Initiatives

Initiatives are major areas of focus derived from Camp Deerpark’s Mission and Values.

Current Initiatives

Prayer, Word & Worship

Prayer, Word, & Worship are the center of Jesus-based practice and the root of vibrant Christian community and transformational living, creating experiences that flow from the Triune God’s presence which focus our work and launch us into sent-ness towards others.

Programs: Pastor’s Personal Retreat, Retreat

Stewardship

Stewardship is the acknowledgement and practice that everything belongs to God, and as his children in fellowship with Him and following the model of the Son, we are empowered to sustainably use all that is entrusted to us for the good of all He loves.

Programs: Forestry Stewardship

Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding is the nurture of the holistic thriving in the model of the Prince of Peace who creates shalom within us that is beyond comprehension so we can build the peace of the Kingdom with all creation.

Programs: Peace Camp, Pastor’s Personal Retreat

Discipleship & Leadership Development

Discipleship & Leadership Development is life-on-life practice to grow believers to be like Jesus and to live advancing the Kingdom by their gifts, so young and old alike are fully empowered to serve Christ at Camp, in the city, and beyond.

Programs: Summer Camp, Teen Discipleship

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How Do You Define Mission? 1

How Do You Define Mission?

By Ben Cheek | October 1, 2024

When somebody says “I’m on a mission”, what do you think of? If the word is said in church, what is the first thing that comes to mind? You may think of someone clutching a Bible in a jeep jostling down jungle roads. Or you cold be thinking of a caring staff at an remote…

A Special Request for Baby Vivian

By Ben Cheek | September 30, 2024

Serving God, while the greatest of blessings, is no guarantee that everything will go well in life. Tragedy, difficulty, and suffering can find any of us at any moment, and when it does, the people of God are essential in helping us navigate the valleys of shadow with Jesus by our side. Ben Gosnell came…

You Can Always Come Home 2

You Can Always Come Home

By Ben Cheek | September 12, 2024

In the pursuit of mission, I’ve moved around a lot as an adult. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t found a place since Mom and Dad’s house that I felt was mine — a place I could call home. If you find yourself longing for home, you’re in some pretty good company. It says in…

Map Makers Project 3

Map Makers Project

By Ben Cheek | August 29, 2024

Camp is a big place and we have some big plans. But this raises a big question: Just where is everything? In the past, we asked around and maybe somebody would know. Now, we’d like to get all that information down on a map. We’ll use it to maintain the grounds, plan maintenance projects, and…

Welcoming Wisdom: Cabin 2 Opens in Promise Woods 4

Welcoming Wisdom: Cabin 2 Opens in Promise Woods

By Ben Cheek | August 22, 2024

We’re very pleased to announce that Cabin 2 “Wisdom” is now open in Promise Woods for retreat groups and other guests. Wisdom is our 5th (of 6) bunk cabin to be completed and it sleeps 10 in the spacious bunk room and two more in the cozy bedroom. Like all of our camper-style cabins, it…

Homecoming $20k Match: Investing in Camp is investing in each other! 5

Homecoming $20k Match: Investing in Camp is investing in each other!

By Ben Cheek | August 22, 2024

When someone gives a gift to Camp, they’re not just supporting our organization. Their gift is actually an investment in the life of our community of churches. They are demonstrating their faith in the vision Jesus has of life together: that our fellowship has the power the change us and the world. In this faith,…

Signs and The Summer Camp High 6

Signs and The Summer Camp High

By Ben Cheek | August 20, 2024

Some people talk about “The Summer Camp High” as if it’s not real. I have to admit, I did too. It’s an easy target: people come back buzzing with energy and excitement and ready to be really spiritual and maybe even change the world. But by the time school starts again, where has all that…

Get Your Hands Dirty: Facilities Position Opening 7

Get Your Hands Dirty: Facilities Position Opening

By Ben Cheek | August 6, 2024

Camp is an amazing place for fellowship and ministry. But it only stays that way due to tireless and creative work of our dedicated Maintenance Staff. We’re looking for a Team Member who will take on the care of our buildings, equipment, and grounds as a ministry to the youth, families, and churches of New…

Reflection on 33 Years of Service 8

Reflection on 33 Years of Service

By Ben Cheek | August 2, 2024

Ken Bontrager has been away from Camp for a few months now enjoying semi-retirement in Florida. He spent a bit of this time happily mowing a golf course while he reflected on his time in New York. Ken will be back with us at Homecoming on September 7. We’ll have a special time to connect…