Dr. Tommy Mitchell, featured speaker during Spruce Lake's Family Week 1, July 9-15, presented a passionate case for trusting the biblical accounts of creation and the hope for life that springs from those scriptures.

Dr. Mitchell is a scientist, physician and speaker for the Answers in Genesis ministry, which defends the creation accounts in Genesis as God's complete, descriptive truth. He offered compelling reasons for trusting the Bible as a whole throughout the week's seven presentations that included sessions on "Why Genesis Matters," "Noah's Ark and the Global Flood," and "A God of Suffering?"

Family Week 1 participants also enjoyed inspirational concerts by Higher Ground and the Franz Family, along with a coffee house with music by Tom Post, Jr. and a family contra dance called by local musician Peter Taney.

Photo: Dr. Tommy Mitchell defends a literal six-day creation during Spruce Lake's Family Week 1.

Jessica Kline of Newmanstown, PA, and Dianne Hayes of Phillipsburg, NJ, are winners in Spruce Lake's recent weekend giveaway drawings through radio station WBYN. The radio spots highlighted Spruce Lake's summer Family Weeks and Weekends, and invited listeners to submit their reasons why they would want to come to Spruce Lake. The winners were selected at random. Stay tuned to WBYN, 107.5, Boyertown, PA, for more about Spruce Lake throughout the year.

SOOP volunteers Ferne and Marcus Lehman will be serving at Spruce Lake through mid-September. The couple had noticed the listing with Service Opportunities for Older People (SOOP), and when Marcus attended Spruce Lake's Men's Retreat this past January, he pushed the idea along further. Spruce Lake seemed like the right choice, and they arrived the week of June 15 from Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA. Ferne will be assisting front office staff, and Marcus will work in maintenance. The Lehmans participate in the life of Lauver's Mennonite Church, Richfield, PA.

PHOTO: Marcus and Ferne Lehman arrived in June just in time for the staff farewell gathering for the Musselman family. (see the next news item below.).

Maria and Doug Musselman, who have served at Spruce Lake for approximately 18 and 15 years respectively, will be moving at the end of June, 2010, from the realm of camping to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Doug's training and expertise in environmental science and ecology has been a great asset over the years as he served as an outdoor education instructor, staff ecologist and landscaper. He communicated his love of plants and animals with hundreds of school children, and was a knowledgeable, patient teacher.

Maria had cheerfully volunteered on summer staff long before serving full-time in almost every area at one time or another -- food service, maintenance, lifeguarding and housekeeping. Their children -- Lydia, Rachel and Jacob -- all grew up at camp with its many benefits of community and the woodlands for playing in.

The Musselmans look forward to being closer to family and await new opportunities in the Lancaster area.

PHOTO: Doug and Maria are pictured here with Dawn and Herb Lantz in the background. The Lantz couple has also served at Spruce Lake for more than 10 years.

Guests came to Spruce Lake's spring Open House Sunday, May 23, to have a good time, to enjoy a fun picnic and to visit with friends. Even though the prospect of rain moved most activities indoors (though it didn't rain, after all), there was an upbeat feeling in the air, just the same. Old friends greeted one another with hearty hugs, and friends new to Spruce Lake were warmly welcomed and given plenty of opportuntiies to explore the grounds. Here are a few photos from the afternoon:
(1) Patsy Miller and her grandchildren sign up for some afternoon activities:
(2) Friends greet each other at the registration table.
(3) Staff naturalist Jana Atwell shows Hannah the Hawk to Open House guests.
(4) Guests visit inside the Program Center during dessert (ice cream sundaes).
(5) Board member Robert L. Bergey and his wife, Elizabeth talk with Terry Derstine (R), Spruce Lake's Advocate and president of Executive Promotions/Geiger.

Spruce Lake's recent "hard-copy" newsletter, Reflections, featured an intentionally placed grammatical mistake that many people make in everyday writing. It has even been seen in newspapers and on the occasional public sign! We offered a pint of maple syrup to the first caller with the correct answer.

