Winterpalooza

Our annual camper retreat is coming up in a month and a half! If you'd like to be back at LCCC to celebrate the New Year, go visit www.ligoniercamp.org and click on the snowflake logo to download a registration form. We'd love to have you there.
Our theme for the weekend is "X Marks the Spot" - and we're all going to dress up as pirates to bring in 2010. We have a fabulous party complete with DJs as well as tons of wacky games, skits, talks, and (hopefully) snow activities.
Sign up soon or the spots may be gone!

Getting started

It's only October, but it's time for Summer Camp 2010 recruiting to start! We're excited about all the great things God has done at camp this year, and can't wait to share it with more campers. One of the most exciting parts of recruiting season is getting to know parents and families of our campers and developing long-term relationships with them.
This past year, we've really enjoyed tea parties as an outlet for moms to get together and learn more about the camp setting. And we mean real tea parties, not the similarly named political events! :) There's just something about the relaxed atmosphere over a cup of tea that allows for honest questions and interesting conversations about sending little ones off to camp for a week. If you're ever interested in hosting a Ligonier Camp Tea Party, we'd love to be in touch with you!
Wish us luck on our upcoming season. We look forward to seeing so many of you again soon!

Thanks, everyone!

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend's events so successful and enjoyable. Our Dining Hall Dedication went off without a hitch, with beautiful music provided by Jim Paul, Stef Walker, and Brian Jinks, as well as a wonderful message from Pastor Tom Hall. And there's not enough to be said about April Pasternak's delicious food, from artichoke chicken pizza to spicy-sweet meatballs. How wonderful to spend time in our new dining hall, enjoying the fall scenery and the company of all those who prayed for the building process!
On Monday, our Golf outing had more than 90 golfers, as well as beautiful weather and awesome prizes. Thanks to all the Ligonier merchants who willingly provided gifts and services for the event - you made the event! With everything from gift cards to Betsy's to a meal at the Tavern to a Ruthie's t-shirt and ball cap set, the golfers in attendance went home laden with great gifts.

Lodge renovations

Hello, all! Slowly but surely, our lodge is going through some serious renovations. We began to renovate our guest rooms several years ago, one at a time. Currently, the lodge dining room is being made over to provide more space for meetings & hanging out for our retreat groups. After that, we'll tackle the lounge area, the breakout rooms, and eventually, the camp offices. Isn't it awesome to know that the camp is growing and changing in so many ways? I know it's not easy to let go of all the cool things we remember as campers, but I love thinking about the way this camp will continue to reach kids in the years to come.
And right now, it's going to reach kids and retreat groups through a stinky, paint-smelling dining room! Well, I guess it's just we lucky few that get to experience that!

It's Not Too Late!

If you are still thinking about coming to Winterpalooza, but you see that your form says "Please return by Dec. 1", it's okay! We're still accepting forms. We've been overwhelmed by the number of campers excited about Winterpalooza, and we still have some beds empty. Please don't hesitate to visit our website, www.ligoniercamp.org, to print out and send in your form & deposit to hold your spot!

Remember: only those who attend will learn the secret to becoming Ultimate SuperFans!

A Cool Site!

Hey, parents and kids! This is a really cool initiative by the guy that created Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer. He believes that since kids watch (on average) 22 hours of TV a week, that we need to find ways to reach them through their television habits. He's created a television channel, JellyTelly, that's reminiscent of a Christian Nickelodeon. It's still in the works and running as an internet TV channel, but watch this quick video and check out the site for more info. Could be a great way for your camper to connect with quality television media that you can trust!

Economic Crisis & Camp Scholarships

I hope this post finds you all anxiously awaiting your summer at camp! Now, I know that big, delicious turkeys and sugar plums are dancing in your heads, (and maybe a Nintendo Wii topped with a Christmas bow), but it's already time to plan summer. Everyone should have received a registration form for Summer 2009, so go ahead and fill it out!

This year has been, and will continue to be, a challenging time economically. All of us here at the camp are experiencing the effects of our difficult economy, but we thank God daily for his blessings - our new dining hall, the beautiful snow flurries over the mountains, a good, hot coffee on a cold morning, and chance to celebrate these things with our families this upcoming thanksgiving.

