We are just a few short weeks from the beginning of summer and the Hus Encampment is gearing up for another season of planting seeds in the lives of youth. There is no doubt the Hus Encampment which is now in its 49th summer of operation continues, like no other arm of the Brethren Church, to positively influence and impact the denomination as a whole and youth specifically with the Gospel and the Christian way of life.

Some prophetic words were written in the first history book of The Unity:

With continued blessing from the Lord and consistent support from the people and organizations of the Unity, it is a rather sure prediction that the Hus Encampment program will continue to expand and benefit the Unity in the years to come (page 133).

These words ring ever so true today. The Lord has blessed the Hus School and camp program, and there has been consistent support from the membership and organizations throughout The Unity of the Brethren. It is only right and fitting that we praise and thank God for the Lord’s touch on this ministry for so many years.

Thanks also ought to go to those of the denomination 50 years ago who overwhelmingly approved the concept and site (May 1955) and began the funding of what we today know as “The Camp.”  Many of those decision makers have now gone to be with the Lord, but their stepping out in faith has touched succeeding generations. No doubt the vision of a permanent home for Hus School as well as a place for other denominational functions was cast by many of those who had led Hus School through the years, particularly the early 1900s with the Hegars and Bartons; for the vision and ministry of these we are thankful. The need for a second permanent home in the 1950s and the passion of Rev. John and Mrs. Joyce Baletka who have continued to see to the constant improvement of facilities, programs, organization and staff have made the camp what it is today; this too does not go unnoticed and our thanks and praise to God.

But to stop here would be a great ommission. There have been many who have quietly and generously supported the camp with finances, time, and talents. There have been many many individuals who have served among the rank and file of the camp.

So thanks goes to all who have contributed financially for the operation of the encampment for the last 50 years. There have been numerous additions and improvements made to help make the facilities what they are today. Thousands of dollars have poured into the camp to provide facilities that now must meet state codes in order to operate.

In the past 49 seasons of the camp program there have been thousands of hours volunteered to make the camping experience what it has been and is today. Thanks go to each director, counselor, counselor-in-training, and camp pastor who has given of time and talents to the overall well being of each camp. Thanks go to camp nurses and caretakers as well as kitchen staff who have likewise made contributions to the overall camp life and experience.

This summer we will see the camp used in a couple of different ways.  New to the camp program this summer are a Confirmation Camp (youth who would like to be confirmed) and a Senior High Camp (age 15 and older) in addition to Alpha Camp (ages 9-10), Pioneer (age 11-12) Discovery (ages 13-14) and Hus School (ages 15 and older).  So truly the prophetic words of the late 1960s are reality today. Thanks be to God for the vision of still others today to see and ensure that the camp and its ministry positively influences this generation.

As we go into this 49th summer season let us covenant together to do the following:

• pray for the camps, its directors and staff that make each camp special and unique,
• encourage youth in your sphere of influence to attend the appropriate camp whether connected to the Brethren Church or not. The camp is a tool to reach those who do not know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior,
• offer transportation to and from camp,
• and last but not least give financial support directly to the camp.  Funds are needed to maintain and improve facilities; funds are needed to buy program materials and reimburse staff for camp expenses; funds are needed to pay for utilities and other useables.

$48,000 a year goes to operate the camp as the center or meeting hub of The Unity for items such as insurance, grounds upkeep, cleaning, maintenance and utilities, - electricity, gas & water  used by various denominational committees, groups and congregations. Brethren Fund covers a small part of what the camp needs and wisely uses. Camper fees cover still another part of the total operations, but not all.  Donations of congregations and individuals fill the gap.  The need for donations is all year long, but especially in the next few weeks as the camp gets into high gear, extra funds would go a long way in making this summer’s programs and activities memorable for those attending and positive in expanding and building up the Body of Christ.  Forward your checks made to the Hus Encampment to:
     Rev. John Baletka
     P.O. Box 614
     Caldwell, TX  77836.