CAMP HARDTNER NEWS: MAY 2010

SUMMER CAMP is just around the corner. Some sessions are filling up but at press time all sessions still have a few spots. DO NOT MISS OUT by waiting too long to sign up.

Registration is easy to do either on line or by mail. Just check out the REGISTRATION LINK HERE or contact your church office. Financial aid is also available so there is NO reason for our young people to miss out on a Camp opportunity.

The Counselor staff and Deans recently had a retreat to begin program planning and team building. All I can say is its going to be an incredible summer! An experienced and Spirit filled staff is raring to go! Programs are available for all ages including the new family camp. Mom, Dad and the whole family can be a part of the camp experience the weekend of July 30-August 1.

Once again this year we will be using the services of Bunk1 to make one-way camper email service available. Parents will also be able to see password-protected photos of what’s happening at Camp while their child is there. Details are available once registered for Summer Camp.

A huge “Thank You” to everyone helping to make Hardtner such a special place. People are donating and volunteering to show their love and appreciation of this special place. Gifts continue to come in from the Fill the Canoe Campaign. Lafayette St. Barnabus even arranged to donate two new canoes to the camp fleet with their Hardtner Sunday donations. Watch for more on this story. It’s not too late to still have your Hardtner Sunday if you have not already done so. Individual gifts and tributes are encouraged. We need your help.

 Others are donating time and energy in addition to the financial gifts. Once again this year the Bordelon brothers (Andre’, Kevin and Chris) gave a Saturday to make sure the swimming pool was cleaned up for the summer. The Son Rise retreat group planted flowers and made planters. Many others also help behind the scenes. Thank you to you all! If your group wants to help out with a service project contact the camp office. The small but dedicated year round staff appreciates your help and they too deserve our gratitude. Keep up the good work Ced, Brenda, Janna, Jennifer, Debbie and Trudy!

April was a busy month at Hardtner. After a brief Easter holiday camp was full of activity with Cursillo, St Lukes School from Baton Rouge, Congress of Louisiana Youth, Time for JOY sponsored by the ECW and the Dean and Summer staff retreat. Work has begun on the renovation of the Clergy house. May will be busy with school visits, Cursillo music fest, weddings and Training Camp.

Everyone who has visited Camp Hardtner will remember the impressive white cross seen reflecting on Lake Bordelon. This impressive sight was made possible by two wonderful alumni of Hardtner. Father Hal Hutchison and Father Keith Milligan erected the cross on an anniversary of their ordination. Father Keith recently passed on to his reward after a battle with cancer. Our prayers and thoughts are with is family. Fr. Keith will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and love of youth.

Pat Higgins
Executive Director