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remembering ken husbands(1916-2008)

The Highlands Camp community received word that Ken Husbands, long time

friend and supporter of Highlands, passed away on Saturday, May 10th. In our history it tells us that in 1955 Ken brought his fifth grade son to Highlands. From 1975 to 1997 Ken counseled and directed camps here at Highlands. In 1995, when we began our Distinguished Volunteer award, Ken was the first recipient. In the history it reads “Ken Husbands, whose service as a counselor and camp director spanned twenty years plus four terms on the Highlands Camp Committee received the first Distinguished Volunteer Award. He said, ‘I love to see the children come back every year and watch them grow.’”

Sue Strom, who volunteered with Ken for many years, provides this remembrance of him . . .

“For me, Ken Husbands was Highlands Camp. No one I have met, in the thirty five plus years that I have been associated with camp, represents better what Highlands is all about. He was a person who loved the Lord and wanted to share that love with others through the vehicle of Christian Camping.

I don’t recall my first encounter with him, but it was probably as a fellow counselor. It was immediately clear that he had a way with children. When there was a lull in activities or the kids were restless, he always had a story, a song or a life lesson to impart. You were never bored if you were in Ken’s cabin.

Later, when I directed 5th and 6th Grade and Day Camps, he was the first person I called to be a volunteer counselor. He was always willing and came up often during the summer. I have many “Ken” stories, but several stick out in my mind. There was the

time his cabin of young boys woke up before the crack of dawn and Ken kept them busy by shaving them all with his electric razor. How proud they were when they came down for breakfast and showed everyone their clean shaven faces.

Another memory was his “money tree.” I’m not exactly sure what the story was behind it, but to this day, you can still dig around it and find a coin or two. Ken’s participation at Highlands extended past counsel-

See “Husbands” — Continued on Page 2

Day Camp, July 1-4, 1991

“For me, Ken Husbands was Highlands Camp.”

Page –2– June 2008

Maria with Ken at the 60th Anniversary Celebration

ing and included many years of service on various committees, but I think his greatest joy came from the young people he met. Over the years our conversations almost always included him asking me if I remembered this or that little boy or girl from camp. To him, those were the important memories.

With Ken’s passing, we have lost an important part of our camp history, a friend of Highlands and a selfless volunteer. As much as my family will miss him, I know that he would not want us to spend much time mourning his passing, but to get busy carrying on the good work of leading young people to a relationship with Christ in the beautiful setting of Highlands Camp.”

In December 2006, Ken joined us for Highlands 60th Anniversary Celebration on the day before his 90th birthday! Ken was well-loved by the Highlands community and will be remembered for his joy, his love for children and his love for Christ!

“Husbands” — Continued from Page 1

Dear Friends,

Ken Husbands requested that no services be held following his death. However, on Thursday,

May 15th, friends of Ken Husbands gathered for a time of remembering him. It was a wonderful, story-filled time and I was honored to be there, and to share some of Ken’s history with Highlands.

As I visited with folks following this time, someone said to me “I always think about Highlands in terms of scarcity” . . . . you know . . . there’s never enough money, never enough time, never enough people to do everything we want to do. But after listening to the stories of Ken’s life, and his commitment to Highlands, this person said to me “The story of Highlands is really one of abundance.” He is so right!

The financial update will tell you about our financial challenges. They are not so different from those many families are facing. Fuel and food costs are rising, and families are making decisions about vacation plans—and summer camp—in light of limited resources.

A lot of days it can feel like our story is one of scar-city. Not enough money, not enough time, not enough people, not enough resources. But then twenty-five people show up for our Spring Work Day and we put a new roof on Point of Pines, clean cabins, get the cor-ral ready for camp and build archery targets—all with volunteers!

Or, a donor hears about our need for scholarships and sends us a check with a note that reads . . . . “We or-dinarily contribute $1000. We are increasing the amount to $1200 for 2008. The need for scholarships is quite important and we hope this helps.”

The story of Highlands is the story of the abun-dance of God’s love and grace poured out on young people each summer by young adults who come to serve

as volunteers and staff. I always tell people—being a summer camp counselor means you’ll work harder than you’ll ever work at another job, for almost no money, and have the time of your life! There’s nothing else like it!

The story of Highlands is the story of the abun-dance of growth that takes place in the lives of young people each summer, as they discover what it is like to live in the midst of a community of faith for a week, and to spend time each day in prayer, worship and Bible study. It’s the story of a place where faith is celebrated, challenged, nurtured and shared . . . in abundance.

I recently visited First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, and stood with Cleon Kimberling for a Minute for Mission. As we stood there, I suddenly realized that before I was born, Cleon had been a part of a work crew that came to Highlands to build our first showers! Before the parents of this summer’s campers were born, volunteers were committed to creating the opportunity for kids to come to summer camp in the mountains! At Highlands our story is also the story of an abundance of vision, for the difference summer camp can make in the life of a child.

