Adirondack Fall Getaway Retreat - Sign Up Now!

Believe it or not, fall is just around the corner; and no spot is more beautiful during this vibrant season of the year than New York State’s Adirondack Mountains.  The Camps, Conferences & Retreat Ministries Team is excited to announce our 2008 Fall Adirondack Getaway to be held October 3-5, 2008 at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center. We have a full weekend planned and hope you’ll take advantage of this exciting opportunity, and decide to spend some time with us!

Bill Smith, renowned Adirondack storyteller from Colton, NY will be on hand to spin some tales during our Saturday evening campfire time. Diamond Someday, popular Bluegrass band, will engage participants in a rousing performance of bluegrass, gospel and Adirondack tunes. Pearl and Jewell, a pair of Percheron horses, will take us on a leisurely wagon ride. Retreat guests will also have the option to enjoy an excursion on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. A guided nature hike, game and craft time, awesome fellowship and a unique time of worship will round out the weekend.

Checkout the brochure for this weekend and download the registration form.
We expect this weekend to fill up quickly, so plan on registering early! We look forward to spending some time with you.

Posted by Mike Huber - on July 7, 2008 at 4:00am

Summer Camp Begins!

Summer Camp begins today at Aldersgate and Casowasco. Over 300 campers will begin a fun - filled week experiencing new friends, new activities, and new staff.

If you have a camper attending a program this week you can check out photos, news articles and send emails to your camper by logging onto the websites at Casowasco and Aldersgate.

Please be in prayer for all the campers and summer staff that are involved in making a life changing experience this week. We are blessed for having two of the most beautiful places that God has provided to us on earth. Casowasco and Aldersgate are “places where lives are changed.”

Posted by David Riddell - on June 6, 2008 at 9:29am

Open House: Day at Camp – 60th Anniversary Celebration

Mark this date on your calendar!  You don’t want to miss event - Open House: Day at Camp at Aldersgate!  See you there!

Come join us and help Aldersgate celebrate our 60th Anniversary of 60 years in ministry on Saturday, June 21st from 2-7pm.  Whether you are a family who is learning about Aldersgate, have a child attending for the first time, you haven’t been back to visit us in awhile, or you haven’t visited yet this year, this is the event for you.  The staff lets out all the stops and welcomes all.  Come for some swimming or boating, make a craft, play a game, tour the facilities, and sing in the Chapel, by the lake, or around the campfire.  There will also be a Chicken BBQ meal available: $8 for adults (13+) and $5 for children (4-12), children under 4 are free.  Please call 315-364-8756 to register for the meal. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Betsy Schuessler - on May 5, 2008 at 8:50pm

Aldersgate Work Day Cancelled – Saturday, May 24th

CCRM Staff has decided to cancel the upcoming work day at Aldersgate on Saturday, May 24th. We hope that everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with family and friends honoring those who serve in our military and those who have fallen in service to our country.

The first two work days at Aldersgate were a huge success! Over 125 volunteers joined the staff to help get the site ready for retreat groups and summer camp. To find out about future events and work days go to our website at http://www.aldersgateny.org

Posted by David Riddell - on May 5, 2008 at 8:47pm

Registration is now open for Operation Purple® Summer Camp

Registration is now open for Operation Purple®, a free summer camp program developed by the National Military Family Association in response to the need for increased support for military children, especially those whose parents are or will be deployed.

Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center, one of the host camps for Operation Purple® will be transformed during the week of August 10-15, 2008 to help kids ages 9-14 understand that “They, too, serve”.  Campers will have an opportunity to experience some military-related activities such as an initial check-in line deployment style, team building experiences, eating MRE’s for lunch one day and taking part in a service project.  There will be guest speakers as well as counselors and professional staff provided through the National Military Family Association who will allow campers time to talk about what it means to have a family member deployed.

Applications are only accepted online. Sign-up at http://www.operationpurple.org to receive email notices and camp updates. Each camp is “purple” and open to children of service members of any branch of Service, active duty, National Guard or Reserve, as well as children of members of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

Camps are free to all eligible children thanks to a partnership with the Sierra Club Foundation and support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

models, best friends, teachers, nature guides, entertainers and inspirations to their campers. 

About NMFA
The National Military Family Association, the only nonprofit organization that represents families of all ranks and services, prepares spouses, children, and parents to better deal with the unique challenges of military life. The Association protects benefits vital to all families, including those of the deployed, wounded, and fallen. For nearly 40 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised mostly of military family members, have built a reputation as the leading experts on military family issues. For more information, visit http://www.nmfa.org.

Posted by Betsy Schuessler - on March 3, 2008 at 12:51pm

Register Online for Summer Camp Today!

