.png)
(Download this file for the PDF version of this newsletter)
What We've Been Up To
Camp Projects
We finished the new Nature Lodge, built 2 gaga pits, replaced the Krabill Kitchen ceiling, bought a truck, and installed a security system already this year. We are currently working on new cabin mattresses, winterizing Krabill Hall, and improving the RV sites. These projects will take more extensive planning and fundraising. Mattresses will cost $1,000-$1,500 per cabin
and winterizing Krabill Hall will cost $25,000-$35,000. If you would like to support these projects, send donations to P.O. Box 460, Denton, MD 21629 or online to paypal.me/campmardela. Your support will allow us to share this space with the community for years to come.
Wish List
As we begin to prepare for summer camps, we could use help acquiring these items:
Small freezer for Camp Store
Oven Mits/Hot Pads
Magnifying Glasses & Binoculars
Full-size Scissors
Glue Sticks & Gallons of Liquid Glue
Hot Glue Guns & Hot Glue Sticks
Aquariums & Filters
You can bring donations to 301 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD 21629. Please email campmardela@gmail.com or call 410-479-2861 to arrange drop-off.
Winter Retreats
We had 2 successful winter retreats in March for 3rd-5th graders and 6th-12th graders with 25 campers total. These were the first winter retreats since 2020, so it was great to give campers the chance to make new friends, reconnect with old friends, learn about God, and enjoy time at Camp Mardela.
Spaghetti Dinner
On March 12th, the Denton Church of the Brethren hosted a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. With surprise snow flurries, our Tween/Youth campers were able to help with the meal, and we had a gross income of $1,000! Thank you to those who supported by volunteering & purchasing meals!
Camp Auction
On April 2nd we had a successful Camp Auction. Krabill Hall was full of support and excitement, and between our auction supporters, the food stand, and auction sales, we had a net income of about $10,000 for Camp Mardela! We look forward to our auction next spring, and sincerely thank everyone who donated, volunteered, and purchased items at this year's auction!
April 9th, 11am-2pm
Farmer's Credit Bank (379 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD 21629)
This BBQ Chicken Sandwich Fundraiser will be held at Farm Credit Bank, 379 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD. Meals are to-go only, $10 minimum donation, first-come, first-serve. Make sure to stop by to support camp by purchasing a delicious springtime meal!
April 30th, 8am-11am
Camp Mardela (301 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD 21629)
To reserve a yard sale space. call 410-479-2861 or email campmardela@gmail.com. Outdoor spaces are $15 and indoor spaces are $30. All spaces are 10'x10'. Camp Mardela will also have items for sale in the Craft House, and you may donate items to our stand as well! Whether you are selling, donating, or buying, we hope to see your support at this year's Yard Sale!
May 22nd, 3pm-8pm
Camp Mardela (301 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD 21629)
Come celebrate the start of the camping season at Camp Mardela! See all that camp has to offer; boating, crafts, campfires, music and more. Learn about the summer camp programs we’re offering this summer, and reconnect with past camp friends as well.
Summer Camp!
Summer Staff & Volunteer Needed!
If you are interested in being on staff, you can serve as a Food Service Supervisor, Lifeguard, Cook, or Maintenance for a weekly salary of $200-$300 from June 13th-August 5th with room and board provided. Apply at campmardela.org/jobs. If you are 14-15 years old, you can apply to be a C.I.T at campmardela.org/cit.
Staff:
C.I.T. Training - June 3rd-4th, 7pm-3pm (overnight)
Staff Training - June 13th-15th, 9am-5pm (overnight)
You can also volunteer as a counselor. All volunteers MUST attend at least one Volunteer Training to serve in any capacity during the summer.
Volunteers:
Returning Volunteer Training - June 9th, 6pm-8pm - King/ZOOM
New/Returning Volunteer Training - June 11th, 9am-12pm - Krabill
New/Returning Volunteer Training - June 12th, 2pm-5pm - King
You can also be an activity instructor. Training for archery and canoe & kayak instruction is available to those interested
Specialized Activities:
Level 1 Archery Instructor Certification - May 21st, 9am-12pm - Pavilion (pre-requisite - online training completed at www.usarchery.org/coaches/become-a-coach/level-1-instructor-certification)
Canoe/Kayak Certification - June 10th, 9am-5pm - Shepherd Springs (16869 Taylors Landing Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782) - Transportation can be provided by Camp Mardela
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Summer is not the only time you can volunteer! Here is a list of other volunteer opportunities at Camp Mardela:
Thursday work days (every Thursday 9am-3pm)
Planning & Decorating for Sights & Sounds of Christmas (December 10 & 17)
Help plan the 75th Anniversary (May 21st, 2023)
Weekend work groups (schedule with camp office)
Summer Camp
Summer is just around the corner! Make sure to register for camp at campmardela.org/camp-programs to save your spot for the best summer EVER! You can also submit a registration form included with this newsletter. If you would like to attend camp but need financial aid, scholarship applications are available at campmardela.org/camp-scholarship. Please register with the $60 registration fee so that we can hold your spot while we process the scholarship application. You can also sponsor a camper by purchasing a scholarship to ensure that every camper who wants to come this summer can!
Devotional Thoughts
The Eternal Gift
The gift of the word of God is eternal.
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
At our winter retreats, campers participated in classes, games, and crafts that represented different stories in the Bible, learning what God says about being kind and loving your neighbor as yourself. It was a day filled with fun and rooted in the word of God During the day, a couple campers asked for Bibles so they could learn more about God's word, and we had the honor of giving them that gift. It is so encouraging to see the way God is using this ministry at Camp Mardela to open the hearts and minds of these children to seek Him, moving some to ask for their own Bibles!
I know many people pray for the spiritual lives of our campers, and I thank those who fervently pray these prayers, because I have seen these prayers answered time and time again. I am moved every time I see children have revelations and inspirations about God, and how the Holy Spirit draws them into His loving embrace. I pray that we see more and more campers come to know Jesus because of their time at camp. That is our ultimate purpose for doing what we do. The crafts and games bring joy in a moment, but the word of God we share brings joy for eternity.