sambica | 2013 fall/winter newsletter christmas 2013 3 reaching the community christmas carnival...
TRANSCRIPT
Editor: Christine Szekeres4114 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE
Bellevue, WA 98008Phone: (425) 746-9110
Fax: (425) 746-7082Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sambica.com
Blessings ABOUNDInside This Issue:
p2 From the Director
p3 Christmas Carnival
p4 I Spy ... SAMBICA Vans
p4 Dreams & Needs
p5 Camp SAM
p6 John “TBD” Bohall
p7 Meet the Interns
p8 Thank You Donors
It has been wonderful, watching the changes unfold over the past months. To see God’s
plan for SAMBICA unfold in ways we could not predict is a true blessing.
During this holiday season as we look back over the past 6 months we thank God for all He has given. A few highlights include: • A record-setting summer, with over 2,600
campers• SAMBICA’s first-ever EP, Camp Songs, is
recorded and available for download• A grant from the JPW Foundation will
purchase turf for the field project• Two of the SAMBICA vans wrapped to show
the fun of camp (see p 3)• The intern program launches with 14 young
men and women (see p 7)
• Camp SAM, the new after school program launches three days a week
• The W Lake Sammamish Pkwy phase 1 construction completed
• New team member joins the team (see p 6)• SAMBICA brings the “inflatable zone” to
Issaquah’s Salmon Days for the 2nd year• Sam’s Place, the remodeled store, opens
for campers in June• Christmas carnival brings over 400 families• 2014 summer camp registration opens
The W Lake Sammamish Pkwy construction project made for an interesting summer. The
Fall/Winter 2013
project began a year ago in December and in March two-way traffic was suspended while the construction crews worked to widen the road, adding a dedicated bike and pedestrian path
In October two-way operations resumed and on October 10th the city of Bellevue held their
phase one completion party at SAMBICA. The mayor, several city planners and counselmen, and many members of the community came to camp to celebrate the project’s completion. Above is a picture of the mayor cutting the custom-designed cake!
We held the first winter all day camps in December. It was wonderful to have over 50 kids running around camp! It brought back the fun of summer fresh for the whole team!
Expect even more excitement in 2014: an intern mission trip to Costa Rica, a new Windows server, and a mid-winter break camp!
Seasons———— A light on the lake since 1919 ————
Kids have fun at Christmas Carnival.
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Matt WimmerExecutive Director
From the Director
G OD is blessing HIS ministry at SAMBICA! We have so much to be thankful for and
to celebrate!!
Including:
• A new SAMBICA summer camper record was set with 2,604 campers.
• The completion of the new W Lake Sammamish road construction project.
• The first year accomplishments of some of our newest leadership team members (Liz Pearse, Program Director and Ashley Nicholson, ORB).
• The new 9 month intern program is off to a great first month with 14 extremely talented young people launching and designing our new after school camp program.
Scripture says
“...this is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves
to be my disciples...”John 15:8
We want to thank you for your continued prayers as together we experience much fruit in the form of revival on the shores of Lake Sammamish. This past summer season saw 673 campers, teens, and adults receive Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. The leadership, led by GOD, is following HIS prompting to strategically begin inspiring youth to a relationship with Jesus Christ by providing year around programming.
We are very excited about the new Camp SAM (sports, art, and music) launch and are in awe as GOD allows us to experience daily miracles and wonders. Thank you all for your advice, feedback, and involvement as we work together to preserve and grow this treasure for the children in our greater community.
Tuesday, November 12th, was the 3rd Annual “Friends of SAMBICA” event. This event is our way of saying thank you to our friends and family.
Another exciting project is the upper field. Currently the field is not usable for the majority of the year (it takes on the consistency of a marshland in the winter) and we are excited
to make it usable during the entire year. Prayerfully, it will be transformed into a turf field to accommodate our growing after school sports camp and allow for a playable surface for our middle school weekend camps. The JPW Foundation recently blessed SAMBICA with a grant for the turf.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support in tithes and offering!
