Retreats
Since camp was first purchased, weekend retreats have been a constant source of enjoyment for congregations from New York City. The first retreat at camp was held in May of 1969. Camp hosted the youth groups from the city churches, with about 70 youth attending. Glad Tidings Mennonite Church held the first church retreat in July 1969.
Retreats allow congregations to slow down from the busyness of their normal New York City schedule and take the time to deepen their relationships. “It’s different than when you see people each week. You can slowdown and go deeper,” was a comment from a retreat attendee.
Camp offers time to celebrate lives together. The Bronx Garifuna Church has an annual men versus women soccer game. Immanuel Community hosts a Sunday evening talent show. Manhattan Mennonite spends Saturday morning in the gardens at Freedom Farm Community. Manhattan Garifuna hikes to the Back 40 before breakfast on Saturday morning. At camp, churches celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, baptisms. Many baptisms have taken place in the old and the new swimming pools over the years.
“Immanuel Community Church has enjoyed its annual retreat on Labor Day weekend through all its phases of existence (Redeemer Church, Elim-Redeemer, and Immanuel Community Church) for 25 years,” said Annabelle Perri. “The memories carried from young to old are made by people AND place. The consistency of the time and place brought out unforgettable experiences in people, between people, and in a people that are forever etched in our hearts. To this day even those who have long moved on remember Labor Day Weekend at Camp Deerpark.” A retreat group leader was heard saying, “More discipleship happens in a weekend at camp than in a year of church attendance.” Another person shared, “I can’t say what a place it has in my heart. It means a lot to our church.”
Currently Camp Deerpark can accommodate 117 overnight guests in a variety of rooms, including Spruce Lodge, motels, and four Promise Woods cabins.