Fall 2015

U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Fall 2015
Beside the Stream
Stroudsburg, Pa.
Permit No. 271
303 Possinger Drive
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
www.streamside.org
Newsletter
SURVIVE, GROW & PROSPER
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
A Ministry of BCM International
303 Possinger Drive
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-629-1902
www.streamside.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
BESIDE THE STREAM
Our
Pg. 2
Treating Kids Royally
Pg. 2
Wish
List
• 7 or 15 Passenger Van
• School Bus
Reaching Neighborhood Children
& Strengthening Your Church
Pg. 3
Save the Date for 2016
Pg. 4
the Date
Save
No Need to Pack Yet!
• Electric Golf Carts
• Pick Up Truck for Plowing
• Folding or Stacking Chairs
• Rustic Living Room Furniture
• Outdoor Grill
• Porch Swing or Glider
• Waffle Maker
Like us on Facebook!
facebook.com/streamside.org
Follow us on Twitter
@StreamsideCamp
Beside the Stream blog
www.streamsidecamp.tumblr.com
Follow us on Instagram!
Winter Blast: Friday, February 19, 2016 – Sunday, February 21, 2016
Ages 7-15/Youth Groups ($60/$90/$120)
Family Camp: Friday, June 3, 2016 – Sunday, June 5, 2016
Adults: $75, Teens: $50, Children: $25
Kids & Teen Camp 1: Monday, June 27, 2016 – Saturday, July 2, 2016
Kids & Teen Camp 2: Monday, July 4, 2016 – Saturday, July 9 , 2016
Kids & Teen Camp 3: Monday, July 11, 2016 – Saturday, July 16, 2016
Kids & Teen Camp 4: Monday, July 18, 2016 – Saturday, July 23 , 2016
Ages 7-15: $325 (as low as $85 with scholarships)
Alumni Weekend: Friday, September 2, 2016 – Monday, September 5, 2016
Ages 16+ ($120/$70 with scholarships)
streamsidecamp
4
A
T R E E
GROWING
Like a Tree Pg. 1
It Changes You Too!
s
r
o
UP WITHGat
L I K E
“He is like a tree planted by streams
of water that yields its fruit in its
season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.”
Psalm 1:3
Christina first came to Streamside as a 9 year old
camper after her parents searched for Christian
camps on-line. She came, along with her cousin,
Bryce, and-as she describes it- had an amazing
time! Her skill electives were nature, arts and
crafts and swimming. (Young Christina is pictured
to the right with an alligator in the nature center.)
The theme that summer was “King of Glory” and
she still remembers the song by that same name.
Christina admired her head counselor, Krystal,
who was a lot of fun, but at the same time kept
things in order.
Christina has returned to Streamside each of
the last 9 summers. Each year she has learned
something new. One important lesson is to not
hold grudges, because, if you do, you not only
build up walls between yourself and that person,
but also between yourself and God.
When old enough, she progressed from being a camper to the Service & Leadership
Training (SLT) program. The SLT program helped her to realize that God was “her” God. She
established a discipline of daily devotions and learned not to complain. Her counselors,
Davia and April, were big influences in her life. After a year as SLT, she became a Counselor
in Training (CIT). At first it was difficult, but it was a joy to be able to lead some campers
to Christ.
Now serving as an adult counselor, Christina credits Streamside with helping her to
become a devout Christian woman. (Christina as an adult is pictured below again with
an alligator). She is still growing as a counselor and wants to provide the same quality
experiences for these campers as she has had. Christina is currently at Rowan University
studying biology and has moved on campus to be a residential assistant. Her career goal
is to be a veterinarian.
1
BESIDE THE STREAM
It
CHANGES You Too!
Rebekah Weeks’ Streamside experience began when
she met the Laubach Family, who were representing
Streamside at Liberty University, where she was a
student. Of all the camps present, she perceived
that Streamside was the most focused on sharing the
Gospel with kids while others focused on facilities
and activities. At this time she was also becoming
interested in urban ministry, so she chose to come
to Streamside in the Summer of 2013 as a cabin
counselor/skill instructor.
