A message from our Executive Director, Chris Rhodes
Dear Friends of the Woods,
As we come to the end of 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the countless lives touched by our programs. Since 1946, our camp has been a beacon of hope, joy and spiritual growth and, from those historic roots, the wonderful programs at Westminster Woods continue to impact all who visit in powerful, transformative ways. As we prepare to close this year and look to the next, I’m excited to share with you our end-of-the-year theme: Cherish the Past, Invest in the Future.
Cherishing the past
For nearly eight decades, Westminster Woods has been a place where memories are made, lives are transformed and belief is deepened. Whether through the laughter, wonder, and discovery during a school field trip, the life-changing encounters with Christ and community during summer camp, or the peaceful retreats experienced by guest groups, every moment here is an extension of the vision that began in 1946.
This summer, the heart and soul of our summer camp – Camp Heartwood and Camp Soulspring – reached a new level of excitement and engagement. In an effort to reach more campers, our summer camp leadership has gone to great lengths to reimagine programming that draws in, engages, and supports campers while maintaining the spirit of Westminster Woods summer camp. Thanks to a dedicated and enthusiastic summer staff, as well as generous donations to our Campership Fund, we welcomed a wide group of campers from all over Northern California for incredible, unforgettable weeks of summer camp.
Meanwhile, our School Programs continue to shape young minds in a different but equally meaningful way. Through environmental education and character development, we’re planting seeds of curiosity, empathy, and care in the hearts of students. This year, our fantastic School Programs team worked with nearly 6,000 students of all different backgrounds. Whether guiding them on rain-filled hikes through the redwood canyons, or encouraging students to reach new heights on the Challenge Course; we’re proud to have such excellent educators stewarding the next generation.
Lastly, our Guest Groups - churches, ministries, and various organizations - find sanctuary here, using our facilities to renew their spirits and strengthen their communities. Each group adds their unique thread to the tapestry of this wonderful camp.
Investing in the future
As we honor the past, we are equally excited about the future. In addition to continuing the terrific work that our programs are doing with guests, our vision for the coming year involves seriously enhancing our infrastructure. In order to do so we need the help of our incredible community.
We lovingly refer to our campus as ‘rustic’ and if you’ve visited in the past few years you might’ve noticed that there are big projects that we need to tackle in order to ensure that rustic doesn’t become ‘disrepaired.’ Some of the projects that we intend to tackle include:
The Homestead Roof: Our beloved Homestead, which has been home to many of the most special moments of camp for decades, is in need of a brand new roof. We are raising funds to make those repairs this year.
Bathrooms in More Cabins: Three of the twenty-nine cabins on campus have been renovated to include bathrooms (along with fresh paint, new bunk beds and other repairs). We aim to continue upgrading until each of our cabins has its own ‘facility.’
Small But Mighty Repairs: Beyond those major projects, there are countless small repairs, from our gaga ball pit that has a permanent tilt to our cobb bench that needs resurfacing, that we have on our list to tackle in the upcoming year. Many of these projects are on hold only because of the material cost. Your donation will go directly toward helping us provide a safe, welcoming environment for each guest!
Visit our donation page to learn more about these projects!
Your donations matter
We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers, volunteer efforts, and financial support. Because of donors like you, we can continue to provide a space where people of all ages can find rest, connection, and spiritual renewal.
This year, as you consider your end-of-year giving, we invite you to reflect on the legacy we’ve built together and dream with us about what the future holds. By donating today, you are helping us preserve the cherished memories of our past while planting seeds for an even brighter future.
Thank you for being a vital part of this ministry. Your gift, no matter the size, will make a crucial impact. Together, let’s cherish the past and invest in the future.
In Gratitude,
Chris Rhodes
Executive Director