May GOD continue to bless you,
Matt Wimmer
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a
son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall
be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the
everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
WWW.SAMBICA.COM � CHRISTMAS 2013 � 3
Reaching the Community
Christmas CARNIVAL Returns Last year the annual community event, the SAMBICA
Christmas Carnival, was born! That first year, 9 days long, brought over 500 families to SAMBICA in the month of December. This year we were excited to bring this event back and the whole team came together to transform the Tabernacle into a “winter wonderland” for the community.
In addition to all the decorations in and around the Tabernacle, snowflake lights were added the bridge and twinkle lights line both sides of W Lake Sammamish Pkwy in front of SAMBICA. Teams worked very hard to bring the look and feel of Christmas to camp!
The indoor event featured carnival games for all ages, the bouncy house, the Ga-Ga pit, the coffee cart with hand-crafted espresso drinks, popcorn, cookies, the Christmas Village, and of course, pictures with Chris Kringle himself.
The intern team as well as some volunteer elves made this event a fun experience for the community! We are already talking about plans for next year!
Summer Camp Registration is OpenVisit: sambica.com
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Partnering Together
DREAMS, Needs & Opportunities
Long on the “bucket” list of marketing projects here at SAMBICA has been wrapping the camp vans. Wrapping
a vehicle is an eye-catching way to promote camp to the community. Two of the three camp vans were wrapped by local company, WrapJax in Tacoma in September.
The design of the vans incorporated all the fun of camp (through summer pictures) along with a complimentary color pallet. We
didn’t start out with the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine in mind, but looking at the finished product, the similarity to that iconic
van is unmistakable.
The vans have been driven all over the Puget Sound and other drivers have noticed them. We weren’t even back from picking them up and the office received a call asking for more information about SAMBICA. When Ashley asked the caller how they found out about SAMBICA, the caller said, “I just saw your vans on I-5 ... they look so cool!”
The first two wraps were paid for by two donors who have donated funds toward marketing projects at the camp. We hope to wrap the third van in 2014!
I Spy ... SAMBICA Vans
Golf Cart (or other similar type): Golf carts are the main mode of moving people and supplies around camp. Contact Christine at [email protected].
Power tools: Including a heavy duty ½” drill with hammer capabilities, circular saw kit, and other hand tools. Contact Matt at [email protected].
RV trailers: Housing is always at a premium. RV trailers are a great solution. Contact Matt at [email protected].
Volunteers: Specifically in these 3 areas: auto/boat mechanic, kitchen and gardening. Contact Ashley at [email protected].
Specialized Contractors: Specifically in these areas: roofing, plumbing, heating and refrigeration. Donate work or consultant hours. Contact Matt at [email protected]
Furniture: Mini fridge, queen bed, linen steamer, and vacuum cleaners. We also need a dark wood coffee table. Contact Ashley at [email protected]
Electronics: Have a spare iPod lying around? We use these for program music. We also need power speakers. Contact Liz at [email protected].
Computers & Monitors: We are looking for Windows 7 compatible desktops or laptops and flat screen monitors. Contact Christine at [email protected].
Working toward your Eagle rank in Scouts? A SAMBICA project could be just the ticket to fulfilling the requirements. Contact John at [email protected] for additional information.
Give the gift of summer camp! Perfect for the child, niece, nephew, or grandchild in your life. A SAMBICA gift certificate makes a great present and is available in increments of $50. To order contact Christine at [email protected].
www Donate Online: www.sambica.com
WWW.SAMBICA.COM � CHRISTMAS 2013 � 5
Working with Youth
Camp SAM After School ProgramA little over a year ago the board got together and created
new mission and vision statements for SAMBICA. While not revolutionary, both signal a return to the heart of what SAMBICA is: youth! The new vision, “inspiring youth to a relationship with Jesus Christ” is a filter through which ideas and decisions pass through. If it doesn’t support the mission and the vision then we don’t do it. Period.
It’s exciting to be “in the trenches” during the development of new programs. One such program is Camp SAM, the new after school program.
Currently running 3 days each week (Tuesday - Thursday), Camp SAM gets its name from the specialties taught (SAM = Sports | Art | Music).
Tuesday’s spark kids creativity during ART where they learn about artistic styles and mediums. Projects have included abstract art, cubism, color theory, and origami.