I’ve talked with many donors in the last few months. They continue to support our ministry with their prayers. They tell me that they hope to do more financially by the end of the year. We are grateful for the support they have provided, and continue to provide. We trust that as we make our needs known to you, you will be as generous and supportive as you are able to be! Thank you!

May you have grace and peace in abundance this summer!

Maria Shupe, Executive Director

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As we approached the close of the first third of 2008, the Highlands Camp Committee

and staff took a hard look at the current economy, our budget and our projected revenue.

In April, representatives of Highlands and the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks met with our banker to refinance our mortgage. Our mortgage rate has been fixed at 5.70% for five years, allowing us to save over $23,000 per year in interest. At the same time, we also converted our Line of Credit to a Draw Note. Under the new terms, this rate is also fixed at 5.70%. Our current balance on the Line of Credit is $285,000 (with a limit of $320,000).

In May, the Highlands Finance Sub-Committee formulated a revised 2008 budget. This budget reflects a reduction of $100,000 in donated income and over $110,000 in generated income. While our number of do-nors and donations is on the rise, our donor income for January to May 2008 is approximately 50% of the year-to-date donations compared to both 2007 and 2006.

Guest reservations for the first third of the year have been lower than anticipated, while reservations for the last third of the year are ahead of our original projec-tions. Limited generated income and donated income have created cash flow issues, which we hope will im-prove as we move to the end of the year, with increased guest reservations, and traditionally strong year-end giving.

The revised budget also reflects increases in propane costs (10% annually) and food costs (approxi-mately 15%). Highlands spends over $100,000 per year on utilities, and over $80,000 per year on food costs. Highlands is also experiencing increased costs for vehicle fuel and travel expenses for staff as they visit churches throughout our two presbyteries.

To meet our revised projections, staff and the Highlands Camp Committee have made significant cuts in every area of our budget. All staff continuing education has been eliminated and significant cuts have been made in maintenance expenses. In late May, we laid off our weekend host. These duties will now be covered by volunteers when possible, and year- round staff. In addition, year-round staff has volun- tarily deferred $1300-$1600 per pay period to the final third of the year to help ease our current cash flow situation. In addition, some hourly staff positions have

been reduced. It is challenging to go into our busy sum-mer season with these cuts in place.

The revised 2008 Budget reflects $2,030,788.50 in revenue. It is anticipated that we will pay off $185,000 on our Line of Credit (carrying a balance of $100,000), and meet all of our other financial commitments.

This week, the Personnel Subcommittee and other key leaders will meet to consider what additional changes must be made to ensure the long-term success of Highlands.

We know that families of campers are also facing financial challenges. So far this year, we have awarded over $6000 in scholarships using all of our designated scholarship funds. We expect to receive more than $4000 in additional requests as we move into the summer. Additional funds are needed to ensure that every child who wants to is able to come to camp.

In these challenging financial times, we must ask “How are we to be stewards of the responsibility God has placed in our care?” Your continued support of Highlands is essential at this time. To make a gift to Highlands, please use the enclosed envelope. To trans-fer stock or make other financial gifts please contact Maria Shupe, Executive Director. For more informa-tion about Highlands, and our current financial com-mitments, please contact Maria or any member of the Highlands Camp Committee.

financial update

MISSIONThe mission of Highlands is

to provide gracious hospitality and quality Christian programs in a majestic mountain setting

and to nurture spiritual renewal and transformation in a safe and inclusive environment.

For more information about Highlands Presbyterian Camp &

Retreat Center Contact 303-747-2888

info@highlandscamp.org u www.highlandscamp.org

Page –4– June 2008

P.O. Box 66Allenspark, CO 80510

Address Service Requested

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDOmaha, NE

68102Permit No. 1951

Are you a scholarship donor? Does your church support Highlands? Have you heard that Summer Camp is lots of fun,

but wonder what all the excitement is about?Now. . . . “Seeing is Believing!”

Adults, families and friends of Highlands are invited to join us for one of five“Seeing Is Believing Summer Celebrations!”

Join campers, parents and staff on Friday evening for a tour of camp, our Summer Camp Closing Picnic, and our Closing Worship Celebration.

You’ll meet campers and parents; see a video celebrating the events of the week; and get a glimpse of what all the excitement is about!

We hope you’ll join us!

Our “Seeing Is Believing Summer Celebrations!” will be held on:

Friday, June 20thFriday, July 11th, 18th or 25th

Friday, August 1stEach celebration begins at 4:30 p.m.

To help us plan, please call our registrar, Laura, to make your reservations,or email her at Laura@highlandscamp.org.

Come join us and be our guest for dinner! “Seeing Is Believing!”

seeing is believing summer celebrations!