Virginia Close (known as Ginny) from Schwenksville, PA, was the first and only caller to identify the hidden error. Several other callers gave us a run for our money, so to speak, as we even had to do a bit of research on those!

The correct mistake that Ginny identified was found on page seven, in the sentence, "As we maximize it's full potential, we can meet your needs and communicate ...." The word, it's, should be its, because it is not a contraction for the words, it is.

The contest provided us with a bit of fun. We thank all who participated in the contest by calling us with their answers.

The Barrett Township Concerned Citizens group awarded Spruce Lake a Certificate of Participation April 24th for helping with road clean-up efforts during the Barrett Township Community Clean-Up Day and the Great Pennsylvania Clean-up. The award coincided with Earth Week activities in Barrett Township, the beautiful area in which Spruce Lake is located.

Staff who volunteered to pick up road litter in April for this effort were Doug Musselman, Grace Nolt, Celine Krummell and her husband, Rich.

These staff, along with Topher Maddox and the Tom Swartley family, will also be volunteering for Pennsylvania's Adopt-A-Highway program, of which Spruce Lake has been a part for several years. Spruce Lake's adopted section, kept clean by staff, includes Long Road and Rt. 447 all the way up the mountain to the Pike County line.

A century of research by the Center for Summer Learning shows that all studetns lose academic ground over summer, and even the best schools may not be enough to guarantee academic achievement.

Summer camp, however, can be that link in the channel of success!

The camp setting is the ultimate experiential classroom, wrote Marla Coleman in the March/April issue of Camping published by American Camping Association. At camp, Marla continued, children "learn a different set of R's -- Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness and Resilience." Youth development research is clear that children cannot become successful adults without achieving these three R's.

"Because Spruce Lake's purpose is to point people toward Christ," said Spruce Lake's Wilderness Camp Director Eric Kauffman, "these alternative R's are really a natural part of our Wilderness Camp experience."

First of all, our counselors try to set up an atmosphere of trust and responsibility in each tent group, so campers can speak openly and learn how to live in close proximity with others for a week. Here, campers also learn to respect others, take responsibility for their choices, and are encouraged to be creative in solving problems or challenges -- attitudes and skills that will last for life!"

Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp is accredited by American Camp Association.

Jordan Chang will be on Spruce Lake's summer staff team for the very first time in 2010, yet this will also be his 14th summer of service at Spruce Lake with the disability ministry, Joni and Friends! Here's the story in his words of how these experiences have changed his life:

I am really excited about having the opportunity to spend my summer at Spruce Lake! I am currently a first-year graduate student at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, working toward my doctorate in Physical Therapy. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise from Virginia Tech in May, 2009.

I have been volunteering with Joni and Friends at Spruce Lake since 1997 -- this will be my 14th year! My time with Joni and Friends at Spruce Lake is a big reason for my pursuing a career as a physical therapist. The families whom I have had the opportunity of service are the reasons I keep coming back!

I feel blessed that Adult & Family Ministries Director Eric Horst approached me with the opportunity to be on the Spruce Lake staff this summer. I'm excited about getting on the inside of the operations at Spruce Lake after spending a good part of my past 14 summers there. I'm looking forward to the challenges, from teaching lessons to lifeguarding.

I'm also excited about being surrounded by other Christians whom I can learn from, be accountable to, and continue to grow alongside in my faith.

PHOTO: Jordan Chang is working toward his doctorate in Physical Therapy, a life direction resulting from his experiences at Spruce Lake.

The youth group from Clinton Frame Mennonite Church will be the first to take part in a newly developed voluntary service package designed by Spruce Lake's Adult & Family Ministries Director Eric Horst.

The group will pay a reduced rate for their stay, rather than volunteering in a direct exchange for meals and lodging. However, in return for their cost, Spruce Lake will provide the group with services that save their leaders time or effort, devotionals, music or leadership coaching, for example.

The youth from Clinton Frame Mennonite participate in a service adventure somewhere every other year. "We thought that Spruce Lake would be a place that could accommodate a group the size of ours," said youth sponsor Amy Springer. Approximately 50 youth plus leaders will arrive in July, with about 1/3 of the group volunteering their skills during Spruce Lake's July Family Week. The balance of the group will travel to Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church to help with community outreach.

