I admit it – we’re exhausted, pooped, worn out, and bone-tired – and I can’t wait to tell you why. But first, I must tell you “Thank you!” for making it all possible through your prayers and financial support of Oil Belt!
Now, as to why – campers, that’s why! More than 2000 of them. That is the most campers here at Oil Belt since 2019! 100 more than last year! Covid had it’s affect, but slowly the numbers have been rebuilding.
They came from more than 200 different churches and were led by more than 500 faculty and volunteers.
Songs were sung. Lessons taught. Meals were devoured. Games were played. Prayers prayed. Tears were shed. And hearts were changed for eternity.
The pool was churned to a froth by the energy of boys and girls enjoying the refreshing water in the hot, summer sun. Then, the water gently rippled as 43 young Christ followers reenacted the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus through baptism.
Yes, all of us at camp are feeling the tired of another high-energy, wonderful, life-changing summer at Oil Belt. It was the 79th in fact.
Now, as we complete the annual evaluation and assessment process, we are taking stock of what went well, what we can improve, what got broken, what must be repaired and, of course, preparing for Camp’s 80th season in 2026.
You might remember a few years ago we had a few HVAC units in need of repair. With your help we were able to make those repairs and replace units. This summer Oil Belt is especially thankful that those AC units were in great working order. July was toasty!
You might also remember that there would be a time when we would need to replace more. Well, now is the time. Some of the AC units in the boy’s dorm and the Dean’s cabin, have come to the end of a very useful and effective life. We are needing to replace those units.
I agree, air conditioning is a luxury – but keeping the boy’s dorm cool when it is filled to capacity with dozens of junior high boys seems a bit more like a necessity to me!
We hope to get the units replaced in the next few months, while things are a little quieter around camp. This will have them ready for action when the heat and humidity of next year rolls around.
The cost is estimated at $36,000. But like all the infrastructure at camp, they help make the facilities conducive for the work God does in our campers (and our adults, too) while they are here. If you think of it this way, $36,000 divided by 2,000 campers – then it’s just $18 per camper to make these needed replacements.
So, while you’re reading this would you please do two things for me? First, would you take a moment to thank God for the wonderful summer at Oil Belt? Thank Him for the volunteers who gave countless hours of their lives – often their personal vacation time – to teach, coach, mentor, and patiently love the students. Thank Him for the more than 2000 campers who came to camp to hear the Gospel message of Jesus proclaimed!
And second, will you make a special, financial gift to help us replace these AC units?
If you will, for every $18 you give, you are keeping a youngster cool and comfortable while they learn eternal truths and experience all that camp has to offer.
To give, simply return your gift and commitment card in the envelope provided with “Keeping Campers Cool” in the memo of your check. Or, give online at oilbelt.com using the QR code on the commitment card. Choose “Keeping Campers Cool” in the online giving form. It’s also good to note, anything beyond the goal will go towards other improvements and repairs we are making for next year.
One last thing – Oil Belt is your camp – please come and see us soon. As the school year approaches, we have many retreats and events for you to attend as well!
Though you may not be able to serve at a camp in the summer, you can know your investment is helping them sing praises to our God at evening vespers. Burning energy during recreation time. Enjoying an ice cream sandwich at canteen. Cooling down and splashing in the pool. Learning to follow Jesus in the midst of our sometimes-chaotic world.
Your investment is making disciples of Jesus Christ through the teaching of God’s word at Oil Belt!
Thank you again!
Tyler Mulvany
Executive Director
PS – If you want to see some photos of the great summer I mentioned – we’re rolling them out on our Facebook page. Check them out and enjoy your investment! Thanks again!
I want to continue the keeping campers cool at Oil Belt!