Did you know that one of biggest ministries at Pine Brook Camp is guest hosting? Year round, our facility is open for various groups and churches from all over the Northeast to be able to get away, bond, and refresh as ministry groups, teams, families and congregations!
As beneficial as retreat hosting is to camp, they are even more beneficial and have long lasting effects on local churches, organizations and communities. If you’ve never been to something like this you may be asking, “What exactly is a retreat?”
Merriam-Webster defines “retreat” as, “a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director.” When I simply googled the word “retreat”, I got “a place to get away or be secluded”. While these are great definitions, the truth is, a retreat can be whatever you make it!
It is time away, with a group or by yourself; it can include activities that keep you busy and having fun or it can be low-key and relaxing if that is what you need. The most important aspect is that it provides a specific time and place for people of all ages to get away from the routine of daily life and stresses and allows them to relax and restore themselves physically and mentally while building relationships!
In my experience hosting and facilitating the planning of getaways such as these, I’ve found that for the most part, they are a mix of ALL the things mentioned above. Having a retreat can include a multitude of activities depending on your need and goals for your time away. There is opportunity for worship, study, team building, games, boating, swimming, hiking and just plain resting and relaxing!
I mentioned earlier that retreat hosting is beneficial to camp as well! This ministry is a big part of why we are able to run the retreats and camps that we have. It is a tool that provides the means needed to hold our Scrapbook Retreats, Ladies and Men’s Retreat, Youth Retreats and Summer Camps!
Each group that plans one of these getaways is always blessed and grateful for the time to come together and enjoy the fellowship of the people they are doing life with.
Guest groups are also a constant blessing to our ministry in so many ways! I can’t tell you the countless times God has brought exactly the right person or group to minister to our staff and to me personally. Some of the best times have been when guests gather around us and pray for the ministry of Pine Brook! It is truly a humbling experience and such a blessing!
Are you thinking now of a team or group you are a part of that would benefit from a time away such as this? There are experiences and conversations just waiting to be had, along with some great food throughout your stay!
We would love for you to reach out and see what opportunities are available and fit your specific needs. We LOVE our guests and can’t wait to minister to you!