Wednesday’s (the early release day) are all SPORTS all the time. Kids learn the fundamentals of various sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, and football.
Thursday’s kids rock out during MUSIC, learning fundamentals of music including notes, rhythm, and pitch. They bang on drums and play other instruments.
The new intern team (see p 7) has hit the ground running managing this program and are doing a wonderful job engaging the kids bodies and minds! Each day is filled with play time, rally time (with dancing, skits, silly characters, and contests), classroom (get that homework done), snacks, and of course, learning in sports, art, and music.
Special characters (Tiger Jordan, BB Taggins, and Rock-It & Rudy) engage the kids each day.
Camp SAM starts up again on January 7th and there are two easy ways to sign up: by day or the quarter pack, which gives a 10% savings over signing up individually. There are three quarter packs:
• January 7 - February 13 (18 sessions)• February 25 - April 3 (18 sessions)• April 15 - May 29 (21 sessions)
Visit sambica.com and click on the “Camp Schedule” link in the upper right of the page to see the full Camp SAM schedule.
Summer Camp Registration is OpenVisit: sambica.com
6 � CHRISTMAS 2013 � WWW.SAMBICA.COM
It is TIME to ...
Building the Team
We are excited to introduce you to the first group of interns in SAMBICA’s newly created intern program.
The program, which began in September and is 9-months long, is an exciting addition to the year-round programming at SAMBICA.
Weston Stoler: Weston attended Southeastern Bible College with plans to go into the seminary. During the internship, he hopes to grow in multiple ways, “especially interacting with people more than I am used to.” Fun facts about Weston: he enjoys bacon, pandas, bacon, and libertarian monarchism with bacon on the side.
Patrick Davis: Hailing from the sunny state of California, Patrick (PJ) claims he was “just going through the motions of school and decided I wanted to do something worthwhile.” PJ joined SAMBICA as a counselor during the summer after hearing about the program from friends. As he travels down his life’s trail, PJ plans on pursuing a career as an actor.
Emily Covello: A former dance teacher in California, Emily began wanting to explore something new. Fortunately, she was called to WA after months of searching and prayer. After the intern program, Emily continues to seek what God has for her after the program. “All I know is that I want to inspire people, travel the world, and eventually own my own Christian based performing arts school that is known to kids around the world.”
Ray Duriga: As a recent graduate from Johnson University, Ray is using the internship as a segway while practicing and training for the major leagues. “I love baseball and I love SAMBICA, so I was convinced to participate in the program while I gain my strength.” Ray would love to pursue a career in baseball or travel and preach the gospel.
John, the new finance manager, has been struggling to choose a camp name since he arrived in mid-September.
Many names have been proposed, but as of the completion of this newsletter, he still hasn’t settled on one!
John grew up in the suburbs of Boston and has many fond memories of games at Fenway Park watching the Red Sox. He also has loads of summer camp memories. Growing up he attended camp at Camp Brookwoods in New Hampshire and as an adult he and his wife, Sam have worked at this camp. One of John’s favorite camp memories is excelling at archery under the skilled instruction of Brookwoods instructor, Wyn Byker.
Recently John wanted to gain some non-profit accounting experience so he and Sam headed to Sierra Leone, Africa for 6 months with the Craig Bellamy Foundation. An interesting tidbit, their boss became the coach of the Sierra Leone national football team, which meant John and Sam got to go to a World Cup qualifying match.
John has a degree in accounting from Gorgon College and in his spare time enjoys sports-based statistics ... it’s all about the numbers.
Sam has degrees in Biology and secondary education from Gordon College and is teaching at Eastside Academy’s new campus in Redmond. Sam enjoys hiking, sewing new clothes, and trying out new recipes.
John “TBD” Bohall
WWW.SAMBICA.COM � CHRISTMAS 2013 � 7
Building the Team
Denisha Moore: Because of Denisha’s passion for hair and styling, God has placed on her heart a dream to open a salon that helps spread the gospel. Denisha hopes the internship will provide educational experiences that will allow her dream to come true. “If I had not have listened to God and didn’t apply for this internship I would have missed this dream…”
Javed Ahmed: Javed came to SAMBICA to learn how to cook. “I felt called to do prison ministry and now have the tools to make that happen in the internship program.” He is interested in working overseas in Thailand or Bangladesh, his homeland.
