camp Fire

Saturday August 18th:

  • 8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast
  • 9:00 – 10:00 Worship
  • *10:00 – 10:45 Gather at the lodge/coffee
  • *10:45 – 12:00 Session One / Mission of Camp Marshall / History
  • 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
  • 1:00 – 1:30 Staff Meeting/ Free Time
  • *1:30 – 2:15 Session Two / Vision of Camp Marshall
  • 2:15– 5:00 Directors/Site Directors Tour of Camp Marshall
  • Open Waterfront
  • 5:00 – 5:30 Free Time
  • *5:30 – 6:30 Social Hour
  • 6:30 – 7:30 Dinner
  • *7:30 – 8:30 Questons/Cracker Barrel
  • 8:30 – 9:30 Camp Fire

Sunday August 19st:

  • 8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast
  • 9:00 – 10:00 Clean Camp / Pack up
  • 10:00 – 11:00 Worship
  • 11:00 – 12:00 BBQ Lunch
  • 1:00 – 3:00 Waterfront is open –
  • *Child Care is available

When should I plan to arrive?  Families may check in as early as 1:00 p.m.  Guests who have arranged to attend the evening programs should arrive between 5:00p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

When should I plan to check out? The program will be done by 3:00 p.m. on Sunday the 21st.  Please plan on beeing checked out of your cabin/room by that time.  After three p.m. program areas will be closed.

Summer Program Staff: Camp Marshall leaders are 18 years or older and chosen for their maturity, skills, patience, enthusiasm and desire to be a good role model for children.  Each staff member undergoes professional training prior to the camp season, emphasizing safety, group dynamics, child growth and  development.

Safety is our priority: At Camp Marshall the health and safety of each camper is our primary concern.  Our staff-to-camper ratio is 1:7.  Each volunteer leader is trained in safety and prevention.  A qualified first responder is always available.  In the event of emergencies we transport youth to the hospital in Polson, which is only 12 miles away.  On occasion you will see rules posted on the camp property.  Please read and follow those rules.  They are there for your safety and those around you.

Facilities:

  • Rustic cabins – Each person is responsible to bring their own linens and towels.
  • Shower House – male and female on each side of camp
  • Brewer Lodge – healthy, delicious, meals and snacks.
  • First Aid Cabin / Office

Q and A about Alumni Weekend 2012:

David Campbell, Camp/Christian Formaiton Director

A. The weekend is publicized as free. Is it really at no-charge?
Yes. The Diocese was given a financial gift to host an Alumnievent at Camp Marshall. We still have enough money for 2012. So, yes again, it is at no-charge. We do encourage and accept donations— after all we’re a church.  Any donations the camp receives during the alumni weekend will be placed in Camp Marshall’s Endowment.

B. The weekend starts Friday at 1 p.m. Can we come early?
The camp is rented to MCT until the evening of Wed. Aug 15th. Then the camp is at rest on Thursday Aug. 16th. This day is needed for repair, re-centering & refocusing. So, come on Friday, please.

C. I heard you’re planning a shuttle from the airport in Missoula to camp. Is this true? Currently there is not a shuttle available, however, if participants book flights early enough it may be possible for us to connect people with similar schedules and perhaps share a rental vehicle.

D. I’m not an active Episcopalian. Will I be welcomed?
Yes. The Diocese defines an alumnus as: anyone who has prayed or given an offering to the camp. We are a Christian community and all baptized Christians are welcome at Holy Communion.

E. I have a tent, RV or pop-up. Can we bring those to camp?
Yes. Also, please be aware that, while we can get water to a trailer – we do not have hook ups to power.  We have on occasion been able to provide limited power to an area however, it is not enough to power AC.  If you are bringing a trailer please let us know so we can arrange the parking lot/ camping area prior to your arrival.

F. Can I bring anything?
Yes. If you’d like to bring some brownies or zucchini bread that you’re particularly proud of, bring ‘em. Or if there’s a chardonnay you’d really like to share,that would be great, too.

I. Can I request a cabin?
Yes, but families have first priorities over individuals. If you arrive as a single, be prepared to share a cabin. Just like when you were a camper. It’ll be fun!

J. What about carpooling?
It makes sense to carpool. Realistically, two natural places to originate a carpool(s) would be Big Timber and Helena. The registration form is designed to let you see who has already registered for the alumni weekend.  It may be possible to make some connections when you register.  Otherwise, if you are intersted in car-pooling, please let the camp office know so we can suggest possible folks to connect with.

K. Can I have access to your e-mail list?
Currently, I am not able to supply everyone with e-mail informaiton that I have.  I would suggest a great place to connect would be the Episcopal Diocese of Montana Facebook Page.  this is where we post official Diocesan Links and encourage people to use as a place to connect.  Otherwise, there are a couple of unofficial Facebook group pages out there, one for Camp Marshall and the other for the Episcopal Diocese of Montana.

L. What should I bring for clothing, etc.?
It’s Flathead Lake. The end of August can be kind of tricky. Bring a swimsuit (the waterfront will be open), but be prepared for some cool evenings and nippy mornings. Also, let us know if there are special needs for food and other considerations.

M. What other events can I participate in 2011?
Family camp is a natural for returning Alums. You can attend even if you are a “family” of one. Also, there are opportunities for volunteering. Contact David Campbell, at: campmarshall@qwestoffice.net for more information.

N. I can’t attend, but I’d like to do something. What can I do?
If you can’t attend and if you have the means, send a kid to camp. Talk to children about Camp Marshall. Communicate with them about your experience at Camp and then underwrite one of their camperships. Money is the means to sustain the camp, but the real future of the camp is children. If you can’t do that, forward this e-mail to a former camper, and remember to “talk up” Camp Marshall. And last but not least, remember the camp, staff and campers in your prayers.


Comments

Alumni Weekend, 2012 — 1 Comment

  1. hoping my registration for 2012 alumni Camp was not lost while in the Virgin Islands ….
    now assisting Bishop Bailey in Navajoland …. sorry I will miss connecting with your mission group scheduled in Bluff in the Utah Region May 18,19,20 …. we have the diocesan training day in Ft. Defiance AZ. for Safe Church that same time …… hope to hear from Dave or whoever is fielding the messages …. Rev. Kerry C. Neuhardt
    505 635 9076 cell

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