Returning Staff 2018

SURPRISE!!! We decided today was a great day to give you a sneak peek of all our returning staff! We are so excited to have each of these lovely ladies back with us this summer! We will be updating the Staff Bio page soon so you can get to know your Summer 2018 staff!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Crestridge Staff, counselors, summer staff, Village Directors | Leave a reply

What’s your Crestridge Tribal Name?

Take this quiz and find out your Crestridge Tribal Name!

https://www.buzzfeed.com/beckyhaltiwanger/whats-your-tribal-name-3ax1p?utm_term=.whzb4ylreP#.lk2Pq8OljW

Here’s what your Crestridge team got…
Ron – Loyal Lion
Karah – Loyal Lion
Elise – Exuberant Elephant
Becky – Playful Platypus
Ashley – Faithful Fawn
Sharon – Courageous Cougar
Aaaaaannnnddd Scout is a Loyal Lion!

Comment on Facebook what your tribal name is!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Ashley, Becky, Courageous Cougar, Elise, Exuberant Elephant, Faithful Fawn, Karah, Loyal Lion, Playful Platypus, Ron, Scout, Sharon, Tribal Name | Leave a reply

New Year’s Resolutions for Camp

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Now’s the time to do so. It’s always a challenge to keep up with them throughout the year but it’s a good way to challenge yourself to do something new or different! Here are 8 resolution ideas to get you ready for camp this summer!

1. Walk up and down at least one staircase a day to get your legs ready for the hikes and climbs around camp.
2. Learn how to build a fire with wet wood so you can be prepared for those rainy Tuesday night cookouts!
3. Sit outside for two hours every afternoon with your Chacos on so you can get a good Chaco tan!
4. Stretch for 10 minutes every Sunday night so you can maximize your dance moves for Singspiration.
5. Find a trampoline and learn how to do the “flying squirrel” so you can do it off the diving board.
6. Work up to running 20mph so you can keep up with Scout.
7. Drink 64 oz of water a day so you can stay hydrated this summer.
8. Do this for 20 minutes a day to build up your arm strength the endless hours of 4-square.

Good luck with your New Year’s resolutions!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged 4-Square, Chacos, Cookouts, Hikes, New Year's, Resolutions, Scout | Leave a reply

Fall Bear Tracks Newsletter

Hey Camp Family!

Our Fall Bear Tracks Newsletter was just mailed out! For those who were not at camp this past summer, we wanted to give you an opportunity to see it! We’re bringing the Cherokee Wilderness program back this coming summer so be sure to read more about it! You’ll also want to check out our upcoming Sockwar Challenge! We’re almost to the halfway point to summer. It’ll be here before we know it!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Bear Tracks, Cherokee Wilderness, Newsletter, Scout, sockwar | Leave a reply

A little bit of Crestridge in Haiti

I had the opportunity to go back to Haiti last week with my church here in Asheville. We served in the same community that we went to back in March. It was so great to continue building relationships with the families and Haitian staff there. Here are a few highlights from the trip:

I got to meet the family of the little boy I sponsor through Poverty Resolutions. I had met him back in March but this time I got to go to his house and meet his family. That was by far one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced! I am so thankful that God provides the funds to give to that family! I got to see how the sponsorship allowed him to be in their program (which involves many things) and receive a hearty meal each day.

I got to serve alongside a fellow Crestridger, Sarah Knowles! Sarah and I helped with the medical clinic, played with the kids, helped with the Child Development Program and Preschool. We were given the opportunity to teach around 50 kids a new song in English. We decided a camp song would be great! We chose “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart” because we thought it would be relatively easy. Turns out it was very challenging but we think they got it! I think they like sticking to songs in their native language (Haitian Creole). I don’t blame them!

I’m so thankful for the time I was able to spend with these people! Their joy and love for the Lord is inspiring!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Child Development Program, Haiti, Poverty Resolutions, Sarah Knowles, Sponsor, Sponsorship | Leave a reply

Fallin’ For You

It’s that time of year again! It is fall and we could not be more excited here in Black Mountain!!!! The weather is cool, the air is crisp, the leaves arechanging and THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO! Seriously, this fall season has so many fun things in store for you and your family. This fall, we want to encourage you guys to have fun and experience the beauty of the season! We have brainstormed the top ten things all you Crestridgers should experience this fall. Here is a little bit of fallin’ for you:

#10. Go to a pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin. Now, don’t just pick out any old pumpkin. Find the biggest or silliest looking pumpkin you can find! Every pumpkin needs a home.

