Why Cherokee Retreat Center?

It occurs to me, as I finish these blogs, that some of you may be wondering: why, when there is so much need in the world, are they focusing on making our own PCUSA retreat center nicer? Why aren't those people out clothing the naked or feeding the hungry? (Go ahead: admit it!)

So I thought I'd take a few minutes to brief you on recent events at Cherokee Retreat Center (CRC).

This facility was - and still is - designed to provide both a summer camp experience and a retreat for all members of the Cherokee Presbytery (which includes FPC and about 39 other churches). In addition, it's also there for those outside the Presbytery who are seeking a faith-based Christian camp or retreat experience. Currently, CRC provides summer camp for over 500 children aged 2nd grade through college. It also currently serves as a facility for several small and large groups. This summer CRC will provide a day camp for families who need childcare during the summer months.

In the past, the government of our church has financially supported CRC with over $100,000 as part of the Presbytery's annual budget. The camp has been responsible for the remaining 80% of it's own operating budget and has annually met that responsibility. This year (2009), the Presbytery has had to cut it's financial support of CRC by almost 70% and is only able to provide $50K to the center leaving more than a $50K gap in income.

Obviously, CRC will not be able to continue in operation, until that gap is closed. In order to close that gap, they must increase revenue. In order to increase revenue, they must be more competitive in the camp and facility rental business. In order to be more competitive, their site, buildings, programs and activities must be improved.

After nearly 50 years of barely scraping by - with little or no support for it's staff of TWO - CRC has to get themselves operating without our Presbytery's long-term financial support.

The folks at CRC say it best: CRC’s unique purpose is to provide an environment where people of all ages can retreat from the secular world, grow in authentic Christian faith, be transformed by the Spirit and return to transform the world of their daily lives."

In essence, without places like CRC, there might not be Mexico Missions - because CRC is where those who lead the Mexico Mission go to take refuge, to dream, to strengthen themselves to lead.

Without CRC, there could be kids who NEVER get to go to camp. Because of the support of our Presbytery, Camp Cherokee (a division of CRC) has been able to keep its camp costs to nearly 1/3 of the price of most sleep away camps.

Without places like CRC, there might not be youth who grow up to travel to Russia - because without a Christian camping experience, they might never have learned that they could bond with strangers over a common cause.

Without places like CRC, would there be a place that families could commit to mission work together? Where kids, as young as 6 can learn how to contribute and how to serve.

Maybe the question, instead of "why Cherokee Retreat Center," might be "why NOT Cherokee Retreat Center?"

Read the posts below to learn more about our most recent mission week at CRC.

Posted by Becky Jordan