Report to IMYM Representatives Committee

Report to IMYM Representatives Committee

February 2018

Dear Friends,

I am happy to report on our 2017 season and plans for 2018, our upcoming ninth summer ountain Friends Camp. We have much to be grateful for, and plenty of opportunities for our IMYM community to engage and support our Quaker summer camp. Overall, our primary focus in 2017 was our new partnership with Collins Lake Ranch and the challenges of a two-location season, and I anticipate our 2018 focus will be on re-engaging our Quaker meetings and reaching out to new members of our camp community.

2018 plans: As we had two positive experiences, with a wide mix of pros and cons at both sites, it was a difficult to decide this fall where to return for 2018. The logistical challenges were too steep to attempt a second split summer, though I was somewhat tempted. Our campers and staff had a mix of feedback, as did several parents after camp. Through discernment and discussion with both2017 hosts, it became clear to our board that Collins Lake Ranch was our first choice for 2018. We heard that SFTHC was in the midst of transition and taking a break from actively bringing in youth groups, as they regroup with new staff and undertake renovation projects.The CLR management exceeded our expectations with facilities in 2018, installing two spacious yurts and a modern bathhouse for our group, and are constructing an additional program shelter for the campground this summer. They are also planning to expand their season and see MFC as a model for future partnerships.

Dates:July 2-6 staff orientation; July 7-14 Session 1; July 15-28 Session 2.

2018 Needs

Mountain Friends Camp needs more help then ever to thrive in 2018. We are reviving our camp liaisons program, asking for 1-2 committed supporters in every meeting across IMYM to take facilitating communication between your meeting and camp.

Recruitment: Our second and largest cohort of campers aged up last summer, ten 15-16 yearolds who added so much leadership and joy to our program. In order to reach more families and young people, we are asking Friends to share information about camp with those in their meetings and communities.

Staff for program and kitchen leadership is essential as well, adults of all ages are encouraged to apply for 1-4 weeks this summer!

Fundraising: Our other biggest need is funds to continue operations. We rely on donations to keep costs affordable for families and welcome a young people from a diversity of backgrounds to camp. In 2017 over half of our campers received camperships, with $12,591 allocated (including $3,806 from Quaker meetings for specific campers).

2017 Season:

Last summer we held staff orientation and a two-week session at Collins Lake Ranch (CR), near Mora Mew Mexico, then packed up and moved to Santa Fe Tree House Camp (SFTHC). Please see the attached newsletters for description of our programs and lots of pictures, and in our December letter our first annual appeal written by a camper! Link

Creating Community: Our new location brought operational challenges and abundant rewards. Collins Lake Ranch clients and staff added new dimension of diversity and community, through sharing their stories and joining us for activities on and off throughout our stay. I was particularly honored when the owner and two senior staff at CLR encouraged their children and extended family to join our camp. These young people, two counselors in training and four campers, added to the richness of our community and helped us connect with CLR. I was also pleased with the trust and openeness to new experiences from all of our returning campers and those who joined for the first time in this untried location.

From Steve, CLR owner, “It was a pleasure to share our Ranch with the Mountain Friends campers. While there were a few minor glitches, there were so many more great moments of sharing and caring. The staff were so considerate and helpful and upbeat. But even more exciting was the enthusiasm and openness of the campers. Mature and intelligent well beyond their ages. Our residents were thrilled to be included in so many of your activities. It really brought a new level of energy to the place. Lots of ideas to make things even better in the future. You do a great job and it was a privilege to work with your entire group.”

Practicing Peace: The second session at Santa Fe Tree House Camp was beautiful, comforting to return to our beloved 2013-2016 location and the simplicity of having exclusive use of the site. Highlights, A museum trip into Santa Fe, a hike up to Shaggy Peak, and lots of visits from local Quakers, llama del sol, and Creativity for Peace. We appreciated the hard work SFTHC board and staff took on to keep the camp operational after Senta Hoge passed away last winter. At various points of the week we remembered and appreciated Senta, her strength, care, and deep connection with nature. On the last evening, after a boisterous Creativity Night, we gathered in what still felt very much like Senta’s living room for our traditional candlelit worship sharing.

Finances: See budget attached for fiscal year 2017 & 2018.