December 2016 Jesus in Our Midst In addition to this high school orchestra, in 2016 Twin Rocks has One recent morning during breakfast at Twin partnered with 31 public and private schools, churches Rocks, Debbie Dingman (Twin Rocks baker and representing 23 denominations for 130 retreats (including eight cook) was serving as the breakfast buffet “runner.” whose primary spoken language is not English), seven organizations While she was checking to see that the buffet line for people in recovery from addiction, and numerous other was amply stocked, a guest expressed his thanks nonprofits. Here are a few recent experiences shared by people in for the delicious meals that Twin Rocks provides. these groups: Noticing that his nametag identified him as part of ■ My friend and I went kayaking and it was our first time. Not the high school orchestra group, Debbie thanked only did we get to enjoy the lake and the adventure of him and shared how much she had enjoyed hearing kayaking, but we were able to connect on a deeper level and the students’ music that weekend. After a short it was such an amazing time! conversation, the instructor invited Debbie to the ■ Because your staff and facility are so great there are minimal student recital that would take place later that day. distractions to students and staff, which creates an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit working. ■ Great to have so many ways to connect with my daughter in During her lunch break, Debbie made her way to the God’s creation. Meetinghouse where all of the student musicians were performing for their peers. She sat down, taking in a piece ■ Always a pleasure to be here and be able to relax and listen to performed by a very talented cellist, when the instructor she had God in this setting. met that morning came and sat next to her. Motioning to a wall, ■ Great experience overall with our 5th graders and a pleasant he said, “One of the things I like and appreciate most about this facility to serve us. I was here 5 years ago with my now 10th place is that picture over there.” Debbie thought he must be grader and you’ve only improved since. It was great then, too! talking about the large picture of Jesus’ hands, with his palms The beauty of the ocean right there is a true testimony to open and facing the viewer. But after asking him this, he replied, God’s creative genius! “No, that small one right there. With Jesus standing in the middle of the people.” He was referring to the well-known Quaker painting The Presence in the Midst. For him, this depiction is a reflection of life: “Every time we are playing music here, I imagine Jesus in the corner of the room. In the public school setting I work in, I can’t talk about that, but I can pray, and I can ask Jesus to be in our midst just the way that painting shows. I often imagine that picture wherever I am, whether I’m in the classroom or not.” From this teacher’s perspective, music is part of God’s creation, and every note is a testimony to this. Whether students know where the music comes from, he sees it as God’s gift to them and in them. Telling this story later, Debbie said, “It made my day. These experiences remind me why we do what we do, staying behind the scenes to scrub dishes and bake dinner rolls. It’s a joy to know and support the guests at Twin Rocks.” Presence in the Midst, by J. Doyle Penrose (1862-1932) Experiencing Growth Colin (center) with Twin Rocks staff Many people refer to Twin Rocks as their “home away from home” — a place they visit time and again throughout their lives. They first encounter Twin Rocks as kids or youth, and find themselves deeply impacted by their camp experiences. So, as young adults they return, eager to share the power of Twin Rocks with a new generation of campers. And in so doing find themselves blessed with a joy and personal growth that comes from Colin with his cabin at Tween Camp serving and assisting others. One such example is Joseph Harrison. As a high schooler growing up in Central Washington, in 2013 Joseph attended Surfside, his first Twin Rocks camp. “The highlight of that experience was the people. The guys in my cabin were so accepting right off the bat and I am still friends with some of them to this day, almost four years later.” Taking the advice of these newfound friends, Joseph enrolled the next summer in Twin Rocks’ five-week Servant Leadership Program. The following year he became part of the college-age Summer Staff program. “It was one of the biggest life-changing experiences I have ever had.... I am thankful for Twin Rocks as a who had maintained his distance for most of the week of camp camp because it came up to me during solo time and started asking me questions has helped about Jesus and the creation story. I thought, ‘so this is what my foster growth in faith is for — to share it.’ I have no way of knowing if it made a me as a youth as lasting impact on him, but it made a lasting impact on me. I was well as an adult, always unsure of how exactly to share my faith, but when he both spiritually asked, it just started pouring out of me…. These are the and emotionally.” experiences that help me grow, and these are the experiences that I will look back on and be thankful for.” One encounter that Joseph recalls Colin Atchison, who grew up in Tillamook County, is another was particularly example. His first time at Twin Rocks was at Day Camp in grade meaningful: “One school. In high school, Colin began looking for his first job. Having Joseph counseling at Tween Camp of my campers heard from his friends about the positive work environment they Joseph and others boating at Day Camp 2 ■ Sandpiper Twin Rocks Friends Camp & Conference Center This past summer, Twin Rocks was blessed by an exceptional group of young people in its Servant Leadership Program and Summer Staff. They did a great job pursuing deeper walks with enjoyed at Twin Rocks, Colin became a part-time Twin Rocks God while helping others do the same. They thrived serving employee at age 15. He participated in SALT (Servant and behind the scenes and grew to become great counselors! Here Leadership Training), a program for high school-age Twin Rocks are a few comments from this past summer: employees, and continued working at camp throughout high ■ “God has shown me how to rely on Him completely when school. During this time, Colin had the opportunity to work my own strength fails.” — Whitney Schrader, SS alongside several groups of Summer Staff. Observing the depth of ■ “I felt like Summer Staff harbored the opportunity for me community that was forged among each summer’s group, Colin to redefine the spiritual aspect of my life. I was able to decided to experience it for himself, returning to serve on Summer learn how to make my faith a central part of my Staff in 2015. “I think what makes Twin Rocks unique is the relationships.” — Joseph Harrison, SS people… Everyone that shows up knows, or will soon know, that ■ “I’ve learned a deeper understanding of what it means to there’s a special atmosphere there where people can connect listen to God working in your life and how to live God’s with God.” will out.” — Madi Baldwin, SLP Through serving behind the scenes in the kitchen, counseling at For summer 2017, Twin Rocks is looking for a committed summer camp, and being campers themselves, both Colin and group of people to learn to grow, serve, minister, and lead in a Joseph experienced tremendous growth at Twin Rocks at many caring and Christ-centered community. High school students stages of life. And they are just two of hundreds of people (SLP) and college-age young adults (Summer Staff) interested in impacted by similar experiences, people who joyously call Twin this experience should consider applying (go to twinrocks.org Rocks their “home away from home.” and click on the “Serving” tab for more information). Summer Staff 2016 Encountering Christ on the Oregon Coast Sandpiper ■ 3 2016 Summer Camps Report One way Twin Rocks collects feedback from campers about their camp experience is by having them fill out a Camper Growth Form on the last day of camp. Here is a snapshot of what campers identified learning at camp: “The Bible is more interesting than I thought!” “I learned that I don’t have to be perfect to be a follower of Christ.” “I learned that nothing can separate you from God’s love.” “Prayer is like talking to a friend.” “Taylor [class teacher] showed us how the things that are said in the Bible apply to life today.” Parents shared that: “Each year, camp has an extremely positive “Our son’s relationship with God is strengthened effect on my daughter’s walk with God. and affirmed through his experiences at Twin Rocks. After camp this year she said she wished Camp has been a formative, challenging and Surfside could have been two weeks!” inspirational experience for him.” “I feel it [Day Camp] helped her to grow in her relationship with God. The music that is in her heart now, the use of the Jesus Storybook, and the Christ-like examples of the counselors and teachers all contributed to her growing closer to the Lord.” “Girls Camp is a wonderful program.