Building on our strengths...to raise us to new heights
2007... It’s been a year
of ‘infrastructure’ issues but, that will soon be behind us. It is with great
joy that we are almost finished connecting a 30,000 gallon water tank that
supports our Fire Protection System; that we have a viable solution to our waste
water treatment plant that is nearing completion in December; and that we are in
our final phase of our Level 4 Review with Polk County. With these three issues
resolved we will be poised and ready to further advance on the vision of the
Lake Aurora master plan.
At the close of our fiscal year in September, the Board of Trustees felt it was
time to move forward on the Hillside Campus Expansion. The Lake Aurora engines
are ‘revving’ waiting to take advantage of the next opportunity and to enlist
others to ‘get on board’ with their gifts of time, prayer and of course, money.
The Hillside Campus Expansion will develop in phases. Phase I will be the large
assembly/play pavilion which will be known as “The Hammock”. Phase II will be
the pool/water structure known as the “Aurora Adventure Lagoon”. Once the
meeting space for this campus is adequately addressed we can then proceed, as
funds allow, to build the additional six cabins.
Wow... When God is your partner, make your plans BIG!
29 Golfers raised over $28,000 gross on October 8th at Grasslands Country Club in Lakeland. These funds are designated to the first phase of the “Aurora Adventure Lagoon and Play Pavilion Hillside Expansion” which will be the large assembly building, known as “The Hammock”. It is exciting that the funds generated will help us with our initial steps of engineering and design to get this project underway. The completion of this first phase will allow for growth of our Hillside cabins as we will have a place for several hundred people to meet. It will also provide the opportunity to reach out to the elderly and disabled due to the climate controlled space and sidewalks.
The 2008 theme "Unleashed...Here I am", is the last of our three year "Un" progression. The 2006 campers were "unplugged" from the "noise" of the world to hear God's voice for their life. 2007 campers experienced the "unveiling" of God's truth and in 2008 it is our goal to "unleash" campers to go into the world and change it for Christ!
Camp offers a unique setting to bring campers back to His creation, His surroundings, and the beauty of building relationships.
1,641 campers participated in 29 programs over the 9 week summer in 2007. Over 388 volunteers contributed to the success of the programs. 205 life changing public decisions were made of which 127 were decisions to begin their walk with the Lord in baptism.
One camper said "...by the way I enjoyed camp this year it was so much fun. I loved devotions and the meals were great."
One parent said "I just wanted you to know that your staff and camp are wonderful. When I was growing up my best friend went to your camp and always had a great time. It is so great to know that some things in this life stay the same. Thank you for a great experience for my son. I do appreciate it."
It has been said that it takes three years to fully understand the unique operation of a camping ministry. It takes the first year to experience and see all the aspects of the year round programming. The second year to participate in a lead role and the third year to really feel comfortable and be able to lead and develop new programs.
Mark completed his first year on August 8, 2007. He has been "drinking from a fire hydrant" as he says, for the last year regarding the varied and vast aspects of the Lake Aurora ministry. He is excited to step into this second year and provide direction in accomplishing the vision of the Lake Aurora ministry.
Mark is no stranger to Florida. His family was faithful and active at First Christian Church of Orlando, and as a boy he began his Christian camping experience at LACC. Click here for a brief biography of Mark's life and his previous involvement with Lake Aurora.
Aurora Adventure Lagoon, an inclusive aquatic experience. This project is "Phase II" of our current campus development as we identify needs, donors, and timelines. This facility will insure a safe and fun aquatic experience for all campers and will be 'trans-generational" to help build relationships between the generations. Most importantly it will help minister those with special needs by providing facilities that are accessible to all.
Check out the Calendar page for links to upcoming programs. There are lots of ways to have a 'Lake Aurora experience' all year long!
We focus on adults in the winter/spring months so find a place for you to plug in at the Teachers' Retreat, Men's Retreat or Women's Retreat. Each of these retreats had outstanding evaluations. Mark your calendar for 2008. You won't want to miss it!
The Hillside Campus
is a tremendous part of both our year round ministry and our summer
programs. Around our state, funding
programs are in place for 9 of the 11 Hillside
Campus
cabins. When completed, this campus will serve another 1,000
kids each summer, not to mention the opportunities for
family and small retreat groups throughout the year.
And it does not stop there -- our churches are growing and so
must we. The Tent Peg Program began our financial bedrock on which
we built the Dining Hall and Ministry Center. A fresh approach to partnership possibilities
is through the
'Aurora Lights'. The assurance of receiving a
designated dollar amount every month will allow for the freedom to focus our
efforts on ministry and campus improvements as well as help eliminate the shadow
of debt.
Campers and counselors are thrilled with the new campus. Please look at the list below and encourage the churches in your county to sponsor a cabin.
As of December, 2007 the following counties have donated...
Polk/Highlands - "Philip" Cabin - $113,255
Lee/Collier
- "Bartholomew" Cabin - $96,280
Cape Coral, Northside - "Thomas"
- $80,000
Manatee/Sarasota/Charlotte/Hardee/Desoto-
"John"
Cabin - $63,182
Osceola/Orange/Seminole - "Simon"
Cabin-
$52,208
Hillsborough - "Andrew" Cabin -
$50,758
Hernando/Citrus/Sumter/Pasco/Lake -
"Matthew"
Cabin - $32,016
Brevard/Indian River/St Lucie - "James"
Cabin- $24,557
Leaders Cabin - "Peter"
Cabin - $2,920
Cabin sponsorships of $75,000 includes construction and infrastructure, and sponsors can participate in naming the cabin. Some of the cabins are duplex in nature and would allow for two sources to team up in sponsoring a cabin. Opportunities for recognition of gifts exists for plaques inside each cabin. (Cabin furnishings of beds, tables and chairs will be an additional $5,000 per cabin.)
They are a
s follows:
Level One -
Faithful Contributor $1,000 - $7,499
Level Two -
Second Mile Contributor $7,500 - $14,999
Level Three
- Above and Beyond $15,000 and up
Each cabin will be equipped for wheelchairs and the enclosed pavilion will seat 250 people. Meeting spaces for this campus are at a premium so we must address this area first with "The Hammock" and then progress as funds allow to build the additional six cabins. This campus will not only allow us to accommodate another 540 summer campers over the course of the summer, but will also allow us to host programs for couples, families, seniors, and an alternative base for local church leadership retreats.
Below is the Lake Aurora site plan for current and future growth.
The brick Memory Walk is growing! So far, we have over 150 bricks sandblasted with names. What a great way to remember someone by "writing it stone". Capture memories and encourage those who follow on their walk with Christ. We place orders for engraving quarterly, February, May, August & November.
01/08
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