#9. Carve the pumpkin! Go to your local store and find a pumpkin carving kit and a candle for illumination. Clean out the center of that lovey pumpkin but make sure you keep all of your pumpkin seeds for #8! Take a sheet of paper and draw out your design. Place the design on the face of your pumpkin and carve away!

#8. Bake your pumpkin seeds. Put all of your seeds in a bowl with 2 teaspoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure you stir it occasionally!

#7. Go apple picking. Apple picking is another fall classic. Grab the whole family, find the closest apple orchard and pick some delicious apples for #6!

#6. Bake an apple pie. Apple pie is a delicious dessert that the whole family will love! Here’s a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

Double-Crust Pastry, 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 8 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (8 medium), 2 tablespoons butter or margarine.

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare Double-Crust Pastry. 2. Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Stir in apples. Turn into pastry-lined pie plate. Dot with butter. Trim overhanging edge o pastry 1/2 inch from rim of plate. 3. Roll other round of pastry. Fold into fourths and cut slits so steam can escape. Unfold top pastry over filling; trim overhanging edge 1 inch from rim of plate. Gold and roll top edge under lower edge, pressing on rim to seal; flute as desired. Cover edge with 3 inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. 4. Bake 40-50 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Serve warm if desired.

#5. Rake a huge pile of leaves and jump in!

#4. Build a fire, roast some marshmallows and make some s’mores! Camp isn’t the only time you can have s’mores. Fall weather is the perfect time for a good fire. Sit down with your family and enjoy some quality time. Roast your marshmallows, get some Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Reese’s and make Crestridge’s famous Crossover S’mores.

#3. Take a walk outside. Get outside and enjoy this fall season by finding a hiking trail near you!

#2. Make a list of all the people you are thankful for and write them letters!

#1. Come visit us in Black Mountain! Seriously, the leaves are beautiful and you don’t want to miss it!!!

Well, thats surely not all for fall but a good start on how you and your family can make the most out of this season. Hope you enjoyed these fallin’ tips for you! Get out, have fun and fall hard for fall!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Black Mountain, Camp Crestridge for Girls, Fall | Leave a reply

Coffee and Convo with Ashley Genoble

Hey camp family! It’s a quiet afternoon around the office today. The rest of the team is all out and about doing a variety of things to make camp awesome. So it’s just me and my cup of coffee hanging out together. I know I sure enjoyed coffee and convo with Becky and Elise so I figured why not let you in on the convo I’m having with myself while I drink my coffee!

Me to self: What has been the best part about coming back to camp after being gone for 5 years?

Self: Oh gosh! Literally everything! Being back in the mountains (especially now that the leaves are changing!), introducing my husband to the camp family, meeting so many awesome new campers and staff that have joined the family since I’ve been gone, seeing past campers all grown up and joining staff, spending tons of time with Sharon (and Scout!), I could go on and on but should probably move on…

Me to self: What is your favorite song we sing in the dining hall?

Self: I don’t do favorites!! But I guess any that we get to stand in our chair for! I really like Farther Along because of the stomp clap clap and the slower Ky Yi at the end.

Me to self: What is your favorite Bible story?

Self: There we go again with “favorites”. It really depends on the season and what’s going on in my life. I really liked studying the story of Esther a couple of months ago. It is full of so many intricate details that shows God at work. Esther is also an example of boldness, courage and humility.

Me to self: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Self: Wow I love sleep and thank God He made it part of our day. But if He hadn’t then I would have a solid 7-8 more hours to read, work out, clean, spend more quality time with friends and family, paint my nails, the list goes on and on!

Me to self: What are some small things that make your day better?

Self: A text from a friend I haven’t talked to in a while, bright blue skies, Scout falling asleep in my lap.

