We knew starting out the year that recovery wouldn’t be a fast process, but seeing how things have developed, alongside the resilience of God’s creation, has given us hope and inspiration for the future. This year has been a year of progress, challenges, and fellowship, and we are thankful to God through every twist and turn we’ve seen in this recovery.
Healing After the Fire: The burnt structures have been cleared, but other work is just beginning. We are planning for the long-term ecological needs of our forests, soils, and waterways. Everyone who has come to camp this year has noticed the land healing, including blooming wildflowers, the changing fall colors of new vegetation on the ridgeline, and the vigorous sprouting of aspens, willows, alders, mountain maples, and cottonwood trees along the Beaver Creek corridor.
The Camp Experience: The feedback has been clear: It just feels like camp! We are so grateful that campers are returning after such a long absence. We hosted just under 500 campers and guests who sang songs, ate smores around the campfire, hiked the trails, and connected with God and each other. In 2024, we hope to host even more campers, perhaps doubling the number of campers we serve.
Navigating Challenges: Access to camp is still hindered without a bridge over Beaver Creek. The Forest Service plans to break ground on the new bridge late next year and complete it by the end of 2025. Flash flooding has been a threat, especially during the rainy summer months, but has not impacted the guest experience so far. We will continue to make the camp experience available to groups who are willing to navigate these challenges with us.
Rebuilding For the Future: We have completed schematic design for several new structures and started conversations with contractors. These include new camper cabins, adult and summer staff lodging, and a new office and welcome center. For the next 6-9 months we will be in what is called the detailed and construction design phases of these structures and starting the schematic design of new maintenance facilities and a new home for full time staff. I wish I had more detailed news to share about funding and when construction will begin! MUCH more on this to come in 2024.
Your Support Makes All the Difference: We are committed to providing an outstanding camp experience in both the short and long term, nurturing spiritual growth and building community that extends far beyond the camp’s boundaries. Your support has been instrumental in making all this possible. We invite you to continue partnering with us in our mission to provide this place where God changes the lives of the young and old alike.
This season, we aim to raise $100,000 to help continue our mission and we humbly ask for your continued financial support. Your contributions make a profound impact, ensuring that we can keep our momentum during this time of rebuilding and reduced revenue. Any amount, whether large or small, is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in sustaining the incredible work we do.
You may donate securely online at elporvenircamp.com/give.
Thank you for being a vital part of our El Porvenir Christian Camp family. We invite you to sign up for a camp event in 2024 or schedule your own retreat to see for yourself what others are saying – that it’s evident El Porvenir will become even better than before the fire.
We look forward to sharing more success stories and building a brighter future together.
With gratitude and warm wishes,
Nate