Are you ready to sign up for camp yet? We are! Online registration is set up and ready to go. The 2008 CCRM Summer Camp Brochure is online as of today. Click here: I want to register now! Be the first one to sign up for the program you have been waiting for since last summer.

You’ll find the link for the 2008 Summer Camp brochure on either site, which will take you to see the program listings of what will be offered. Once you find the program you have been waiting for, you can go right to the online registration pages.  Don’t wait. Sign up now for the most exciting summer experience you will ever have!

The full brochure will be sent out in the mail soon. When you receive this, share it with a friend who you’d love to share the camping experience with. 

Posted by David Riddell - on February 2, 2008 at 7:00am

Aldersgate Chosen to Host NMFA’s Operation Purple Summer Camp

The National Military Family Association announced recently that Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center in Greig, NY, was chosen to host a popular Operation Purple Summer Camp in 2008.  NMFA developed this free summer camp program in response to the need for increased support for military children, especially those whose parents are or will be deployed. 

“Operation Purple Camps provide a much needed respite from the worries of war that many of our Nation’s children face each day their mom or dad is deployed. NMFA is excited to work with Aldersgate on this very worthwhile program,” said Nancy Alsheimer, NMFA Chairman of the Board. “Together we can make a difference in the lives of military children.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ to our military families for the sacrifice they are making on behalf of our country”, said Mike Huber, Executive Director of Aldersgate.  “The staff of Aldersgate is excited and honored to have been chosen to host this program”.

Aldersgate will be transformed during the week of August 10-15, 2008 to help kids understand that “They, too, serve”.  The campers will have an opportunity to experience some military-related activities such as an initial check-in line deployment style, team building experiences, eating MRE’s for lunch one day and taking part in a service project.  There will be guest speakers as well as counselors and professional staff provided through the National Military Family Association who will allow campers time to talk about what it means to have a family member deployed.

Registration for Operation Purple Camp begins March 24, 2008. Applications will only be accepted online. Sign-up at Operation Purple to receive email notices and camp updates. Each camp is “purple” and open to children of service members of any branch of Service, active duty, National Guard or Reserve, as well as children of members of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

Camps are free to all eligible children thanks to a partnership with the Sierra Club Foundation and support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

About NMFA
The National Military Family Association, the only nonprofit organization that represents families of all ranks and services, prepares spouses, children, and parents to better deal with the unique challenges of military life. The Association protects benefits vital to all families, including those of the deployed, wounded, and fallen. For nearly 40 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised mostly of military family members, have built a reputation as the leading experts on military family issues. For more information, visit there website by clicking here NMFA

Questions?  Call David Riddell or Betsy Schuessler at (315) 364-8756

Posted by Mike Huber - on February 2, 2008 at 2:48pm

2008 CCRM Spring Work/Clean Up Days Announced

Aldersgate and Casowasco need willing volunteers to come and help up prepare for the spring and summer camp and retreat season.  We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to bless others through a day (or more) of service projects.  Individuals, friends, families, or church groups (youth, men, women, adult Sunday school) are invited to come and spend the day helping us ready each site for another great spring retreat and summer camping season.  This is the perfect opportunity to work on a worthwhile project while enjoying fellowship with other Christian brothers and sisters dedicated to helping Casowasco and Aldersgate to be the best we can be.

Aldersgate Work/Clean Up Days: April 26, May 3, and May 24 from 9am-4pm each day

Casowasco Work/Clean Up Days: May 10 and May 24 from 9am-4pm each day

Types of Projects
The object of the work/clean up days is to help get the sites in shape for summer camp and spring retreats. There will be a whole range of projects, including light construction, cleaning, painting, raking, and much more! We will do our best to match your skills with a project which needs completing.

Tools
Although each site has some tools, there may not be enough for a work day with many participants.  Therefore, if you have tools you could bring, that would be helpful.  Please call in advance to find out what tools would be most needed.

Skills
Participants who possess special skills which may be helpful (carpentry, plumbing, electrical,) should let us know in advance so that your talents may be put to the best use.

Lunch will be provided for all that sign up a week or more in advance and a free will offering will be taken to help defer the cost of the meal.  We look forward to see you and working alongside you in joy and service. 

With your help, we can make a difference.  Thank you!

Please call 315-364-8756 or e-mail or for more information or to let us know you are coming.

Posted by David Riddell - on February 2, 2008 at 10:24am

Brochure coming soon!

The 2008 Summer Camp brochure will be coming out soon. The brochure is expected to be sent out in February with all the awesome programs at Aldersgate and Casowasco… plus more! Keep watching your mailboxes for THE best summer camp programs yet! Anyone who attended camp last year at Aldersgate or Casowasco will receive a print brochure at their home. But you can also check out the website too by clicking here Summer Camp 2008!

