Case for support
For more than forty years people – especially youth and children – have made their way to Krislund’s wide expanse of green, its woods, streams, and trails. While it is great summer fun – it is much more. Significant life-shaping experiences occur as self-awareness is shaped in one’s relationship to God, nature, and others. Meeting the challenges of nature and environment often serve to enrich self-esteem, leadership potential, and the value of community. Scripture – and the stories, songs, and tenets of faith – can also be heard in fresh ways in the setting Krislund affords.
Nurture and Discovery
The mission of Krislund Camp and Conference Center offers persons of every age year-round opportunities to know Jesus Christ as Savior and to respond to Him as Lord through Nurture in Christian faith and life, based upon study of Holy Scripture under the guidance of Christian men and women and through Individual and group discoveries and experiences, utilizing adventure activities, educational programs, environmental stewardship, and team building in accessible facilities in a wilderness setting.
A Life-long Influence
A national survey of Presbyterians (Presbyterian Panel) reveals the significant impact of camp and retreat centers. “More than one-fourth of all members and elders and nearly one-half of the pastors had a faith-changing experience while at camp, retreat, or a similar event.” Nearly two-thirds of the pastors surveyed indicated that experiences such as those provided at Krislund had to a great extent “made important contributions to (their) understanding of Christian faith and the relationship of faith to life.”
Presbyterian Preferences
The Presbyterian Panel Survey also reports that a majority of members indicate that it is essential or important for the camp or retreat facility to have such features as central heating (80%), indoor sleeping (79%), meals provided (71%), air conditioning (70%), walking trails (68%), private baths (59%), recreational activities (55%), and be located in a rural setting (54%). 
“Master Plan” leads to action
A “Master Plan” for Krislund, containing 53 recommendations, grew out of a study commissioned and funded by the presbyteries during the time the camp was closed, 1993-1994. It is impressive to note that 49 of the Plan’s proposals have now been completed. While some of these are clearly evident such as additions to the dining/retreat center, bathrooms and showers in the “upper lodge”, winterizing the “lower lodge” and others, many of these accomplishments deal with infrastructure (electrical service, upgrading water system, security lighting) site improvements that might attract less notice. Significant property acquisitions were made in 2003, expanding Krislund by some 1,500 acres.
Krislund: Year-round – All-ages
Now, with Funding the Future – a $2,000,000 capital campaign - Krislund is ready to complete the remaining proposals of its Master Plan by strengthening its ministry both as a camp and as a conference center with facilities and properties that will enhance a year-round, all-ages ministry.
Presbyteries accept Campaign challenge
Each of the three supporting presbyteries has accepted the challenge of this Campaign. Carlisle, having a larger number of churches and members, has accepted the goal of $1 million. Huntingdon and Northumberland Presbyteries have each accepted a goal of $500,000.
Each presbytery has recruited a dedicated and enthusiastic team of workers to serve as a Presbytery Campaign Committee with the responsibility of sharing this vision, claiming this opportunity, and faithfully meeting this challenge to the end that Krislund’s promise for Christ’s Kingdom be realized. Success will be achieved as each congregation accepts its Krislund challenge – and as a number of individual donors step forward with significant three-year gift commitments.
Ways to Honor and Remember
The list of giving opportunities below shows how gifts can serve as wonderful ways to remember or honor people (or congregations) as well as those who have loved and served Krislund over its 43-year history.
- 2. Guest Room (20 needed)
- 5. Contemplative Courtyard
- 7. Meeting Room (2 needed)
Omni Building
Climbing Tower
Contact Camp Administrator Steve Cort at stevecort@krislund.org or (814) 422-8878 for more information on ways to honor and remember.
Planning and Making our Gifts
It is important that all who value Krislund and are committed to its mission make gifts to the Funding the Future Campaign. Congregations, through their Sessions, will be asked to consider a “challenge goal” which is based upon an understanding that some congregations may be able to do more than others. As we plan our gifts, as congregations and as individuals, it will be helpful to keep the following in mind:
Church Gifts will, in some cases, come as Sessions include Funding the Future Campaign in their annual budget, meeting the challenge over several years (usually three). Some Sessions may take the challenge directly to the congregation asking that members support a special effort to meet the goal. Others churches may choose to receive periodic offerings to meet the goal. Regardless of strategy, it is important that every one of our 147 churches accept the challenge and meet the goal.
Individual Gifts Will Help Meet Your Church’s Goal, or Stretch Beyond It
These gifts will generally come in the form of multiple year pledges. Some persons may choose to help “jump-start” the campaign with significant initial contributions, paying the remainder of their commitment over a period of months or years. It is important that those of us who plan to make an individual gift assess our accumulated resources to make tax-wise gifts over a period of years. Stocks, bonds, real estate, fine art, or other appreciated and appraisable possessions are often given in ways that can result in significant tax savings for the donor.
Our gifts, meeting the challenge and opportunity now before us, will bless countless thousands who will come to be refreshed and renewed, to laugh, play and delight in God’s glorious Creation. Our gifts will affirm that Krislund – Christ’s Land – is our land, too.
