March 10, 2010

Dear Foster Families and Group Home Staff,

Winter / Springtime Greetings! Although comparatively, our winters are the mildest in the nation, our winter camping season which just ended is certainly something worth talking about! Close to 110 campers, junior counselors, counselors, and staff came to Camp Julian Oaks between December and February to experience God’s love and healing touch (perhaps your child was one of them!). For six weekends, we walked the path of A Pilgrim’s Progress as the lodge was converted into an “old English” setting complete with castle towers reflective of the era in which John Bunyan wrote the story in 1661. The story served as a great stepping stone towards the main lesson, namely; Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life“ (John 14:6) and he won’t ever lead us to a dead end! We all learned how to keep our eyes on Jesus and to beware of detours and distractions that would seek to steer us off course.

If you’ve ever used a “Map Quest” type of program, then you’ve most likely experienced both the frustration of “getting off course” and the joy of arriving at your destination. For you and me, changing directions several times en route can be an inconvenience. But, as you well know, sudden changes in the lives of children who have been abused can be devastating: changes of addresses, changes of foster families, changes of friends, and changes of schools. Changes like these make for a life that is not only unpredictable, but at times, down-right frightening.

You, as a foster parent or group home staff, are the “safe harbor” for these children. We, as a ministry, seek to support you in your efforts. Over the past 12 years, our campsite here at Julian Oaks (formerly known as Camp Alandale) has become a source of stability for over 500 children and teens, many of whom have attended camp for several consecutive years and some for nearly a decade! They identify Julian Oaks as a place where they are able to experience the love of Jesus Christ in a very tangible way while finding strength, hope, and, perhaps most importantly, trustworthy direction with a sure destination. God has confirmed His desire that this ministry continue by providing volunteer counselors, prayer partners, financial supporters, and a young assistant director family. This summer, we’re expecting about 175 campers, counselors, junior counselors, and staff to join us for a life-changing experience. We hope you and your children will be part of it!

Enclosed you will find a registration form for summer 2010. Please take the time to review the personal information and make any corrections. Also, please check the appropriate grade level session for your child. Use the grade your child will be entering into next fall (September 2010). Finally, be sure to sign the form and enclose a check for $25.00 made out to “Julian Oaks Youth Ministries”. We are an officially recognized California non-profit corporation (EIN # 61-1601418).

Although we still officially have two weeks remaining of winter and are looking towards summer with great anticipation and excitement, our greatest hope and reason for this ministry’s existence lies in an event that took place on a spring morning nearly 2000 years ago on Easter morning! “He is risen just as he said!” (Matthew 28:6)

With gladness and gratitude,