What’s going on 2001-2005 Pines staff alumni!
To start, I’d like to take y’all back in time, a magical time, 2001. Apple introduced iTunes, Wikipedia launched, boy bands ruled TRL and the airwaves, Harry Potter made his film debut, and most importantly the greatest generation of Camp Counselors began their tenure. In a time when technology was just starting to take off, this group of rag tag men and women were taking to the bustling metropolis of Big Sandy to keep the first things first. Rustic cabins, VHS tapes of the Sandlot, music, skits good old fashion fun. The male staff was “Bonded for Life” the female staff started their “OIX” sisterhood. There has never been a stronger group of men and women brought together to share their love of Jesus and the Bible. This was the group that inspired generations of future counselors and campers. As Sir Isaac Newton once said, I see all before me because I stand on the shoulders of giants.” We learned from the past and prepared for the future.
Now look how far we have come!
Did you know that The Pines welcomed over 3,100 campers this summer? This is an incredible increase from 25 years ago. Unfortunately our infrastructure has not kept up the same pace. Yes, we’ve added some great spaces. However, until you witness closing ceremonies or mass these days when we are busting at the seams for even the pavilion or the cathedral, you might not understand. Can you imagine showers at night taking hours due to limited bathhouse space (let’s be real these were difficult to schedule even then with fewer campers all those years ago). How about trying to schedule 300 campers a week to get time in the pool or on the blob? There are now shifts for Paradise/Canteen! We’ve simply outgrown our current facilities and we need your support to ensure camp continues to be a place of faith, fun, and friendship for eras to come.
The traditions are all still there. Bonfire, cabin calls, Winner’s Circle, Power Club, CITs, prayer service, counselors being silly, kids letting loose, everyone growing in their faith, and building friendships that will last a lifetime. Join us as we work to keep this legacy alive by supporting The Pines on North Texas Giving Day. There will be prizes for the era that brings in the most…but as this era knows, the only thing that matters besides giving camp what it needs, are the bragging rights! Let’s go be great.
Gosh, where to begin? My time at The Pines was a formative one in so many ways: helping to shape the person I am today, and the faith I lean on daily. Now I get to drop off my kids each summer and pray that they have the deeply moving experiences I had in that sandy 300 acres where so many of my best memories were formed. From singing with Steve Angrisano to walking the dark path up to the Summit, from trying out the ropes course for the first time and getting certified to run it, from cleaning up the dining hall as support staff while belting out Aerosmith (IYKYK) to planning theme weeks and activities, it always centered on "how can we bring campers into an encounter with Christ?"
When you step onto the campgrounds, you can feel the Holy Spirit's presence. And when my kids sing the songs that I learned years ago, you can feel that presence at home! Today is North Texas Giving Day: join us to contribute funds that will keep The Pines strong, beautiful, happy, and filled with the Holy Spirit! Giving young children and teens the incredible foundation to build a lifelong faith in Jesus Christ that we were so so lucky to have!