SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, October 18
The #GreatCampGive is a once-a-year, one-day, FUN-raising, FRIEND-raising, and FUND-raising online event. We’re celebrating 66 years of Camp Hanover ministry and sharing stories of campers, staff and all those who have been transformed and shaped because of camp. Together, we’re raising funds to Make Camp Happen next summer and keep Camp Hanover going strong!
#GreatCampGive
facebook.com/CampHanover
youtube.com/CampHanover
Twitter @CampHanover
Instagram @CampHanover
MATCHING & CHALLENGE FUNDS
This means when You donate,
Your Gift DOUBLES!
Several generous donors have come forward to pledge some amazing amounts for Matching and Challenge Funds.
Matching Funds are used to DOUBLE donations made during the #GreatCampGive. Your $10 gift is matched to become a $20 gift. When you give $100, your donation becomes $200.
Challenge Funds get unlocked as special milestones are reached and exciting challenges are completed by YOU during the #GreatCampGive.
Every Gift of Every Size Makes a DIFFERENCE!
We’re Counting On You!
Making a gift during the #GreatCampGive has become a favorite way many Camp Hanover fans show their support and make an incredible lasting difference through camp ministry. This fun-filled day starts at 6am on Wednesday, October 18 and continues to midnight. We encourage everyone to join together to celebrate the power of Camp, share their camp stories, reconnect with old friends, participate in one or more of the online challenges, and make their joyful gift. Together, how much can we raise to Make Camp Happen in 18 hours? The sky is the limit!
CAMPFIRES AROUND THE WORLD
Campfires Around The World on ZOOM begins at 8:00pm Eastern
Throughout the #GreatCampGive we hope to have a lot of fun, embracing camp traditions and laughing along with one another, through various challenges, activities and other online shenanigans. One special activity in the works is “Campfires Around the World” where we can all connect, at least virtually, around the campfire, give thanks to God and celebrate this wonderful place.
Together, we can continue to build community and connection through Camp, for those who need it most. Together we can “light the fire.” We can make “Camp” happen. In our hearts, even apart.
How To Particpate:
- Wherever you are, find a place to safely have a campfire. Maybe in firepit in your yard or in a fireplace. You could also make a flashlight fire, or simply light a candle.
- When you light your fire, remember to kneel always, and give thanks to God for the many gifts and blessings you have received. If you want to use the poem traditionally shared around the Camp Hanover Campfire, the words are below.
- Wear your favorite Camp Hanover T-Shirt.
- Share pictures or video of your campfire on Social Media. Include the hashtags #CampHanover, #GreatCampGive, and #CampfiresAroundTheWorld because that will make it easier for folks to see your campfire.
- Join the Camp Hanover livestream on ZOOM or on Facebook at 8:00pm. To participate on ZOOM, please sign up ahead of time.
Kneel Always…
Kneel always when you light a fire,
Kneel reverently and thankful be
for Gods unfailing charity,
And on the ascending flame inspire,
a little prayer which shall up bare
The incense of your thankfulness,
for the sweet grace of warmth and light
for here again is sacrifice for your delight.
Kneel always when you light a fire,
Kneel reverently and thankful be
for Gods unfailing charity.
Sharing the words above as you kneel and light your campfire are a Camp Hanover tradition. They come from “The Sacrament of Fire” by John Oxenham. You can find the complete poem below.
The Sacrament of Fire by John Oxenham
Kneel always when you light a fire!
Kneel reverently, and thankful be
For God’s unfailing charity,
And on the ascending flame inspire
A little prayer, that shall upbear
The incense of your thankfulness
For this sweet grace
Of warmth and light!
For here again is sacrifice
For your delight.
Within the wood,
That lived a joyous life
Through sunny days and rainy days
And winter storms and strife; —
Within the peat,
That drank the moorland sweet
Of bracken, whin, and sweet bell-heather,
And all the joy of gold gorse feather
Flaming like Love in wintriest weather, —
While snug below, in sun and snow,
Peat heard the beat of the padding feet
Of foal and dam, and ewe and lamb,
And the stamp of old bell-wether; —
Within the coal,
Where forests lie entombed,
Oak, elm, and chestnut, beech, and red pine bole, —
God shrined His sunshine, and enwombed
For you these stores of light and heat,
Your life-joys to complete.
These all have died that you might live;
Yours now the high prerogative
To loose their long captivities, —
To give them new sweet span of life
And fresh activities.
Kneel always when you light a fire!
Kneel reverently,
And grateful be
To God for His unfailing charity!