Report of the

Victory Valley Camp

          Once again, we begin by giving praise to God for what He is doing at Victory Valley Camp! Lots of things have been happening and changing at Victory Valley over this past year. But one thing has not changed – God continues to faithfully glorify Himself through the ministry of Victory Valley Camp!

          Both our director, Phil Atkins, and our Assistant Director, Donna Bauer, continue to faithfully minister at Victory Valley Camp. We have added another part-time staff person in addition to Thelma Heist. This person is responsible to help our director in taking care of the physical plant of the camp including light maintenance, closing down/opening up cabins, housekeeping, etc. Bill Kuhn has been working with the rest of the staff nicely and we thank the Lord for bringing him to us all the way from Sinking Spring, PA. We would like to mention that the following resolution was passed at our February meeting:

WHEREAS, Bright Heist has recently resigned from the Board of VVC, and

WHEREAS, Bright has served faithfully on the Board of VVC since 1966, therefore be it

RESOLVED that we express our thanks to Bright Heist for his 30 years of faithful service to the Lord at Victory Valley Camp.

          Following this action by the Board, Timothy Weaber was appointed by the Board to fill this vacancy until Annual Conference.

          We have seen both good and bad with the building of Victory Hall, the All-Purpose building, which was completed during this past summer and which recently collapsed under the weight of the snow from the blizzard of 1996. The dedication service on November 5 for Victory Hall as well as for the 40th Anniversary of ministry at Victory Valley Camp was a demonstration of the blessings that many have received from God through the ministry of many staff members and friends of Victory Valley Camp. The troubles of the January collapse are certainly disappointing but we continue to trust God and His will for what’s next as we seek to rebuild. The building is adequately insured and the re-building is underway. In addition to this, we continue to look into the possibilities for housing for the Atkins family in light of the inadequate living situation which they’re presently in. The White House continues to be inadequate because of the first floor kitchen and the second floor living area and the continuing practice of transporting Jill up and down the stairs. We are making plans to have the Atkins family moved into another house by the end of this year. One option would be to buy the 3-acre piece of property with an existing bi-level home on it which is “wedged” in between our property south of Sigmund Rd. Another would be to purchase a pre-engineered home and to place it somewhere on our property. Please continue to pray as decisions are made.

          Our 46-member summer staff ministered to 854 campers. We are praising the Lord that 40 campers became Christians during their week at camp. Over 100 campers also expressed a desire to dedicate their lives to the Lord whether that be to full-time ministry here in the states or abroad. Please continue to pray for Phil and Donna as they interview teens and college students as possible 1996 summer staff members.

          The”Victory Interested Person” program continues to be a vital part of camp ministry and support throughout the year. We once again want to thank those who continue to give of their time and money to help keep Victory Valley operating.

          Camper fees still do not cover the actual cost of a week per camper; therefore, we cordially request each church to prayerfully evaluate its giving to the camp again this year. We want to remind the churches that those who contribute 1% of their total budget are eligible to receive a 10% discount for all campers/ groups which come to Victory Valley. We want to thank many of you who have helped and continue to help in the payment of Victory Hall. We continue to ask for your prayer and financial support as we seek to rebuild and continue repayment of the loan for the building.

          A financial report for 1995 will follow this report.

          The Board of Victory Valley Camp held four regularly scheduled meetings since the 112th Annual Conference. In addition to the meetings of the full Board many additional hours were spent by individuals of the Board in service on committees and in fulfillment of other camp related responsibilities. The Board is divided into four sub-committees: Executive, Program and Staff, Buildings and Grounds, and Development and Finance.

Schedule of Future Dates

          May 11                           VVC Workday

          June 9                             Open House and VIP Picnic

          September 21                 VVC Workday

          December 7                    VIP Christmas Banquet

                                       Camp          Outpost Village

June 23-June 29           ages 8-12            ages 10-12

June 30-July 6              ages 8-12            ages 10-12

July 7-13                      ages 8-12             ages 8-10

July 14-20                    ages 8-12             ages 8-10

July 21-27                    ages 8-12            ages 10-12

July 28-August 3        ages 12-14           ages 12-14

August 4-10                ages 12-14           ages 12-14

August 18-24              ages 14-18

NEW Try-A-Venture

July 28-August 3                   ages 14-18 (WV)

August 3-10                           ages 12-14 (BP&C)

August 11-17                         ages 14-18 (BP&C)

Board of Victory Valley: William G. Schlonecker, Chairman; Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Secretary; Steven Schlegel, Treasurer; Carl J. Fischer, Jr, Bright N. Heist, Jonathan D. Reynolds, John Vandegriff, Jr., Timothy Weaber, Dana E. Weller, David L. Weller