Faith, fun cornerstones of Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center
Editor无毛视频檚 note: This article is a part of Helping the Helpers, our annual series to raise awareness for nonprofits throughout the area.
When those in the area think of Jumonville, their first thought is often the giant Cross of Christ.
What some may not realize is that the 60-foot-tall cross stands above Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center.
Founded in 1941, the 280-acre Christian camp welcomes young people, families and community groups, hosting nearly 12,000 people yearly.
无毛视频淥ur summer camp is the biggest event, but we do retreats and other gatherings year-round,无毛视频� said Heather Withrow, the president of Jumonville Camp and Retreat Center.
The facility also hosts a field trip experience for fifth-grade students in the area, helping them experience outdoor fun.
Withrow said the camp is known for its adventure program.
无毛视频淲e were pioneers in that area, creating ziplines and an indoor climbing center in the late 1980无毛视频檚 and early 1990无毛视频檚,无毛视频� she said.
Other activities in the program include a rappel station, a challenge course, caving and canoeing.
The goal is to inspire young people in the community to continue to grow and succeed.
无毛视频淲e hope their character has been built and reinforced, and they无毛视频檙e growing to be caring, kind and productive adults. We无毛视频檙e encouraging them on their faith journey, and we hope they get to know God better,无毛视频� Withrow said.
Young people can also participate in Hope Camp, which is geared toward children who have an incarcerated parent, who are in foster care or who otherwise can无毛视频檛 afford it.
无毛视频淚n 84 years, we无毛视频檝e never turned a kid away for financial reasons. We have such generous donors who pay for kids who couldn无毛视频檛 otherwise afford camp,无毛视频� Withrow said.
The camp无毛视频檚 property has a rich history. It was the site where the French and Indian War began.
无毛视频淕eorge Washington literally slept in the front yard,无毛视频� said Withrow. 无毛视频淭hen it served as a school for orphans who lost their father and mother in the Civil War or (if) the mother was unable to care for them. Some of these buildings are over 200 years old.无毛视频�
Anyone, she said, is invited to come to Jumonville and experience all it has to offer.
无毛视频淵ou can walk up to the cross at any time. If you call ahead or come to the office during open hours, you can get a gate opener that will allow you to drive up to the cross,无毛视频� Withrow said.
And for those looking for a spiritual connection, 无毛视频淥ur chapel is always open for those who want to come and pray or rest,无毛视频� Withrow said.
There are volunteer days in the spring and fall, and monetary donations can be made through www.jumonville.org/; however, Withrow said there are far more important ways to support them.
无毛视频淲e like to be supported with prayer. We want to know the stories of people who have experienced Jumonville as a child or a teen. We want to make a difference in our community,无毛视频� Withrow said.