Overcoming Challenges In Northern New England Ministry.

A group of pastoral couples gathered together for a time of encouragement and connection on November 2nd in Claremont, NH. 

25 to Life is an initiative to support and encourage longer ministries in northern New England. One of the ways the Gospel is spreading in this region is through pastoral families who commit to serving their communities in a way similar to community missionaries. This style of ministry has joys and challenges and 25 to Life exists to encourage and support families as they work through these particular challenges.

One of my favorite times at camp is meal time. The home cooked food is good; seeing all the campers together is even sweeter! The shared energy of 200 people in the dining hall puts a smile on my face. Campers come up and share with me about their day or just to check in. One day, a young 7-year-old camper shared how she quiets her heart.  “I do the five.” “The five?” I asked. “Yes, I run my left pointer finger from the bottom of my right hand to the tip of each finger 5 times. I breath in a deep breath and breathe out slowly.” Dorinda (our administrative assistant) and I looked on with amazement. I asked, “Who taught you this?” “Me” she said, “I made it up!”

Moments at camp are life changing. Sentinel programs are Bible study theme based with staff and volunteers who give of their time to walk alongside the campers in the beauty of God’s Creation. The outdoor environment is unique. Sentinel’s grounds are unmatched with 629 acres, and a mile of waterfront; Sentinel creates a quiet place for people to reflect on life and make positive life choices.

We thank the LORD and give Him all the Glory. 2019 continued a 14-year consecutive enrollment increase with 756 campers coming to the grounds. This growth happens because people feel welcomed and parents feel safe choosing Sentinel as the pace for their children to deepen their understanding of who God is personally. Ministry happens through the stillness of the grounds and the dedication of 36 summer staff and 15 volunteer camp pastors, worship leaders and wellness professionals who serve.

Most campers are local from New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine and others come from other states and countries including Germany, Columbia and China. Sentinel is a place for everyone, that is why we welcome foster children and specifically 18 children from the angel tree – a program for children of parents who are incarcerated. One of the children told me the quote above.

Sentinel Lodge is open year-round and this year we will serve over 50 church and school groups. Sentinel supports ministry families through personal and family retreats. The Wixson Ministry Retreat has welcomed 140 guests at 150 nights so far in 2019 – offering Pastors and their families a place of rest and refreshment.

We ask for your continued prayers and missions support to help children attend camp and help with the ministry. The support of our friends and churches is important to the work we do together. Please consider a gift of support to help us finish the year strong as we look forward to 2020. You can help through support:  

$200        A week of day camp for a local child in need                  
$500        A week of overnight camp                                                      
$1000    Sports equipment for the summer
$2000     The salary of a summer staff member                                                 
$2500     The electric bill for July or August
$5000    Healthy meals for a week during the summer

Sentinel is a place where we say “Yes” to families in financial need to attend summer camp. We believe through ministry partnership; Relationships are Built and Lives are Changed. Thank you for standing with us in ministry!

See you on the mountaintop,
Kevin Van Brunt “Pk”
Executive Director, Camp Sentinel

Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a welcoming environment for Christian relationship building and spiritual renewal. Within the stillness of God's creation and through the guidance of the staff, people are moved from discovery into authentic relationships with others and with Jesus Christ.

(603) 539-4839                                 
29 Sentinel Lodge Road
Center Tuftonboro, NH 03816                   
www.campsentinel.org

We are excited to host Winter Camp at Sentinel and would welcome you and your friends!  Winter Camp is different at Sentinel: it is intentional and purposeful. We will explore what it means to "Walk in Confidence" as Pastor Scott lead us for this teen intentional time together.  We will enjoy winter activities to promote team building and other winter fun!

Here is some information on program:    

(WC) Winter Camp $100 Ages 12-16
This high energy weekend is all the excitement of traditional camp in a fun winter setting. Campers sleep in Sentinel Lodge in warm and cozy bunk-style rooms. Winter camp consists of team games, winter activities, and a theme-based Bible study. This is sure to be a weekend you won't want to miss! Friday dinner-Sunday lunch included. Youth groups welcome.

Friday, January 17th 6pm – Sunday, January 19th 2pm

​Sign up here: https://www.campsentinel.org/camps or youth groups (of 5 or more) may email admin@campsentinel.org. Space is limited, sign up today!

March 20-21st, 2020

Central Association Annual Meeting - December 20th at 8:15am - The Fort (exit 18 on I-89)

Lakes Association - Christmas Celebration - Clergy and families gather at camp Sentinel on December 20th from 4:00 to 6:00pm.  Fun, food and fellowship!

Northwest Association - December 10th at 9:30am - First Baptist Church, Burlington, VT

Southeast Association - December 10th at 8:00am - First Baptist Church, Exeter, NH

Southern Association - Meeting weekly on Thursday mornings at 8:30am - Blake's restaurant on S. Main St. on the West Side of Manchester

Southwest Association -  December 19th at 9:30am - Location to be determined

Monadnock Association - Not Meeting in December

Women Ministrial Leaders - Not Meeting in December
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