November 20, 2024

Dear Friends of Sheldon Calvary Camp,

Creating community is core to life at Calvary Camp. This summer we welcomed over 700 campers, both new and familiar faces, to the shores of Lake Erie to build relationships and connections through eating, playing, singing and growing together.

 The Camp season had an auspicious beginning, as friends and neighbors gathered to view the solar eclipse in our Path of Totality celebration. It ended with a rejuvenating two weeks of Family Camp and a fully booked Labor Day camp, our largest yet. In between, we had five fantastic overnight camp sessions where our exceptionally strong staff offered fun and engaging activities for campers in a joyful and accepting atmosphere.

Life at camp this summer continued many of the familiar traditions that have brought people together at Calvary Camp for 88 years. Each day provided an opportunity for swimming, arts and crafts, tennis, kayaking and archery. At morning and evening competitions, we committed to modeling good sportsmanship and winning or losing with grace. In the process, the topple ball circle has been further etched into the grounds near the chicken coop. Bishop Thomas Chapel once again served as a sacred place of spiritual growth, lively music and teary end-of-session goodbyes.

Beyond these traditions, life at Camp continues to grow and evolve. This summer we opened the new amphitheater, which provides stunning views of the sunset and a platform to bellow campfire songs across the lake. We welcomed a new chef, who was immediately up for the challenge of feeding upwards of 200 campers and staff members at each meal and for supporting our extended season work. This fall we have installed solar panels on the Dining Hall, as we maintain awareness of our environmental footprint. We are building a memorial garden to honor and celebrate the many who have contributed to the Camp community. And we continue to invest in and advance our staff training to ensure all campers feel and experience a sense of belonging.

Your gift to the Annual Appeal helps ensure that Calvary Camp continues to serve as a place of community where all children are welcome. Calvary Camp is committed to providing an environment for kids to experience authentic connection while celebrating our differences. We are grateful for your support.

Faithfully yours,