The 2008 theme "Unleashed...Here I am", is the last of our three year "Un" progression. The 2006 campers were "unplugged" from the "noise" of the world to hear God's voice for their life. 2007 campers experienced the "unveiling" of God's truth and in 2008 it is our goal to "unleash" campers to go into the world and change it for Christ!
Camp offers a unique setting to bring campers back to His creation, His surroundings, and the beauty of building relationships.
We offered two more programs this summer over 2007. The
summer's complete ministry, including campers and volunteers, was 2,058
participants. That's up 49 participants over last year. God is good! Here is how
it breaks down:
1,635 campers participated in 32 programs over the 9
week summer in 2008. Over 423 volunteers contributed to the success of the programs.150
life changing public decisions were made of which 93 were decisions to begin
their walk with the Lord in baptism.
One camper said "...I'm having so much fun and everyone is getting along great. I made 2 new friends!"
One youth minister said said "Not only did they experience fun outdoor games like swimming, slime fights, dodge ball, archery and more, they also got closer to God through devotions and campfire sermons. Our volunteers had an incredible time building relationships with the kids and we can't wait to see how God uses that experience to 'change lives'."
One parent said "Please pass along to your staff that they are doing a wonderful job and that the parents are really enjoying seeing the pictures (on the website). They have eased my 'mommy worries' a lot!!!"
Building on our strengths...to
raise us to new heights
For the past two years Lake Aurora has been working hard to complete a critical project that had been hung up since the early 1990’s. Finally, it is completed! Having a camp on the Lake Aurora property is no longer an exception, but the rule.
The issues stem from the fact that a camp was established in 1947, but zoning was not adopted in Polk County until 1972. The Lake Aurora property was zoned for residential and agricultural use. In 1981 when the permit for the V. G. Gilbert building was applied for, we were told we were not zoned for a camp. We then applied for and, after public hearings, were granted a Special Use Permit. When we purchased the 50 acre citrus grove in late 1988 the camp was told it would now have to submit plans as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and list every building we ever intended to build, it size and location. This we did, and after more public hearings, were granted our PUD.
When Polk County adopted its Comprehensive Land Use Plan, it failed to designate the Lake Aurora property as Leisure/Recreation, thus creating issues for the camp as it expanded into property that was still zoned residential and agricultural. Now, after many years of work, considerable cost, and more public hearings, the Lake Aurora property, including all the pieces purchased separately over the years, have been classified as Leisure/Recreation.
This is especially significant since the camp is no longer subject to public hearings to continue to grow, expand, and simply do what it has been doing so well for over 60 years.
The Hillside Campus Expansion will develop in phases. Phase I will be the large
assembly/play pavilion which will be known as “The Hammock”. Phase II will be
the pool/water structure known as the “Aurora Adventure Lagoon”. Once the
meeting space for this campus is adequately addressed we can then proceed, as
funds allow, to build the additional six cabins.
When God is your partner, make your plans BIG... we are just taking smaller
bites to get us there!
It has been said that it takes three years to fully understand the unique operation of a camping ministry. It takes the first year to experience and see all the aspects of the year round programming. The second year to participate in a lead role and the third year to really feel comfortable and be able to lead and develop new programs.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.
The components that Florida Christians need in their camp and retreat center are
always critical and they make up our masterplan. The details of permiting,
funding and actual construction are always juggling in a delicate balance.
‘Infrastructure’ issues made this past year and fall a frustrating one but, as
the spring and summer proceed we are recognizing completion dates. It is with
great joy that we are almost finished connecting a 30,000 gallon water tank that
supports our Fire Protection System; that our waste water treatment plant was
completed and approved by DEP; and that we have completed our final phase of our
Level 4 Review with the State of Florida. We are now poised and ready to further
advance on the vision of the Lake Aurora masterplan.
Aurora Adventure Lagoon, will be an inclusive aquatic experience. This project is "Phase II" of our current campus development as we identify needs, donors, and timelines. This facility will insure a safe and fun aquatic experience for all campers and will be 'trans-generational" to help build relationships between the generations. Most importantly it will help minister those with special needs by providing facilities that are accessible to all.
Check out the Calendar page for links to upcoming programs. There are lots of ways to have a 'Lake Aurora experience' all year long!
We focus on adults in the winter/spring months so find a place for you to plug in at the Teachers' Retreat, Men's Retreat or Women's Retreat. Each of these retreats had outstanding evaluations. Mark your calendar for 2009. You won't want to miss it!
The Hillside Campus
is a tremendous part of both our year round ministry and our summer
programs. Around our state, funding
programs are in place for 9 of the 11 Hillside Campus
cabins. When completed, this campus will serve another 1,000
kids each summer, not to mention the opportunities for
family and small retreat groups throughout the year.
And it does not stop there -- our churches are growing and so
must we. The Tent Peg Program began our financial bedrock on which
we built the Dining Hall and Ministry Center. A fresh approach to partnership possibilities
is through the
'Aurora Lights'. The assurance of receiving a
designated dollar amount every month will allow for the freedom to focus our
efforts on ministry and campus improvements as well as help eliminate the shadow
of debt.
Campers and counselors are thrilled with the new campus. Please look at the list below and encourage the churches in your county to sponsor a cabin.
As of May, 2008 the following counties have donated...
Polk/Highlands - "Philip" Cabin - $114,905
Lee/Collier
- "Bartholomew" Cabin - $96,680
Cape Coral, Northside - "Thomas"
- $80,000
Manatee/Sarasota/Charlotte/Hardee/Desoto-
"John"
Cabin - $63,982
Osceola/Orange/Seminole - "Simon"
Cabin-
$52,708
Hillsborough - "Andrew" Cabin -
$60,758
Hernando/Citrus/Sumter/Pasco/Lake -
"Matthew"
Cabin - $32,456
Brevard/Indian River/St Lucie - "James"
Cabin- $25,599
Leaders Cabin - "Peter"
Cabin - $2,920
Cabin sponsorships of $75,000 includes construction and infrastructure, and sponsors can participate in naming the cabin. Some of the cabins are duplex in nature and would allow for two sources to team up in sponsoring a cabin. Opportunities for recognition of gifts exists for plaques inside each cabin. (Cabin furnishings of beds, tables and chairs will be an additional $5,000 per cabin.)
They are a
s follows:
Level One -
Faithful Contributor $1,000 - $7,499
Level Two -
Second Mile Contributor $7,500 - $14,999
Level Three
- Above and Beyond $15,000 and up
Each cabin will be equipped for wheelchairs and the enclosed pavilion will seat 250 people. Meeting spaces for this campus are at a premium so we must address this area first with "The Hammock" and then progress as funds allow to build the additional six cabins. This campus will not only allow us to accommodate another 540 summer campers over the course of the summer, but will also allow us to host programs for couples, families, seniors, and an alternative base for local church leadership retreats.
Below is the Lake Aurora site plan for current and future growth.
The brick Memory Walk is growing! So far, we have over 150 bricks sandblasted with names. What a great way to remember someone by "writing it stone". Capture memories and encourage those who follow on their walk with Christ. We place orders for engraving quarterly, February, May, August & November.
08/08
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