We continue to be amazed by the generosity and blessings that flowed into this year, even as we all struggled with the impacts of COVID-19. Although Caroline Furnace experienced significant loss with a lack of year round retreat groups and overnight summer camp, we are still in a stable financial position. We began to experience our new purpose without even knowing it - how, you ask?
We Lived - our mission of faith, education, and renewal, by committing to development of our young adult summer staff, leading a successful six month fundraising campaign, and updating our core values based upon feedback from the Power the Future Summit held in fall 2019.
We Connected - virtually through both Summer and Winter Camp at Home, Pre- Advent and Lenten Retreats, town hall updates, and countless collaborations with camp and retreat networks. We now offer new hybrid model capabilities on-site, with Wi-Fi available for retreat groups in Marston and the Upper Room.
We Affirmed - our commitment to continued growth in diversity by sharing our new welcome statement, accepting a Total Inclusion! grant from the ELCA, and by continuing to reclaim the history of this sacred space, including an acknowledgement of the tragedy of enslaved people on this land in the 1800s.
We Gathered (Safely) - for family retreats, outdoor worship, work days, day use, and small group retreats.
2020 in Review: Revenue: $466,552 Expenses: $228,721
Moyer Lodge was renovated to include a new entrance, large deck, and a reception area in the Fireside Room. Later, we removed the old bathrooms, created a staff eating nook, and added a program leader office.
The Health Center was expanded and remodeled to include two separate bunk rooms and HVAC, made possible by donations in honor of Virginia (Ginny) Berry’s 90th birthday. It is now named the Berry Health Center.
Staff and volunteers cleared Nature Trail and the lake dam, completed the Prayer Path by the Memorial Garden, created Sanctuary campsite and fire circle in the pine tree farm, and built Big Rock fire circle by Cabins 3 and 4.
The Loft was made available for groups of 5 or less. This modern space above the Office is perfect for personal and family retreats.
Our staff worked with the Coalition of Virginia’s Overnight Summer Camps in collaborating and engaging with our state leaders on industry funding and reopening guidelines.
We welcomed a new Board member, Rev. Brett Wilson. Dave Appler, Rev. Kate Costa, and Rev. Scott Zimmerer were recognized for their faithful service on our Board of Directors.
We hosted the (first ever virtual) Virginia Camp and Retreat Leaders’ Gathering in December and participated in the virtual Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) Conference in November
and virtual ACA National Conference in January.