This guest story was told to us recently by Sib Charles, Eastern PA Program Director of the disability ministry, Joni and Friends. Joni and Friends hosts three Family Camps each summer at Spruce Lake.

One moment 20 years ago, Dan Patterson was an active young man. But the next second, an accident rendered him quadriplegic!

About 11 years after the accident, Dan and his wife, Barb, attended their first Family Camp at Spruce Lake with Joni and Friends. There he was hit by another life-changing moment.

Dan had agreed to contribute a song for that week's upcoming Talent Show. The show is a big deal; it's an opportunity for everyone, of every ability, to showcase something unique and special that they can do.

However, the only Christian song he knew well enough to offer was the hymn, "How Great Thou Art." The afternoon before the event, Dan rolled his chair down the lawn and settled in by the barbecue pit to practice. As he sat there soaking up the sun's warmth, he started to sing his chosen song: "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee ...."

Just then, his voice which had been threatening to give out all day, became more hoarse than ever. It began to dawn on him that, even though he was losing his voice, he was finally beginning to understand the meaning of the words he was singing. He also realized that he would need God's help not just to get him through the show that night but to get him through life! So there by the barbecue pit, Dan took his first steps as a changed man.

Soon after that experience, Dan joined the choir at Calvary Church in Lancaster, PA. He began traveling with Joni and Friends staff to sing and share his testimony. He had the grand experience of singing the Lord's Prayer at his daughter's wedding. Wherever he went, Dan inspired people, always giving the praises to God. In a single moment, God was able to redeem even quadriplegia for bringing Dan closer to himself.

It was a sad yet happy day this past December 12, 2009, when Dan Patterson went home to be with Jesus. Along with the tears was celebrating for a new life without quadriplegia! There was also much rejoicing in the truth of that song Dan had practiced in the sunshine by the barbecue pit ... "Then Sings My Soul, My Savior God to Thee!"

PHOTO: Dan Patterson dressed up in a Mexican outfit for a Joni and Friends Talent Show at Spruce Lake.

Monday, April 12, 2010, was the first day in the office for Individual Reservations Coordinator Amy Carr. She replaces Lauri Celentano, who moved to Maryland closer to family.

Amy, who lives in Elmhurst, PA, is no newcomer to Spruce Lake, though. Son Rob (15) has been a Wilderness Camper for a couple of years, and this summer, daughter Emily (13) is looking forward to her first time at camp. Also, the private Christian school the children attend near Scranton, PA, Geneva School, has come to Spruce Lake Outdoor School on field trips. And last summer, Amy and her family were volunteers at Spruce Lake. "We had a great time!" she exclaimed with a cheery smile.

Amy had just begun the process of looking for some new work and when she heard of the opening, her husband encouraged her to apply.

"Camp was a big part of my life growing up," Amy said, "and being here reminds me of that!" Amy says she enjoys working with people -- her years as an art teacher and volunteer at Geneva School can prove that! She is also looking forward to the staff camaraderie and being able to offer a spiritual presence for others.

As Individual Reservations Coordinator, Amy will be in charge of all individual and events programming reservations and all seasonal campsite reservations.

PHOTO: Welcome Individual Reservations Coordinator Amy Carr!

Staff member Gordon Yoder recently told Executive Director Mark Swartley that the "Red Van is dead!"

The vehicle known as the Red Van had worked hard for a number of years, traveling many miles near and far on Spruce Lake errands and trips. It had been showing signs of wear and tear for some time, with increasing severe creakings and groanings coming from various body parts. Mark wondered what to do about that van every time he walked by it, parked in its spot next to Spruce Lodge.

Then he got a call that seemed like manna from heaven ...."Hello, Mark, we have a van here for you!"

The blue 15-passenger Chevy van was a larger vehicle than Mark had envisioned but it surely was an answer to prayer! The van was one no longer needed by Mennonite Disaster Service. It had been well-maintained inside and out, and even though the mileage was high, it had been running the open road for all those miles. There was no question in Mark's mind ... yes, yes, of course we'll take the van!

