Over the years, we have adapted and expanded our programs and facilities to meet those shifting needs and through it all, Westminster Woods has remained a second home for our community. Times change, people’s needs evolve, and the Church itself has reformed. While Jesus’ message of love remains our guiding light, the programs and services that Westminster Woods offers have been revised many times since our founding in 1946. Whether they’re entering our forest for the first time or have called it home for years, our participants share that they experience positive growth and authentic belonging guided by the love that flows through our programs. I am so grateful to be a part of this family and work side by side with them to love on the kids.”Įvery year we receive similar reflections from our community. This place is filled with so much love, and is a place where we can look past our own brokenness and that of others, which in turn allows us to openly receive healing with God. The Woods provides a safe haven for the broken-hearted and the lost, allowing them to feel like they belong somewhere. “The staff here are like family and the campers are able to sense that. I know I’m looking forward to what this summer, and the many to come, have in store for our children, our families, and our community.Ī Message from our Executive Director, Chris RhodesĪs we approach the end of the year, I want to share a reflection on the Woods from one of our summer staffers: If you would like to learn more about some of these changes, I encourage you to explore Westminster Woods newly updated Summer Camp page and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok to experience the incredible impact Westminster Woods is having on the lives of the youth and community we serve. It is us, it is our community, our love for one another and our love for Christ. The core of Westminster Woods will always be there. That even though there are big changes being made, it doesn’t mean we are giving up our beloved teddy bear or our fond memories of Sherwood Forest. However, to embrace that we need to come to terms with the fact that there are some things that the Woods has outgrown. I am excited for our children to get to experience a version of Westminster Woods that is tailored to and relevant to them in this new day and age. I am so excited to introduce this new iteration of summer programming to this community! I am excited about the new growth and fresh energy I see coming out of the Woods and its Leadership Team. And it's where I believe we are as the Westminster Woods community. Why am I emotionally attached to that pull string rabbit he got for his first birthday!? This can be a hard concept that we as adults also grapple with. I can’t lie, it’s not easy for me either. There have been a lot of reassurances that it is just toys you don’t play with anymore and “no we are not giving away Bear.” While he is super excited about all the new toys he got, he is still really attached to some of the things he has outgrown. You can maybe imagine that this has led to some push back and even some tears. I’ve spent the last couple days talking to my five-year-old about the necessity of choosing some of his old toys to give away so that we can make room for all the new toys he just got. Our Christmas tree is still up and, despite my best efforts, toys old and new are littered everywhere. And for some, this change may be surprising and even a little bit uncomfortable.Īs I sit down to write this letter to you, I sit amongst the happy chaos that is winter break at home with two young boys. I wish you all a Happy New Year! As many of you begin registering your children for camp this summer, you may notice that the programming at Westminster Woods this year looks a little different than many of us are used to. Pat Greco gave us a sneak peek of her upcoming article in AASA’s The School Administrator Magazine, inspired by the work we're doing with K12 district partners at El Dorado County Office of Education, Hemet Unified School District, and Glencoe School District 35.A Letter from our board president, Janine Valine We had an incredible morning at our AASA, The School Superintendents Association #NCE2024 private breakfast, connecting with visionary leaders who share our belief: investing in culture and people is key to success! □
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |