VISION and Camp Talahi

This is your resource for promoting camp within your congregations.  Camp Talahi needs campers and your children, youth and young adults benefit greatly from all that a Camp Talahi experience has to offer.

The Challenging News!

The bottom line is camp is more fun with more campers involved and for our outdoor ministry to continue we need at least 100 more campers per season. Considerable resources support our camp, and our minsitry, with the youngest members of the church.

As camp administrator I need to find a balance between providing a valuable, quality, life-changeing camp experience and being fiscally responsible. I will not compromise on camper safety,  staff training or site maintenance- to do so would be irresponsible.

The Good News!

The solution is to minister with over 350 campers each season.  That's where you come in! The future of the UCC and the outdoor ministry program in Michigan is our responsibility.  Please be a partner in this ministry by encouraging new campers to attend.

Some churches encourage and support entire Sunday School Classes attending a camp session.  Pastors and church school teachers make outstanding counselors and camp leaders. Other churches pay 100% of every camper's registration fees, many churches pay up to 50% of camper costs.  Other churches have joined together in Covenant with VISION to support financially outdoor minsitry at Talahi.

So, to help you - help me I've created this section to help you get the word out about the life changing ministry experienced by Talahi Campers.

How you can help!

Please promote outdoor minsitry at Camp Talahi.  There are many ways to do this - choose what is best for you and your congregation. I am going to keep adding to this site proven strategies and innovative ideas for camp promotion so visit often!

1.  Contact the VISION office and ask to be added to the VISION Contact list to receive direct mailings from VISION about camp and other important events. Be sure to check the web-site frequently for updates and new flyers and materials.

2.  If you are already on the contact list be sure to use the information received to lift up opportunities for engagement in larger church events like summer camp.

• Place articles in your churches newlsetter, bulletin, e-mails
• Post flyers on the bulletin board and/or hand out to families who may be looking for a camp experience or other ways to get involved
• Talk to parents, children, and youth and ask them to consider a 5 day camp at Talahi this summer. 
• Invite families to the Camp Talahi Open House on April 26 from 3-5p.m.
• Post the summer camp schedule early and often
• Have a camp sign up day where you assist campers in signing up for camp - this is also a good way to keep track of who is attending from your church and if you offer scholarships it helps with the paperwork.
• Feel free to copy and use any article, booklet, flyer etc.
• Encourage you church shool teachers/pastors/youth workers to volunteer at camp and bring along children and youth to participate.  This is a great way to build relationships and for younger folks to see what faith looks like lived out in community.
• Ask a Talahi Camper or alumni to talk to your group (sunday school, youth group, congregation) about their experience.

3.  Please call me if you'd like a Camp Talahi Ambassador to visit your church.  We have a trained team of enthusiastic young people who know about the benefits of camp who'd love to introduce your children and youth to Talahi.

4.  Let me know if you need any further information! Also, let me know how you are doing - share the joys and challenges!

Thank you!