The timeliness of the offer is so amazing, as again God provides for our needs through his people!.

PHOTO: Spruce Lake's new blue Chevy van.

The building known as the Old Chapel is getting a facelift and a new purpose!

Located next to Lakeview Program Center, this building was once the home of the Outdoor School office on one half, and on the other, the worship sanctuary of Spruce Lake Fellowship, a Franconia Mennonite Conference congregation which used to meet on the grounds of Spruce Lake Retreat.

Since the Fellowship closed several years ago, the building was used as a backup meeting room but with some reluctance, as it was in distinct need of a touch-up.

So work began at the beginning of April, 2010, to renovate the interior. (The exterior had been repainted last fall.) The interior divider was removed so that now the entire room is spacious and open with windows for sunshine and breezes. A new drop ceiling and new carpet will be in place by next week, all making this an attractive, welcoming space for groups of up to approximately 100 people. The work will be finished by the end of this month.

By the way, the Old Chapel has a new name ... from now on, it will be known as Black Cherry.

PHOTOS: (1) The Old Chapel shows its new name. (2) Inside, the dividing wall has been removed and ceiling tile removed for a new drop ceiling. (3) A new support beam was crafted and put into place where the dividing wall used to be.

The Ten-Year Club of Spruce Lake Retreat recognizes staff who've served ten years or more, and enjoys a dinner out together every year. This spring, 2010, Lanee Kmieczak became the newest member of the group. Working part-time now that daughter Cameron has joined the family, Lanee is still serving as Wilderness Camp Program Manager. Previously, she also worked as a Spruce Lake Outdoor School instructor and as an administrative assistant for Lisa Ferrer, Outdoor School Director.

The group celebrated a pleasant evening together March 15th at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Restaurant along Lake Wallenpaupack, sharing good food, laughter and stories.

PHOTO: Here are Spruce Lake's Ten Year Club members, from left to right: Dawn Lantz, Maria Musselman, Herb Lantz, Lanee Kmieczak, Lisa Ferrer, Doug Musselman, Grace Nolt, Celine Krummell and Andy Trout. Missing from the photo are Jana Atwell and Dawn Flatt.

On March 8, 2010, Brian Espenshade stepped into his new role as Spruce Lake's Operations Manager. He will oversee retreat center housekeeping and custodial staff, and monitor guest recreational facilities, meeting rooms and audio-visual equipment.
Previously he'd served as Director of Operations and Program at Summit Grove, a Christian conference center in New Freedom, PA, and as Program Director at Merriwood Christian Camp in North Carolina.

Brian got his start in camping and retreat ministries through Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, and found out about Spruce Lake through Christian Camp & Conference Association events.

He and his wife, Lisa, both enjoy the outdoors — Lisa loves playing soccer and Brian enjoys hunting and fishing. Lisa's role for the time being at Spruce Lake is to be a stay-at-home mom for their two active sons, Kaden and Ethan.

PHOTO: We welcome the Espenshade family to Spruce Lake! From left to right, here are Brian and Lisa with their sons Kaden (4) and Ethan (2).

Stone Terrace renovations were finished in time for guests who arrived February 19th. The "family-in-residence" was the first to see and appreciate the refreshing updates to the building, especially the renovated showers and other bathroom fixtures. Always a "cute" and homey place of lodging, the building had nevertheless not received adequate attention over the years.

"Now I love taking staff through it!" said Facilities Director Steve Ykema. "It is life-giving for me to see their reactions."

Stone Terrace's largest room #50 has always a guest favorite because it is the only room on the grounds with its own fireplace. Now, with its refinished hardwood floor, new furniture and the fireplace, it may become our "honeymoon suite."

PHOTOS: These two pictures exemplify the contrasts of "before" and "after" renovations in Stone Terrace. (1) This is one of the rusting metal shower stalls prior to renovations. (2) Sparkling new showers, toilets, sinks and new cabinets have been installed in each bathroom.