During that pivotal summer, Rebekah learned from
other counselors and leaders and grew greatly in her
ability to work with urban kids. This increased her
desire to work in urban ministry. She now knows that
those living in challenging neighborhoods can have
hope even in seemingly hopeless situations. When she
returned in 2014, she brought along a fellow student,
Abby, and her brother, James - both who were very
effective counselors.
Rebekah values the friendships made among her coworkers and returned again in 2015 to volunteer for a
week.
Now graduated with a degree in special and elementary
education, Rebekah wants to to teach in Philly,
Treating Kids
because she feels that kids in urban environments
need inspiration and high quality teachers who
are willing and able to invest in their lives and who
understand and are willing to cope with challenges
inherent. Rebekah has joined her cousin in Philly, to
be a part of the church plant, Redemption City, in the
Brewery Town/Fairmont Neighborhood. She has also
secured a position teaching 2nd graders at Girard
College, a boarding school for academically capable
students, grades 1 through 12, from families with
limited financial resources.
Not only is the Streamside experience transformational
for urban youth, but also for those who God calls to
serve. Find out more at www.streamside.org/join
Royally
Streamside enjoyed an extra special week of camp in August. Brooklyn
Tabernacle is one of 200 churches in 35 states that conduct a Royal
Family KIDS Camp. These camps are especially designed to meet the
needs of children, ages 6-12, in the foster care system who have been
victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. At Royal Family KIDS Camp
every child is treated like royalty! One counselor for every 2 children
provides individual attention, all activities are designed to be fun and
ensure the child succeeds, the children are overwhelmed with gifts and
special events, and the message of God’s unconditional
...continued
2
SURVIVE, GROW & PROSPER
...continued
love is clear. For many of these kids, a week of camp is
not only a new experience, but a life changing event
that transforms the way they view themselves and
their futures.
With more than 3.5 million cases of child abuse,
abandonment and neglect reported every year and
400,000 children living in foster care, there are many
more children who would benefit from being
treated royally. If your church would be interested in
beginning a Royal Family KIDS camp at Streamside, let
us know and we will put you in touch with a Camp
Growth Coordinator at Royal Family KIDS.
Reaching Neighborhood Children &
Strengthening Your Church
Streamside is a ministry of BCM International which has 780 missionaries serving in 42 countries. BCM’s vision is
to reach children and strengthen the church. How does a camp in the Pocono Mountains fit into that worldwide
vision?
Streamside wants to creatively partner with your church so you can reach children in your neighborhoods
with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing a week long quality Christian camping experience.
Our 2015 summer camp partners included…
BCM Philadelphia Area Ministries
Star of Hope
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
Christian Fellowship Center
Madison Ave. CRC
Calvary Baptist
Iglesia de la Alabanza
Camp Restoration
Bibleway Baptist
Sunday Breakfast Mission (DE)
Save the Family Ministry
World Impact Chester
Newark Christian School
Bethanna
Dept of Behavioral Health in Philadelphia
and many individual parents
Streamside also wants to provide an affordable quality retreat facility with a service-oriented staff so your
church can be strengthened through the powerful ministry of a retreat.
Churches that have chosen Streamside for their weekend retreat or week-long camp so far in 2015 include…
Calvary Bible Fellowship
Immanuel Baptist Church
Brooklawn UMC
Calvary Chapel Delaware County
Swarthmore Presbyterian
Eastport Bible Church
Morrow UMC
Towerhill Church
Calvary Chapel Bellmawr
New Jersey Christian Fellowship
St. Paul UMC
Zion Holy Church
Centro Biblico
Cherry Hill Chinese Christian
Northern Valley EFC
Church of the Pentecost
ACSI Track Meet
Chinese Christian Church & Center
Bethel Oversea Chinese Mission
Iglesia de la Alabanza
Iglesia Christiana Shalomir
Brooklyn Tabernacle
New Wine Revival
Urban Promise Streetleaders
Church of the Savior
Summer Haven
3
Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA
Calvary Chapel Old Bridge
New Canaan UMC
Project Jerusalem
New Life Presbyterian
New Hope Christian
Mission United International
Movement NYC
Yuong Sang
Chinese Conservation Baptist
and Living Hope Church.