More than seventy years ago, Sheldon Calvary Camp was established as a place for children and young people to experience Christian faith.
The camp seeks to build a Christian community which nurtures friendship, models the acceptance of individual differences, and values all of God’s creation.
Each summer, the camp stives to live this mission, believing that faith is best learned in living together and modeling Christ’s love for one another.
In the summer of 2009, Calvary Camp served:
• 901 Coed Campers
• 275 Family Campers
• 50 Day Campers
• 65 Opportunity Campers (adults with disabilities)
There were two new program offerings this year. Ready, Set, Camp provided a three night introduction to camping for children 7- 12 years old. Ready, Set, Lead allowed a small group of teenage campers to focus on leadership development and community service.
 |
The Calvary Camp ministry extends far beyond the boundaries of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Our camper population currently includes children and young people from many parishes in Pittsburgh, as well as campers who belong to other denominations or traditions or live in other cities, states, or countries. This summer, campers were served from 25 states, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, and Italy. Staff members came from 8 states and from Spain.
The life of the camp is centered in Bishop Thomas Chapel, St. Michael’s by the Lake. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated 22 times and Compline was read on 17 weekday evenings. The Calvary Camp community celebrated 3 baptisms during Family Camp. This summer we also enjoyed an overnight visit from Bishop Johnson, who spoke to the campers of Coed IV during a weekday evening service.
 |
Leadership was provided by the camp directors: Tim Green, Executive Director, Anne Muhl, Administrative Director, The Rev. Leslie Reimer, Director of Spiritual Life, P. J. Williamson, Aquatic Director, and Caro Sturges, Program Director.
With their guidance, a staff of 70 young adults, including 19 staff-in-training, provided recreation, learning opportunities, nurture and care for the campers. The staff also included 6 kitchen staff, 1 doctor, 6 nurses, and a night watchman, keeping campers well fed, healthy, and safe.
Support and encouragement for the work of Calvary Camp comes from the camp’s committed and energetic Board of Directors: Lynn Ellenberger, President, Lewis Amis, Dr. Charles Atwood, Susan Carenbauer, Steven Conomikes, Elvira Eichleay, Normandie Fulson, Jessica Green, Timothy Greene, Colleen Kilbert, Lawrence Knapp, the Rev. Moni McIntyre, Cheryl Milford, the Rev. Scott Quinn, the Rev. Nathan Rugh, David Sharbaugh, Vanessa Sterling, John Strong, Gary Taylor, the Rev. Charles Weiss, and Bishop Robert Johnson, ex officio. The Rev. John Thomas is Director Emeritus.
Above all, in this time of transition and hope in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Calvary Camp values our long-standing role as the camping ministry of this diocese. We are glad to be among those joining together to create the Diocesan Youth Initiative. We are grateful for the support, both tangible and intangible, which we receive from the diocese, its parishes, and its people. We are committed to being a resource and a place of welcome.
Further information about the camp is always available on our website – www.calvarycamp.org.
By Timothy N. Green, Executive Director