After a hiatus of several years, Spruce Lake again plans to soon tap trees and let the sap flow this spring. Custodian Tom Swartley is now heading up the operation, which required relocating the sugarbush (designating new stands of trees for tapping), and installing new tubing.

For close to 10 years, Communications Coordinator Grace Nolt had been the "sugarmeister" at Spruce Lake, first learning from Elton Moshier who had pioneered maple sugaring at Spruce Lake in 1987. She enjoyed the outdoor work and the interest guests always had in learning about the process and, of course, tasting the syrup!

Maple syrup is not merely sweet; it's a pure, natural health food. Maple sap contains a healthy mix of calcium, manganese and other trace minerals, and when boiling off the water content, the resulting syrup is naturally sweet, nothing is added. It takes 40-45 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.

Now, Tom will again be promoting sugaring for guest groups, families and Outdoor School students. He is also looking forward to the task! As before, Spruce Lake's syrup will be sold at Oak Leaf Gift Shop, perfect for gifts or as a staple in your fridge.

PHOTO: In January, volunteers from Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite Church helped install new tubing for spring maple sugaring at Spruce Lake.

Six Spruce Lake Staff presented or co-led workshops at Christian Camp & Conference Association's Mid-Atlantic Sectional January 19-21, at Tuscorara Inn & Conference Center, Mt. Bethel, PA.

Outdoor Education Director Lisa Ferrer and instructors Rachel Erb, Connie Wismer and Simeon Paulson teamed up to present "Spiritual Outdoor Learning Opportunities" (SOLO) for engaging guests with the outdoors and opening their eyes to the spiritual truths inherent there.

Facilities Director Steve Ykema's workshop,"Proactive Maintenance Management," dealt with how to assess, prioritize, select, perform and plan for maintenance tasks before things "fall apart," and to learn to view the "same old site" with fresh new eyes.

Executive Director Mark Swartley, together with Mike Gehlert of Camp Conquest, addressed how to move staff through transition in their workship, "Err on the Side of Grace," based on their experiences in leadership in both secular and Christian settings. The team highlighted ways to respond correctly to conflict and transition..

Alexandra Ferrer was named Spruce Lake’s new Guest Group Coordinator effective December 11, a member of the Front Office team. She replaces Clarke Banta who has served several years in that role. Clarke and his wife, Regena, are moving to the Staunton,Virginia, area in January to be closer to “the kids” and their grandchildren. We thank Clarke for his enthusiastic spirit and personable style in relating with guests and staff

Alex, as she is happy to be called, lives just a few miles up the mountain in Greentown, PA, and looks forward to working in Spruce Lake’s Christ-centered, natural setting. As Guest Group Coordinator, Alex will be responsible for organizing, scheduling and implementing guest group reservations, while expressing her heart for Christian hospitality.She worked previously at a local resort and also as a nanny.

Alex comes with a bright smile and a warm heart. "I enjoy working with people and am looking forward to working with guests!" Alex said.

PHOTOS: Alexandra (Alex) Ferrer, our new Guest Group Coordinator.

Extensive interior renovations to Spruce Lake’s Stone Terrace cottage began December 2 with the help of a volunteer family group who literally tore the “guts” out of the building. Stone Terrace is a pretty little building but its age was seriously showing. (We're not sure when the building was built but we do know it was well before Spruce Lake started up in 1963.)

The work is expected to be completed by the end of January, with the demoliton work, windows and possibly other jobs being contributed by volunteers. The balance of the renovations will be finished by Spruce Lake staff. Once restored and refreshed, Stone Terrace will have new, modernized bathrooms in place, new furniture, new doors and windows and other fixtures. Room #50 will keep its uniqueness as the lovely room with the fireplace and will be even more pleasant then before with the modernizing it is receiving.

PHOTOS: (1) Old Stone Terrace furniture and fixtures temporarily tossed onto the lawn. (2)(3)(4) Volunteers tear out fixtures
and walls to prepare for extensive interior renovation work. (5) New doors are already hung as the project moves along.

Eric Kauffman has been appointed the new director of Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp, effective November 16, 2009.