Me to self: What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Self: Definitely Israel. Man that plane ride and jet lag were no joke but totally worth it!

Me to self: If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make?

Self: Maybe I can by taking the woodworking skill at camp! Definitely some fun furniture- a coffee table and a big kitchen table so we can have people over. I’m so inexperienced at woodworking I don’t even know what professional woodworkers can make!

Me to self: Would you rather be able to teleport anywhere or be able to read minds?

Self: Hmm…it’s tempting to say read minds but that takes all the fun out of getting to talk to people. Teleporting would allow me to visit people and places all over without having to fly…not a fan of flying.

Me to self: What is the silliest thing you get nostalgic for?

Self: All the movies on VHS at my parents’ house…especially my complete collection of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movies and Dunkaroos…

Me to self: If you could pick a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Self: “Love you, mean it” has become my go-to phrase, especially while I was in full-time youth ministry. I just want people to know how truly loved they are by me and Jesus!

Me to self: Alright Ashley, that’s enough. You are out of coffee and have work to do!

Thanks for hanging out with me and my cup of coffee! Can’t wait until we can hang out for real this summer! And in case you are wondering, Scout still hasn’t returned Becky’s call so keep checking back to see if we ever get to interview him! Love you, mean it!!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Ashley Genoble, Assistant Director, Camp Crestridge, coffee, Girls, Scout, Sharon | Leave a reply

On the Road Again

On the road again is a phrase we’ve heard a lot over the past week. We have been traveling the southeast since Sunday visiting and recruiting for next summer.

The trip started Sunday morning with the first stop being in Greenville, SC where Scout started his vacation at his grandparents’ house. The rest of the crew then made our way to Birmingham, AL to meet up with former staff at Samford University. We had an incredible time catching up with former staff and meeting their friends who might be interested in working at camp next summer. We also had the chance to meet some potential new camp families at a home show while in Birmingham.

Next stop was a quick hug at the University of Alabama before continuing on to Starkville, MS. In Starkville we got to see former Assistant Director Katie Greenwell and a host of other former staff. We got to meet middle and high school students who are both interested in coming to camp as campers and also keeping us in mind once they graduate. We had the privilege of attending chapel at Starkville Christian School where Katie, Rachel Witbeck (former discipleship director), and Hayley Martin (former videographer) all teach. Elise had the opportunity to share with the students a powerful word on failure and how the Lord can use it in our lives.

After Starkville we made our way to Oxford, MS and the University of Mississippi. Ole Miss was another great experience of catching up with former staff and meeting potential new ones. It is exciting to think that some of the girls we have had the pleasure of meeting over the last week could spend the entire summer with us.

And that brings us to our current location, Linden, TN, where we will spend a couple of nights with our friends on the Camp Crestridge Alumnae and Friends board.

So what about you? Where are you at this week and who are you sharing your love for Camp Crestridge with? Camper registration and staff applications are in full swing! Join us as we continue to share the place we love with so many we come in contact with. We can’t wait to see who the Lord brings to camp this summer!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Birmingham, Campers, Crestridge, Greenville, home shows, Oxford, recruitment, Staff, Starkville, summer 2018 | Leave a reply

Coffee and Convo with Becky Haltiwanger

Hey all of you blog readers out there! We are here with Becky Haltiwanger. Becky is one of our interns at Camp Crestridge this year. She is a wonderful soul full of life and love. Today, we thought it would be nice for all of you to hear a little bit more about Becky. So, sit down, grab some coffee and enjoy a nice convo with the one and only, Becky Haltiwanger.

Me: So, Becky, Tell me what you love most about camp.

Becky: All of the fun kiddos that come to camp. They bring so much joy to my heart. Meeting new campers and seeing old ones is always an awesome time. I love having the chance to be goofy and have dance parties along with seeing the Lord work in their lives. Those are definitely some of the best memories I have of camp!

Me: What is your favorite campfire song?

Becky: I just want to be a sheep! It just cracks me up from all the play-on words! It’s the song I definitely get hype about.

Me: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Becky: One of my favorite times during my childhood was when me and my close friends worked on our middle school news team together.  We would be goofy and weird for all the school to see. We loved each other, which made it really fun, honestly it was such a great time. We established great memories and bonding time that we still laugh about today. Truly though.

