The sun has barely risen over the crisp morning peeking through the trees bringing light to the tasks of the day. Members of area churches have gathered on the stoop of the dining hall in anticipation of the nourishment they are about to receive – nourishment that will energize their bodies for the day ahead. That energy is fueled so that these very dedicated volunteers can optimally focus and participate fully in the volunteer opportunities that abound at each camp.

Third Thursdays at Chestnut Ridge has been something to look forward to for the participants from the Burlington District. Over the past year and a half since it’s inception as a day apart for older adults especially from small rural churches in the area, the numbers attending have been steadily increasing. Approximately 76 different persons have attended, many on a steady basis from at least 13 different churches.    

Raleigh District United Methodist Men are building at Rockfish, both teams and relationships, but also four new cabins. The journey began at Fuquay-Varina UMC, when Pastor Richard Stone, layman Charlie Gray, and a group of men who had done a lot of Katrina work decided they wanted to do a “Make Over” project at Rockfish.

For the past two summers, Camp Rockfish has been able to expand its summer resident camp program to children of deployed military. This past summer, Operation Purple at Rockfish provided a week or more of summer camp to 830 children who had at least one parent deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq.

Volunteerism is alive and well at all of your NC United Methodist Camp & Retreat Centers. Services from committed advocates of this camping ministry can be seen repairing rooftops, leading vespers and nursing a camper’s abrasion from a slippery canoe. Another area of volunteer support can be found in each camp’s Local Committee.

Don Lee has grown in recent years to have a strong and well regarded Marine Science Camp. Marine Science campers participate in a variety of amazing hands-on experiences including an exploration of the Neuse River and the creatures that live in and around the river.