Josh Murakami: From Google to SAMBICA, Josh Murakami has cooked his way through the years. “After working the whole summer (in the kitchen), I realized how much I loved this place.” He is very excited to improve his skills in different areas so he can later support missionaries and camps locally and overseas.
Lily Semenyuk: After only one summer at SAMBICA, Lily Semenyuk’s heart was on fire for the teens in the community and the mission the camp provides. She began the internship as a way to continue to pour into the teenage campers’ hearts and minds. To carry on with the servant’s heart, Lily would love to attend nursing school to help provide aid when needed, while carrying the Light.
Matthew McCoy: A recent high school graduate, Matthew is excited to see where God leads him next. “I thought the internship would be a great growing experience.” And that idea has not failed him yet! One can find Matt either in the slaving away in the kitchen cooking or simply just surrounding himself with close friends.
Adam Dominguez: As a former engineering student in central California, Adam Dominguez began looking for certainty and different perspectives. “I am cutting my teeth on servant hood. I truly believe this is where I need to be at the time.” Adam’s passions: God, coffee, coffee, acting, coffee and a great cup of Joe!
Tyler Watley: One can take the Tyler Watley out of the South, but not the South out of Tyler Watley. He came to SAMBICA for the summer working on the ropes course and with the events team. He wanted to continue serving SAMBICA’s mission year round. Wherever God leads, Tyler will follow. Of course only as long as he can be placed in the woods with his flannel and fishing pole.
Jorge Lovato: From Assistant sushi chef to SAMBICA, Jorge was one of SAMBICA’s first interns before summer began. He wanted to server somewhere that helped him become more proactive with his faith. He envisions himself either staying in camping or becoming a teacher. Jorge despises wet socks, but loves searching for taco stands.
Kayla Shepard: Working as a counselor this summer, Kayla learned she had a passion for camping ministry. She attended Southeastern Bible College, majoring in Biblical Studies. “I fell in love with SAMBICA and felt God’s calling to stay.” Kayla loves grey elephants, watching Revenge, singing, and playing the piano.
Joselito Robles: “Lito” has traveled a long way to get to SAMBICA. Raised in the Philippines and is currently studying at Central Michigan University. A born artist and former employee of five different camps, there is no doubt Lito’s creative mind is made for camping ministry. His dream: to create a camp experience in the Philippines.
...Meet the INTERNS
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Thank You for Your GENEROUS Support
Partners in Changing Lives
Kent & Linda AbendrothMichele & Rhett AgnewHolly & Matthew AnfangVicki & Alexander Angel
Andrea & Jeff BakerMary Baker & Vidas Cemarka
Liz & Bill BaxterSherri BearssWilma Bearss
Mark & Chris BeattyCathy Bihler
Josie Bissett & Rob EstesRobert & Donna Blythe
John & Sam BohallAimee Brice
Brad & Anne BrunellKevin Buffman
Robert & Lynnette BurwellSue Byars
Tom & Lori CarmodyAmy & Ed Conti
Mel & Mary CoonrodWilliam & Judy Courshon
Mary CoxCami Cress
Cory & Kristin CressJoan CressTom Crosley
Jeffrey & Stacie DarrKevin & Carrie DavisJohn & Myra Denigan
Shari ElwellMitzi Evans
Matt & Beth FehlEmily & Dan Fennell
Pamela & Steve FranklinFriendship Sunday School Class