Me: If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be and why?

Becky: Honestly… a camp dog. These dogs have the life, man. They get to be loved on and get to run around camp and just have a great time with kids. But seriously, if I wanted to be an animal, it would be Scout.

Me: What is your favorite Bible story?

Becky: The story of Joseph. This is partially due to the fact that I was in the musical in high school and the songs in it are so fun to dance to and learn from. But also because it is such an amazing story of God and His provision and forgiveness. It’s such a great reminder of how God’s plan is so much better than our plan and how He will take care of us in every situation. He knows our stories even if we don’t.

Me: If you were a new addition to a crayon box, what color crayon would you be?

Becky: Shoot… I’d probably want to be a really pretty blue or a solid green. Like a nice pine green or a pacific blue. They are colors that can be used to draw nature. Nature is just SO beautiful if you’re catchin’ my drift.

Me: Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 horses the size of ducks and why?

Becky: 100 horses the size of ducks. I think they would be really cute and I’d want to be their friend. I wouldn’t want to fight them, I’d just be their friend. Then I could have a whole farm of these cute horses that people could come hangout with if they are feeling blue. I could bring them to camp and the kids could play with them during horseback skill and I’d be saving camp a lot of money. Except… we would have to buy mini saddles and lots of food so it might be too crazy.

Me: If you could only choose to play one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Becky: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” By Marvin Gaye because it is such a motivational song. You can dance to it, get hype to it and it has a great message for the listeners. And you know what, there ain’t no mountain too high for our Lord. Ya feel me?

Me: If you were a box of cereal, which kind would you be?

Becky: Fruity Pebbles. They are my favorite and they should be everyones favorite cereal. If it’s not your favorite, you’re doing it wrong.

Me: If you could pick a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Becky: It would be “Let your Freak Flag Fly” or “Dance like EVERYONE is Watching” (because you probably have some cool dance moves that I want to try). I just want everyone to know how unique they are as a person and how we can all learn from each other if we just be the person Christ made us to be– each with unique gifts and skills He has equipped us to use for His kingdom work!!!

Well, that is all we have for you folks today! Stay tuned for next week for Coffee and Convo with Elise! Until then, stay blessed, stay humble and keep serving on!!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Girls | Leave a reply

Weekend Camps Recap

Our summer doesn’t end with Starter Camp. At the end of August and beginning of September we had close to 700 people come to Crestridge and Ridgecrest! We had our Mother & Daughter Camp at Crestridge and Father & Son Camp at Ridgecrest, then Family Camp over Labor Day Weekend.

These two weekends allow families the opportunity to come experience our camps but also grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and each other. They have the opportunity to get messy, go swimming, sit around a campfire, go off the blob or Giant Swing together and so much more. They create memories that will remind them of what God did in their life while at camp! We love being apart of this and creating a place for these memories to happen!

Here is what some of our parents had to say about our weekend camps:
“We had sweet time away, just the two of us. It was nice to adventure and have fun and laugh together! I think we made special memories, just the two of us. We have 4 children, so it is hard to have such concentrated individual time with one child. Our motto is ‘More of Jesus, less of me’.”

“We loved going on an adventure together and focusing on God’s nature surrounded by other mothers/daughters. It definitely lifted us up as a team going into hard work during the school year and just the challenges we both face whether a 6 year old or 35 year old!”

“Sharing camp together. Safe, distraction-free space to have “deeper” conversations. Trying new adventures. Personally, the weekend was refreshing and refocusing toward the task at hand and the Lord’s blessing of being a father.”

“This weekend solidified our bond as a family. We appreciated each other for who we are as individuals with no distractions. We were delighted with the wonderful family memories we made.”

Consider joining us for a weekend camp in 2018! Our Father & Son and Mother & Daughter Camp will be August 24-26. Family Camp will be August 31-Sept. 3. For more info, click HERE to visit our weekend camps website! You’re never too old to be a camper!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Blob, Camp, Daughters, family, Family Camp, fathers, Giant Swing, Labor Day, Memories, Mothers, No Distractions, Sons, swimming | Leave a reply