You are invited to volunteer this summer for Creation Vacation, a three day camp experience for low-income families in Western Washington County. WWC CV dates are July 8th through the 10th at Camp Magruder, near Rockaway Beach on the coast.
A cooperative effort between Camp and Retreat Ministries, local UMCs and non-profit housing organizations, CV allows families that wouldn't ordinarily have the time or resources for a vacation to spend some time in a beautiful, restful place together, and provides an opportunity for United Methodists to build relationships with great families from their own communities. Last year's WWC participants were the families of promotores (community liaisons) at Bienstar, an organization that provides housing and great comprehensive services for low-income Latino families. Thankfully, we'll be working again this year with this excellent agency!
While at camp, each family is assigned a Family Friend, a volunteer that spends time with that family and is as present with them during their time at camp as the family would like. This means that you, the Family Friend, might accompany them at meals, in the craft cabin, or on walks on the beach. You might help a kid with archery or walk alongside a donkey carrying a little one. You might visit with a mom or dad over coffee or sing songs around the campfire. You'd stay in a cabin with other volunteers, not with kids.
Family Friends are invited to consider a contribution toward room and board costs to help subsidize the participation of families, but no contribution is required for your participation! All levels of camping experience and Spanish language ability are welcome--from zero to 100% fluency! :)
Creation Vacation has become one of my favorite times of the year! I guarantee that you will be changed by the families and and that they will be changed by you! Please let me know as soon as possible if you want to reserve your place as a Family Friend. If you'd like to participate but aren't sure yet about your availability, let me know that, too. Please pass this invitation on to others in your congregation and community that would make great Family Friends.
For more about Creation Vacation, check out the OR-ID Conference camping website: gocamping.org/creationvacation. Here is a great article and video made about a lovely family at WWC CV 2009. If you listen carefully, you might recognize the voice of the person interpreting for Alejandra :)
What else do you need to know to make your decision?? Let me know! We'd love to have you!
Peace to you,
Mira
