Report of
Victory Valley Camp
“And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart;
and you shall teach them diligently to your sons
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way
and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6,7
Entering our second half-century as the only cooperative children’s ministry of the BFC, Victory Valley Camp continues to re-imagine and re-invigorate its purpose, program and property.
The Board and Staff remain committed to partnering with parents and local BF Churches to train up children in the way they should go.
We have increased the caliber of our Bible teaching by bringing in skilled, mature preachers and teachers from our BF Churches. These gifted men set an example for our young Summer Missionaries in how to rightly divide the word of truth as they lay a firm foundation in the lives of our campers.
Pastors Ronald L. Kohl (Quakertown), David K. Schlonecker (Emmaus), Mark E. Barninger (Harrisburg), Board of Missions Director Dana E. Weller and college discipleship missionary Mark Bickel (Cedar Crest), opened the books of Samuel and the Psalms in Summer 2005 to lead campers through King David’s terrifying and thrilling life of faith.
During the first summer in which our “staff” became Summer Missionaries, raising prayer and support teams, more than 400 adults committed to petition the Lord on behalf of these young men and women. These prayers had a palpable impact on this ministry. Although the income uncertainty of the new system sorely tested the faith of some Summer Missionaries, by God’s grace each one earned more than they would have under the previous “employee” system.
Hundreds of parents used our new, fast, convenient and secure online-registration system, and many enjoyed the additional benefit of seeing daily photos of their campers, and sending letters to their children by email.
We continued to provide substantial discounts to children of BFC pastors and missionaries, as well as camperships for children from other low-income families when their local church could not help.
Behind the scenes, dozens of faithful volunteers labored to improve the property and our programs. They are the Lord’s servants, and God’s provision for Victory Valley.
Financial giving from both churches and individuals increased, including a $15,000 pledge from a long-time supporter which will help us to construct a new $35,000 upper-elements-challenge course, designed with young children in mind. Our existing course is aging, attached to growing trees, and not designed for young children.
As we move toward a total re-design of the property, including replacement of cabins and other structures within the next few years, Facilities Manager John Masters continues to work hard to maintain what the Lord has thus far provided. Sometimes, he’s aided by volunteers whose help with a variety of projects and regular maintenance jobs is another of God’s gracious ways of sustaining this crucial ministry.
Donna Bauer, our 28-year-veteran-assistant director, worked tirelessly in almost every area of the ministry, continuing to demonstrate her love for young believers, and a humble servant attitude.
Among her numerous valuable contributions to the ministry, JoAnna Walker revolutionized our opening-day check-in process — making it faster, easier, and “cooler” for our camper families.
Scott Ott, in his second year as Executive Director, enjoyed preaching and speaking at dozens of Bible Fellowship Churches, where he continues to learn more about how to better serve the local church.
Going forward, Victory Valley Camp has three basic goals:
• Systematically train children in the great doctrines of Scripture.
• Actively partner with local BF Churches to help them fulfill their kingdom goals of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples.
• Eagerly involve more adults in all of our programs, to provide greater spiritual maturity and safety, and to strengthen the local BF Church.
610-966-5880
2006-07 Calendar of Events
2006
June 2-4American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Training
June 10 Friends of Victory Valley Picnic
June 25-August 12Summer Camp Season
October 6Victory Valley Golf Challenge
December 9 Friends of Victory Valley Banquet
2007
January 19-21 Sno-Valley Weekend #1
January 26-28 Sno-Valley Weekend #2
February 2-4 Sno-Valley Weekend #3
March 30-April 1 BFC Summer Missions Retreat (ages 15-18)
June 1-3 American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
June 9 Friends of Victory Valley Picnic
June 24-August 11 Summer Camp Season
Board of Victory Valley Camp: Douglas J. Manwiller, Chairman; Timothy D. Weaber, Secretary; C. Larry Bennett, Jason J. Englehart, Bruce A. Ellingson, Alan G. Miller, Rodney Plows, Dennis W. Spinney, Gary J. Wolfinger
Scott G. Ott, Director