Don’t forget that if you register before May 1st you will receive an “early bird” discount. Get ready for an awesome summer….we can’t wait to see you! 

Posted by David Riddell - on January 1, 2008 at 5:30am

New CCRM Staff

“We are excited to announce that Betsy Schuessler has been hired as the Assistant Director of Program for Camps, Conferences & Retreat Ministries,” says Mike Huber, executive director of CCRM. Schuessler who has been serving as interim assistant director for Aldersgate, will help oversee the program development at both Casowasco and Aldersgate. 

David Riddell, a recent graduate at Indiana Wesleyan University where he majored in Christian Education and Children’s Ministry, has been hired as the assistant director of operations for Aldergate. David has been actively involved in various staff and leadership positions for the past six summers at both Aldersgate and Casowasco. He will help oversee the day to day operations of Aldersgate as well as marketing for CCRM.

Posted by Mike Huber - on January 1, 2008 at 9:37am

Aldersgate Wishes you Happy Holidays

At this blessed time of year the staff of Camps, Conferences and Retreat Ministries would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to seeing you at Aldersgate sometime in the new year.

Posted by Mike Huber - on December 12, 2007 at 3:22pm

Camp Echo and Adult Celebration 2008!

Are you missing the warm weather and fun of summer?! Don’t know what to do during Christmas vacation? Well, here’s your answer…..Sign up now for the most rockin’ New Year’s Eve celebration around! This is your chance to hang out with your camp friends and relax! Camp Echo offers all the great things you love about camp…with SNOW!  Summer staff returns to be with you at this cool event.  Learn to play Jack Frost, rock out to your favorite songs, and see the combined Aldersgate and Casowasco slide show!

Join us at Casowasco at 4 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2007 through 2 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 and welcome in the New Year with your friends. Cost is $98. Call 315-364-8756 for a registration form to be sent to you, or email or , or send the following form in to reserve your spot! Space is limited, so hurry...

Adult Celebration
Beautiful, historic Galilee Lodge on Owasco Lake will be the host building for fireside fun, fellowship, and time of heart-warming worship.  Ring in 2008 with joy while surrounded by old and new friends.  Sign the kids up for Echo and have a stress-free ending to the holiday season.  Relax and allow the beauty of Casowasco in the winter to rekindle your spirit! 
Dec. 31, 2007- January 1, 2008 | Adults (21 and up) | $74

Call 315-364-8756 or email to reserve your spot by the fire. Spaces are limited.

Posted by Mike Huber - on November 11, 2007 at 4:41pm

CCRM Launches New Aldersgate Website

The CCRM Staff team is excited to announce the launching of a new and improved website for Aldersgate. The new design, consistent with Aldersgate’s high caliber programming, features vastly improved navigability, an enhanced internal search engine, an interactive site map, and a nostalgic and informative history page.

“We’ve added substantial new content and improved access to information from photos to summer camp and retreat information to camper, staff, and volunteer forms,” says Mike Huber, Director of CCRM. “The new homepage includes an updatable news column allowing us to highlight upcoming events and exciting new ventures.”

The renovation has been managed by the CCRM staff team and key volunteers. The site has been designed by Jake Souva from Two Fish Illustration and Design. CCRM staff will be trained on the new content management system to keep information consistent and current and to continue to allow for creative additions to the website. 

Over the next months, the staff and designers will be working to enhance interactivity, implement video and audio streaming capacity, and add a special “Camper Corner” with exciting sections to catch camper and parent’s eyes.

You’ll find the dates for 2008 Open House, the Aldersgate Wish List and you can make a donation on-line. As winter settles in you’ll find the 2008 Summer Camp Schedule and Brochure. Check back frequently for new articles, photos, and the exciting news of what God is doing at Aldersgate.

Posted by Mike Huber - on November 11, 2007 at 4:33pm

Aldersgate Receives Grant from Virkler Foundation

CCRM is grateful for the efforts and support of Glenda Schuessler of Gouverneur First UMC. Glenda researched a funding opportunity that has resulted in a gift to Aldersgate of an AED (Automatic External Defibrillater).

Glenda researched and wrote a grant to the Virkler Foundation after becoming aware of the Virkler family’s desire to make AEDs available in public arenas in an effort to reduce heart-related deaths. While we hope that Aldersgate will never have to employ the use of the device, our campers and guests will have help available should it ever be needed. Thanks, Glenda, and thanks to the Virkler family for their generosity.

Posted by Mike Huber - on November 11, 2007 at 4:27pm