Editor’s note: About a dozen children from the Valley attended the Salvation Army summer camp in Ashford, Conn. last month. The crew returned recently and sent these photos and comments about their experiences:
“The Salvation Army has long believed that the camping program should serve the total person with provision for his spiritual and educational needs through a creative, healthful experience in a cooperative group living setting.” Words written on the Dedication Program of Camp CONNRI 30 Years ago and still very much applicable today.
The Southern New England Division of The Salvation Army, serving Connecticut and Rhode Island, has operated their residential camp in Ashford, CT, for 30 years.
Camp CONNRI is situated on 268 acres of rolling hills, overlooking a pristine 50 acre lake in Ashford, Connecticut. Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities including: swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, nature studies, arts and crafts and much more. The camp offers a safe, Christian environment that nourishes your child’s physical growth, mental maturity, and spiritual enthusiasm. Activities are under the supervision of certified, experienced personnel, where the safety and welfare of all campers is a primary concern of every staff member. The Camp is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association, the State of Connecticut, and The Salvation Army.
Through the generosity of donations from local benefactors, and a grant awarded from the Valley 2009 Neighborhood Program Small Grant application process, 15 Youth from the Greater Valley have attended Camp CONNRI during the Music / Fine Arts Camp and the Celebration Camp. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your trust in us in order to have youth share in camping experiences.
Jennie Smith said she enjoyed all activities: music, sign language, sacred dance and singing. “In the Love of Jesus,” was her favorite song.
Riley Smith said he had a good time and that the camp was “really fun.” He learned to play the guitar and like making s’mores by the campfire.
Makayla Eaton wrote a thank-you note about her experience, saying: “I had a lot of fun and made loads of friends. The counselors were very nice and very helpful. When I was there all the kids and counselors were nice. I learned more about Jesus – like that Satan was an angel of Jesus and he turned against Jesus. Another is if you believe in Jesus he will always be with you.”
Jazmin Marcano said she like swimming, boating and singing songs about Jesus and God.
Jontea McFadden said she liked swimming, ice cream and the lunch room.
All of their camping experiences will enrich their lives. As they take what they’ve learned and apply it to their daily lives, in however small or large a part that may be, their encounters have made a positive impact upon them. Ultimately, the knowledge and inspiration to learn will carry them through their school years and beyond.