While we know that truly, some of the best things in life are free, we are also aware of the difficulties this economy is causing with your families. Anxiety about lost jobs, buying Christmas gifts or Thanksgiving dinner, or even wondering when your next paycheck will come are all things each of us could be facing today.

We believe (and we hope you do, too) that camp has a lasting, permanant effect on campers. Because of this, we want to be helpful in any way we can. I'm not sure how much time is spent discussing our scholarship program for campers to attend camp. Our desire at Ligonier is that no camper will be prohibited from attending camp because of financial status. We provide over $20,000 in scholarship each year for campers who are unable to pay tuition fees. Just get your registration form and check the box labeled "Scholarship Information" in the lower right-hand corner (or near the bottom of your form online).

If you are struggling this year with providing an experience to your kids that they love, and that you want them to enjoy, we understand. Please do not hesitate to call and talk with us (724.238.6428) about ways that we can make this summer possible for your family, and we'll do the best we can. We'll be praying for you all!

Promotions

As soon as summer camp is over, we start getting ready for next summer. We make a plan of churches, homes and schools that we will visit to talk about camp. Many times, we will go to a church, speak during the worship service, visit Sunday Schools, and host an information table during coffee hour. At a home, we will meet with a family and their friends, share a meal or snack, and tell everyone a little bit about camp. At schools, we have a table and some fun gadgets and videos to watch so students can check out the camp. All of these visits are ways to attract more people to Ligonier Camp.
But most of them don't work as well as another way. YOU. You are the best way to get new campers to try Ligonier Camp. Parents, you can tell your friends about your child's experience, and campers, you can invite your friends! Most of our campers (and staff) come because Ligonier Camp has been recommended by a pal.
Want us to come visit your church or home? Want to invite your friends, but aren't sure how? Leave a comment, email the camp at summercamp@ligoniercamp.org, or call the camp at 724-238-6428.
Thanks for all you do to tell others about your experiences at Ligonier Camp and Conference Center!!

It's that time of year!

Howdy, fellow Ligonier Camp friends! We're getting to the time of year where the Laurel Highlands are absolutely beautiful. It's just the best place to be, and we're all thankful for the chance to work at such a wonderful piece of God's creation. I just wanted to let you all know about some pretty great things that happen up in this area in the fall:

First things first, there are tons of farmer's markets in this area, with local farmers and vendors supplying everything from fresh tomatoes, pumpkins, apples, and flowers to homemade crafts, foliage arrangements, pies, jams, jellies, and more. And since next week is "Buy Local PA" week, it's a great time to get out and try some local fare. The weekly Ligonier Country Market is Saturday morning from 8 am until noon.

There are two weekends left for the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival held in West Newton, just under an hour from Ligonier Camp. The Renaissance festival is a great chance to experience the culture of the Renaissance while trying everything from turkey legs to jousting!

Many local towns and farms celebrate fall festivals, including folk music, Victorian home tours, ethnic celebrations, fall foliage drives, apple-picking, food vendors, arts and crafts, parades and more! Some locations include: Scottsdale, PA; Smicksburg, PA; Mount Pleasant, PA; Ebensburg, PA; Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA; Faranda Farm in Hollsopple, PA; Springs, PA; and Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Seven Springs, PA.

Finally (and my personal favorite), Ligonier Fort Days take place the weekend of October 10-12. This celebration takes the town of Ligonier from a population of 1611 (per a July 2007 survey) to over 100,000 people for the weekend. The festival includes a Friday kick-off at noon in the heart of town, with food vendors and craft vendors aplenty (just a tip: Ligonier locals get great deals in downtown shops on Thursday, October 9). The festival offers tours of Fort Ligonier, reenactments, a Saturday parade, and cuisine from buffalo burgers to halushki to funnel cakes supreme. You can't miss it!

If you've ever though about bringing a group of friends or family to enjoy the Laurel Highlands, make sure to give the camp a call! We have housing for all kinds of groups, and would love to accomodate your time enjoying all the Highlands have to offer. Feel free to call and request a tour, if your child is considering a week or two at summer camp in 2009.