Welcome to the 2008 session of Bay Shore's camps for Children and Youth. The question is always asked, "What do you do at church camp?" I usually answer that we play games, make new friends and reconnect with old ones, we build skills and confidence levels in many different areas, and expose kids to things they probably haven't done before like canoeing, riding a zipline, etc. So far this list could describe any camp around the nation. What makes "church camp" and especially Bay Shore unique is that these activities are not ends unto themselves, but a means to an end, which is to connect them to the power source of the universe.

Our theme for this year, taken from Isaiah 40:29-31, talks about TAKING FLIGHT. Our ultimate goal is, that in the midst of all the fun that happens at camp, for individuals to connect up with the source of strength that allows them to "run and not grow weary, to walk and not grow weak, to fly as high as eagles". Church camps are an excellent way to make that connection using all of those fun tools mentioned above as well as study and worship.One of the things we often hear campers state as one of their favorite activities at camp is that "Tabernacle Time" or worship ranks right up there with the games, zipline, and canoeing. This is an affirmation that we're living out Bay Shore's mission statement of being a place where heritage, progressive thinking, sanctuary, fun and stewardship all meet in one place.Therefore, we invite you to come join us this summer, to test out your wings and TAKE FLIGHT on this wonderful journey that God has set before us. I look forward to greeting you and joining together in this great adventure of life in Christ.

In Christ,

Mike Coffey, Bay Shore Executive Director