Kauffman will move from his current role as Operations Manager for the retreat center. As Wilderness Camp director, he replaces Kent Kauffman (not related), who is moving to Virginia to become the Executive Director of Highland Retreat.

Eric Kauffman's passion for young people and his depth of experience -- as youth minister, assistanat camp director and adventure leader for at-risk yough, a trip guide, recreation leader, youth mentor and counselor -- will provide a solid foundation for Wilderness Camp leadership. His creativity and team-building skills will contribute to an already strong camp management team.

Currently, Kauffman is progressing toward a Masters in Practical Theology and Organizational Leadership from Regent University, VA. He has also earned a bachelor's degree in Bible and Recreation from Philadelphia Biblical University, where he received a President's Scholarship and Leadership awards and was on the PBU Dean's List.

Kauffman has volunteered as a counselor for young men at a local Pregnancy Care Center, mentored teens at the YMCA, and served as an assistant high school soccer coach.

"I see Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp as an exciting opportunity for campers and staff to step away from a comfortable, media-saturated life," Kauffman said, "into a setting where they can sense God in new ways."

"I have observed first-hand how summer camp can challenge and revitalize both campers and staff. As a couple (with my wife, Sarah), our passion has evolved into mentoring young adults toward an authentic and full relationship with Christ." Kauffman said. "Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp is an ideal environment for mentoring youth, and it provides a series of teachable moments as staff counsel and interact with campers."

Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp, in ministry since 1963, now serves over 1,000 young people ages 7-18 each summer, with about 140 campers per session, and over 100 young people ages 11-18 in off-site adventure trips to a variety of places in central eastern United States.

Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp is accreditated by American Camping Association and is a member of Christian Camp & Conference Assocation and Mennonite Camping Association.

PHOTOS: (1) Eric Kauffman, (2) Eric with his wife, Sarah.

Three willing people were each presented and confirmed for three-year terms of service on Spruce Lake's Board of Directors by members of Franconia Mennonite Camp Association at the October 19 meeting held at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School, Lansdale, PA. Each of these new directors comes with a passion for retreat and camp ministries, and Spruce Lake in particular.

Franconia Mennonite Camp Association is a body of individuals who care about and support Spruce Lake's ministries. One does not need to be part of an Anabaptist group to become a member of the Association. Persons selected for service with the Board do need to be Association members and active in an Anabaptist congregation.

First, we introduce Joanne Brenneman Spiegle, who is a physician and radiologist at Doylestown Hospital and its affiliates. She interprets all diagnostic radiology exams, subspecializing in CTs and MRIs. She is also a Doylestown Hospice and Keystone Opportunity Council supporter. Active in the life of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, she teaches Sunday School and is a small group leader and volunteer. She lives in Telford, PA, with husband Wayne, and children Elizabeth (Goshen College junior) and Rachel (Christopher Dock high school senior.)

Joanne's long history of involvement at Spruce Lake began with her parents, Paul ("Doc") and Grace Brenneman. Doc is a founding board member of Spruce Lake. Since then, Joanne spent time on Spruce Lake's staff, served as a volunteer and participated in many of our retreats.

Next is Merle Ressler, a leader of Spruce Lake's Hymn Sing Weekend for the past 25 years and frequent "resident" at their seasonal camper with his wife, Rosene, and daughters Kelsey and Ashley.His musical interests also have him directing the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Chorus for the past 21 years, and singing in the Weaverland Male Quartet for the past 10 years.

Merle is owner/partner of Fisher & Thompson, Inc., a dairy/milking company in Lancaster County, PA, employing 103 people for sales and service in Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

Our third new board member is Mike Ford, currently Senior High Youth Pastor at Franconia Mennonite Church, since 2007. For 11 years prior to that, he'd served Camp Hebron as Program Director.

Mike was our Wilderness Camp Fireside speaker for Navigators Youth Week in 2008, and with his wife, Valerie, has led Navigators Camp breakout sessions. He is also an occasional speaker at national and regional events for Christian Camp & Conference Association, and has served on the planning committee for Mennonite Camping Association.