Brittany & Kevin Gabelein
Linda & John GalluzzoKaren Gerde
Suzanne & David GianniniAmy & Chris Gorey
Greater China Industries IncBrooke & Nicole Gustafson
Dawn & Gary HamiltonLena & Erik Hanson
Kelly & Christopher HayLillian Heath
Deanna & Michael HerronKimberly & Darren HulstSteve & Laurie InscoreNorm & Mary Jacobson
Mildred & Forrest JammerJack & Ruth JewettScott & Kim JewettTana & Sorin Jianu
Deb JohnsonMimi Johnson & Brad Shoup
Paul & Lillian JohnstonMichael & Cami Jones
Jerry & Mary KahnSerina Kaye & Michael Murphy
Kathryn & Brent KendallJoanne Kennedy & Bill Bunker
Howard & Celia KierzewskiSara & Dohoon Kim
Carolyn KintzCarrie & Christopher Kuehn
Raymond & Delores KutzHugh & Tracy Labossier
Janet (Jan) Lacey-HodgesSharon & Patrick Lailey
Donna Leggate & Luc HoffmannPaul & Kristi LeonardJohn & Jennifer Long
Terry & Christel Lundeen
Mark & Mimi MacDonaldJennifer & Mark Madeoy
Joyce MatthewMichael & Gayle McCorkle
Carmen & Doug McDermottTrinity & Mark McDermott
Douglas & Karen McDonaldGeorge & Janice McDonald
Freda McIverSandy & John McMathMichelle & Ryan MeeksLori & Timothy MeltonJohn & Marci MeyeringAlison & Chad MonenLarry & Shelia Moore
Kirk MowrerGary & Karen Newbill
Ashley NicholsonMark & Gerry Nierengarten
Casey O’BrienGina & Michael OldhamJennifer & Lance OlsenRobert & Duanne Owen
Cody ParmanCraig & Joni Parthemer
Beth PippinWanda Poorman
Bonnie & Emmett PowellBill & Molly Price
Elise Purcell & Mark FlippoLisa & Greg Raab
Donald & Tanya RandallDee & Jeff Reiff
Stephen & Karen RidlonJames & Virginia Roodhouse
Tara Rose-Large & Chris LargeAndy & Kristy Rosenhauch
Ralph & Mildred Ross
Michael & Linda RutterMonti Sadler
Tiffany & Pierre SanterreShirley Schisler
Mike & Yvonne SetzerEarl & Denny Shepherd
Shirley SmallCasey Smith & Mike Webb
Wayne SmithJennifer & Brian Spence
Patty & Mark StevensJudson & Clara Stumpf
Michael & Megan TedescoNicole & Guy Thompson
Jim & Annette TomlinKurt & Michele Tonnemaker
Mike & Debbi TrieschTruman Heartland Foundation
Heather & Eric TuiningaLynn Von SeggernLouise Vosburgh
Susan & Johnny WalkerJoyce & Calvin Wallace
Jane WarginGary & Loris Webb
Mimi & Michael WehnerErnie & Sherran Whatley
Daniel WhiteHeather White
Justin & Sara WhiteTuri Widsteen & Keith White
Katelin & Marsha WilsonMatt & Wendy Woll
Jackie WoolardJo Woolard
Johnny Woolard
If, for any reason, we missed your name...please accept our apologies and notify Christine at: [email protected]
Briand & Jerry AngiuliJeff Benton
Brenda & Tim BergCarla & Brad Berg
Cynthia & Brett BezansonRobert & Sally BlanckeKatie & Brian BolandMarc & Beverly Bothel
Tom BrubakerHeather & Kevin Cramer
Brian & Lori CressRoy & Jeri Cress
Shane & Olivia Cronin
David McKinlay TrustMichael Demmert
Lisa & Allen DerheimKelly & Larry FroeberThomas & Nancy Gill
James & Roberta GoodboyScott & Debbie Greenlaw
Ken & Barb HorsfallVernon & Helen Johnson
JPW FoundationJim & Leslie Kramer
Nancy & Larry LeSueurCelia & Karl Lindor
Lucas & Lauren MackTim & Colleen Meagher
Wayne MetsNational Christian Foundation
Morris & Rita PettitDonita “Dabby” Phipps
Jim & Annita PrestiDoug & Donna Sackville
Tracy & Tye SchrieverBarbara Skow
Bob & Pam SmithKevin Stout
Noelene & Paul Stumpf
Heidi & Paul SweeneyChristine Szekeres
The Bear Creek SchoolThe Nichols Foundation
Madeline & Chip ThomasThurston Charitable Foundation
Trutina FinancialTom Van Halm & Margo Thompson
Dale & Patricia WhitlockMatt & Cindy WimmerSandy & Tim Wimmer
Ted & Naomi WoodwardBruce & Kelly Wotherspoon
SAMBICA Lifeguards