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SUMMER CAMP
It was good to be back at camp this summer! We had a great time with all of our campers as we got to try new things, make new friends, and learn more about God. Here are some statistics from the summer: we had nearly 100 campers, over 50 summer volunteers, and 6 total camp programs - 3 overnight and 3 day camps.
Each week campers got to learn about what it means to pray to God with our theme being “This Is Our Prayer”. They got to walk the labyrinth, learn what scripture says about prayer, and how they can use their voice and their prayer to make a positive difference in the world. We also got to hang out in the new hammock village, and play some new water games.
This summer came with many new challenges, but every bit of planning and preparation that went into the summer was worth it to see the joy of these campers at camp this summer. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this possible. Whether you’re a parent who brought your child to camp, a volunteer who helped with the camp's maintenance project, a staff member, or a donor, camp is only possible when we all come together as the body of Christ to serve others.
SUMMER VOLUNTEERS
Camp Mardela would like to say a huge thank you to
everyone who volunteered to help with our summer
programs. We had our faithful Thursday crew helping
out, a FaithX group came for a few days before camp
started, camp directors who organized fun and
engaging weeks for the campers, and volunteers who
helped in the cabins and the kitchen. We had a great
summer and we are grateful to those who were able to contribute in whatever way they could. A shout out to those who donated money and supplies for the camp program. It takes all of use coming together to make camp happen, and this year was no exception. We can’t wait to see you at camp again!
FAMILY CAMP - SEPTEMBER 3-5
The summer isn’t over just yet! Our last summer camp program will take place on Labor Day weekend, for Family Camp. You can bring your whole family and stay in a cabin, tent, camper, or the Retreat Center for the weekend, and participate in camp activities together over the course of the weekend. Suzanne Bowdle will direct and we will have a surprise speaker! You can register at www.campmardela.org/family-campor email campmardela@gmail.com.
CAMP SUPPER - SEPTEMBER 18
We are bringing back the good old fashioned fall Ham and Turkey camp supper! Meals include ham, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, Cole slaw, candied sweet potatoes, rolls, applesauce, desserts, and beverages. We will have limited indoor dining, as well as to-go meals. Meals can be ordered from 4pm-7pm on September 18th, 2021 for a $10 donation to camp. Seating will be on a first come first serve basis and we will serve meals until we are sold out.
CAMP AUCTION - OCTOBER 30
The camp auction is Mardela’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year we had to have it virtually, but this year we are planning to have our traditional auction set up on October 30th from 9am-1pm. There will be a live auction, a silent auction, and a flea market, along with food and other activities.
We are looking for donations to sell at this fundraising auction. Donations can be physical items, gift cards, or in the form of purchasing an ad for the auction program (ad prices will be sent directly to churches and businesses). Donations can be dropped of at Camp Mardela at 301 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD 21629. Please let the office know when you can drop off items by emailing campmardela@gmail.com or calling 410-479-2861
MEMORIES & MOSQUITO BITES
By Sarah Bowdle
"I got involved with camp through my family. Before me, my mom was a camper/counselor, and before her, HER parents were campers/counselors, and before them THEIR parents were ALSO counselors. Over the summer, I was out to camp quite a bit (I haven’t seen my bed in weeks). I came out during Faith X camp, Youth Camp, Science/Arts & Crafts Camp, Tween/Outdoor Adventure Camp, as well as a couple of Thursday volunteer days, and I’ll most likely be helping with family camp as well. I just can’t seem to get away from camp, but being there always proves to be an adventure with plenty of memories and mosquito bites to go around."
WHY DO I KEEP COMING TO CAMP MARDELA?
By Suzanne Bowdle
"Just like the camp bell, Camp Mardela calls to me and challenges me. The people there feel like family. I love the experiences I’ve had there and the ways it has challenged me to grow As a camper, it challenged me to make new friends and try new things. As a young adult, it called me to be a counselor and challenged me as I became a leader. With grandparents and parents involved at Mardela, I’ve been involved with camp my whole life. I spent time in a baby swing while my mother, Lois Schall, was the Camp manager. In 3rd grade I was old enough to be a camper. As a young adult, I counseled under Pat Baker, Bob Fletcher, Keene Callahan, Donnie Mahan, and worked in the kitchen under Kathryn Berkey. As an adult, I’ve been called as a director and board member, but the most exciting thing is seeing my daughters answer the call to volunteer also. This summer I was the Director for the Science/Arts & Crafts Day camp. We shared new experiences with campers and expanded their understanding of God. Campers caught their first fish, tie dyed their first shirt, painted rocks, played carpet pool and water games, caught tadpoles, and made many popsicle stick crafts. Each camper tried meditative prayer as they walked through the Labyrinth. We made many memories in 4 days, and the bell still sit in the middle of camp calling each of us to be a part of the Mardela community. I hope to see some of you at family camp!"
CAMP HISTORY COLLECTION
As we prepare to celebrate Camp Mardela's 75th anniversary in 2023, we will need help putting together some Camp Mardela history:
Identify camp pictures
We have boxes and boxes of preserved history of Camp Mardela, but we will need help identifying these pictures. We hope to have a few days for people to come and help with this project
Find Camp Mardela couples
We would love to recognize the love Camp Mardela sparked in so many lives! If you or someone you know is one of these camp romance stories, let us know!
Share your Camp Mardela stories
Do you have cherished memories of Camp Mardela history? Share your stories with us to be put in a written history of camp.
CAMP T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER
This summer’s Bible theme was “This Is Our Prayer”. We explored the meaning of prayer and ways to pray to God. To remember the lessons we learned this summer, we are selling our 2021 T-shirts to help fundraise for future camp programs. T-shirts are $10 each with sizes ranging from child small to 2XL. If you are interested in supporting Camp Mardela and buying a shirt, you can order online at www.campmardela.org/fundraisers, or you can contact the camp office at campmardela@gmail.com with your order information.