Camp Director Announcement Feb. 2022

Shiloh is excited to announce the Camp Directors for 2022 are Angela Elem and Jason Darden!

They are collaborating to bring their many years of experience working with young people to serve Camp Shiloh as we reopen this summer. We knew summer of 2022 would look a little different than it has before, and hiring a team will give us a strong leadership platform to continue our mission of equipping youth with tools that build hope.

Read our conversation with Jason and Angela below to get to know them and their passion for the work of Shiloh.

Question: What experiences have you had at Camp Shiloh and in ministry?

Angela: “After being a camper I have served at Camp Shiloh every summer since 2007 starting as a Counselor in Trainer and have been the Assistant Camp Director for 6 summers.”

Jason: “I was a Camp Counselor in 2000 and 2001, and have remained connected as I have continued in ministry as a preacher, church planter, chaplain and now a theology professor at Harding University.” 

Question: What is your favorite area or activity at Camp Shiloh?

Angela: “My favorite area of camp will always be the concrete slab. Although it was removed it was where all the action was. Now it is in front of the laundry room because you can see most of the active areas in camp and watch all the slips and falls and all the joy and laughter. In the center of chaotic joy.”

Jason: “My two favorite places at camp were spending time around the campfire and crossing up campers on the basketball court of course!”

Question: What did you learn from a camper or teen that was memorable?

Jason:  “Attending one summer of camp can create a bond that will last a lifetime.”

Angela: “I learned that there is a time to be close and a time to give space and a time to move and a time to be still. A lot of times as adults we try to get children to stop and process and that isn’t always in the best interest of the child if they haven’t ever been trained to do so.”

Question: What experience are you hoping every camper will have this summer?

Jason: “My prayer is that every camper will experience genuine love from the staff and counselors and mature in their spirituality.”

Angela: “I hope that this summer every child we get to work with has a moment where they forget that life is difficult and strange back home. And yes, adjustments have to be made but they can still find joy.”

We are excited for Jason and Angela to lead Camp Shiloh 2022 with our fantastic campers (we’ve missed you!). Join us in welcoming them to their new roles as we begin hiring summer staff and planning our re-opening with a clear vision of sharing God’s love at Camp Shiloh.

General notes:

-Summer staff applications are open, apply here: www.shilohnyc.org/apply
-Camper application will be available at the end of March 2022. Be on the lookout for an email from Camp Docs about registration. If you want to be on our mailing list, contact us.

#GivingTuesday 2021: Shiloh Scholarships

ShilohNYC works to ensure teens from our programs are supported as they work towards post-secondary opportunities. Support ShilohNYC's scholars on #givingtuesday as we raise $10,000 for 20 rising scholars on 11.30.21. We are currently connected to 12 scholars who are working towards undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Donate early here: www.shilohnyc.org/givingtuesday

A note from one our our Shiloh RISE Scholars: "Through the scholarship process, my Shiloh community was really able to hear and comfort me in a time I really needed it. The scholarship Shiloh offered was a huge lift off my shoulders."

As college expenses continue to rise, so do the needs for youth to support their families or help their families to avoid or prevent poverty. The Shiloh scholarship is offered to teens in our HiDef program, thought in 2021 we added a Covid-19 relief scholarship and a RISE Scholar program. As the needs expand, we hope to expand our support as well.
Join us on #givingtuesday as we continue to share ‘Hope in the Eyes of a Child’.

Donate here.

Camp Director Announcement: Transitioning to new roles

After over 16 years of service as the Camp Director of Camp Shiloh, Ryan is transitioning to a new role this winter.

“Change is inevitable, but acceptance of the call to new roles is filled with emotions and challenges.

I have enjoyed every moment of my 20 summers working at Shiloh, 16 years as the Camp Director. After much prayer I have decided it is time to move on from being Shiloh’s Camp Director. I will still be around because I love what makes this camp so special, which is the children, teens, and staff. When change comes we can become fearful of unknowns. I am reminded of a scripture in the camp Rec Hall that reads I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, give you hope and a future. I believe in the work of Camp Shiloh, and am excited to remain serving in a new role as Facilities Manager. It is time for the next leader to bring new hope to a place I love. I am so excited for the future of Shiloh and can't wait to meet the new leadership for the summer of 2022.” -Ryan

Ryan has led over 300 summer staff members, campers, volunteer teams, retreats, service trips, and managed a number of improvements to the camp property every year with projects such as the climbing tower, chapel, basketball court, sewage system and cabin porches. His work as Camp Director has continued to grow the CIT program serving our older teens. Ryan has been an integral part of the Shiloh family and community, and we are grateful for his gift in working with young adults which has led to summer staff retention, hiring former campers, and lifelong friendships.

Ryan's love for the mission of Shiloh has been evident in his constant enthusiasm for improving Shiloh's campus and Shiloh's impact on the lives of those we serve. It is obvious in Ryan's work that his greatest desire is for every child to know they are loved by God, and loved by the Shiloh staff. We are grateful for Ryan's dedication, and would love for you to honor his service by sending him a note.

Ryan plans to continue working with Shiloh as the Facilities Manager, which ensures Camp Shiloh will continue to be well-maintained.

During this transition, here are a few ways to support Shiloh:

1. Send a shout-out to Ryan personally (ryan@shilohnyc.org) as we make future plans to honor the years of service he has dedicated to Shiloh.

2. Pray for Shiloh as we begin to receive applications, interview and hire a Camp Director.

3. Send anyone interested in the Camp Director position to apply here.

We continue to pursue operating Camp Shiloh for campers this coming summer, and will begin that hiring process soon.

‘21 Summer ‘Stacks’ teen program

At Camp Shiloh we like to learn by doing. We love making learning real by digging in.

Camp Shiloh has led a teen program for ages 16-18 for over a decade during camp, but since we weren’t operating camp this summer we created a 3 week long, in-depth pilot program for teens.

During this time, 8 teens were able to actively engage in interpersonal skills, advocacy, self confidence, and accountability. This took place as teens were put in charge of the meals. From planning the meal, to making the grocery list, to buying it, cooking it, and serving it. They had to provide for their Shiloh family, and they didn't want to disappoint.

They also planned outings, including a trip to Niagara Falls, and spent the weekends serving at stations around camp for the camper families who came to the getaway weekends.

Becoming a solid team was an adjustment, especially after many had been learning virtually and hadn’t been able to connect with peers as much over the last year. By the end they were able to hold each other accountable and value following through with their responsibilities.

There were multiple lessons interwoven into the program, as teens reflected on how to manage time, budgets, and team members. There were also fun learning modules, such as learning about driving with the camp golf carts!

We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn together this summer with such incredible teens!
We send our blessings for this Fall to them, as 3 head off to college, one to the Marines, and 5 start another year of high school.

Shout out to Rosa, Raven and Zach for their leadership and being so awesome this summer!