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BY SHARON GRIM

This year Camp Hope, a ministry that has affected the lives of thousands of people in the Western Region of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, will celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Each summer, volunteers from throughout the Eastern United States, most from Maryland, gather each summer in Frostburg to work in mission, assisting needy families and individuals from Allegany County and surrounding areas to upgrade their homes.

Almost instantly, they also form a covenant community in which they explore and share their Christian faith.

It has been my experience that the workers often receive as much, if not more, than the people they are helping. The experience at Camp Hope is intertwined with hope, love, caring, faith and discipleship. The focus is always on God, who calls us to love and help our neighbors in Mark 12:31 and to lend assistance to those less fortunate than ourselves in Deuteronomy 15.

Camp Hope began in 1975, when a group from Frostburg UMC traveled to Kentucky for a work camp experience. Upon their return, they began to see a similarity of housing needs and shared their concern for the economically depressed people of Allegany County.

Their minister, the Rev. Tom Kaylor, had recently seen a spiritual need with the youth he worked with and shared a vision of providing both a supportive Christian program for the youth and home repair for area residents in need.

Through the hard work of many committed people, the vision of Camp Hope became a reality in the summer of 1977.

Camp Hope, Inc. became an independent organization serving Allegany County and beyond. This summer, more than 400 youth and adults from various church congregations and denominations will repair approximately 60 homes during a four-week period beginning June 24.

More than 100 churches from nine states have participated during the last 35 years. As groups have peaks and valleys, churches will withdraw from participation, only to return some years later.

The impact of Camp Hope is felt by everyone involved. The church youth and adults say the experience enhances their personal relationship with God by providing hands-on mission work. Most youth return year after year and many often return as adult leaders. Usually it is from the dedicated volunteers that the summer staff is hired.

The individuals and families served not only receive home rehabilitation, home winterization and safer homes, but also experience Christian fellowship and gain new hope for the future.

While the ministry has experienced great success, the need for home repair in this region continues to be critical for additional families and individuals in the region.

 Did Camp Hope have an impact on your life? Have you reached a point in your life that you might want to or are able to give something back? We know that everyone cannot return and be a part of the hands on ministry, but everyone can pray for the success and continuation of Camp Hope for another 35 years.

Camp Hope thrives on your donations. We invite you to give. We invite you to join us in mission through the ministry of Camp Hope.

Celebrating 35 years, we thought an appropriate contribution could be $35 (or any multiple thereof). Contributions can be sent made payable to Camp Hope, PO Box 420, Frostburg, MD 21532. Please identify your contribution in the memo line with, "35 Years of Mission."

If you have questions, please leave a message on the answering machine at 301-689-0444 and someone will return your call. Information on this ministry can also be found on Facebook at Camp Hope Inc. or at www.camphopemission.com.

As one work camper expressed, "I have seen this week how Christianity unifies people who are for the most part alone. It's more than just painting, scraping and climbing about on ladders. We have truly helped people... I hope that people will continue to be proud of their Christianity."