Intervarsity is finishing up their leadership retreat today, a time of relaxation and refreshment in the quiet beauty of God’s creation. When’s the last time you set aside time to be still and know He is God?
We’ve been enjoying some unseasonably warm weather here at Palomar. The leaves are turning and there are splashes of color about the mountain.
Stephen, a student from Good Shepherd Catholic Church, counts the deer on the ball field Sunday morning. You’d never know there are 200 people in camp at the same time!
Shepherd, Joey and the staff kids are armed and ready for a night of laser tag: work hard, play hard.
The new Dynamic Duo.
Stick ‘em up!
Raising up the next generation of laser tag enthusiasts . . .
Cory, full-time cook cleverly disguised as a member of the Maintenance crew, works on giving Davis a new coat of paint–a project that has involved many hands and as many hours. Thank you all for your hard work–Davis looks great!
Every Tuesday, 8-10 men from Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido come up to Palomar to volunteer for the day. These “Men On A Mission” have been faithfully serving the Conference Center for well over a decade, and their service has been invaluable. We love you guys! 
The interior of the Anderson-Johnson Lodge has been completely rennovated, the latest project completed by our very own Men On A Mission. Brand new windows, bigger bunk beds, all new insulation . . . and yes, the same cozy fireplace.
Toni Hicks and the crew from San Diego Christian Foundation proudly present (after long hours of volunteer labor . . .) the John Austin Smith Memorial Garden. John loved to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of creation, reflecting upon God’s goodness and grandeur, when he came up to Palomar for SDCF’s annual summer camp. Now you can do the same!
John Austin Smith (this garden is his namesake) probably enjoyed this view long before there was ever a bench here. The Memorial Garden is located just behind the Dining Hall, near the Canyon View room, overlooking the ravine with a view to the ocean.
John Austin Smith Memorial Garden, view to the West
John Austin Smith Memorial Garden, view to the East
The San Diego Christian Foundation crew hard at work on the John Austin Memorial Garden. You can almost hear the jackhammer, almost feel the sweat dripping down your face . . . . Aside from a few final touches, a permanent stone plaque and perhaps an additional bench, the Memorial Garden is finished.
During their stay at Palomar Christian Conference Center last week, 2 students from the Unified Christian Schools 6th grade group prayed to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Praise God!! That’s what we’re all about, as a camp ministry and as the body of Christ. The angels are celebrating in heaven, and we along with them!
A frosted leaf adorns the walkway down into camp, a timely reminder that, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1, KJV).
Much of Palomar Mountain was burned in the fires of 2007, covering much of the forest and meadow areas with ash. Many expected that 2008 would yield wonderful meadows of beautiful wildflowers. That expectation never came to fruition, but this year, in the spring and early summer of 2009, God unleashed His blessing of renewal and brought forth new creation from the ashes. Purple Lupines have been plentiful, as well as various species of wild flowers that haven’t been seen here for years. Just as God has been faithful to restore and magnify the beauty of the wild flowers, we can trust that He will be faithful to bring forth His beauty in the burned out and devastated areas of our own lives. His timing is always perfect.
Calvary Church of Santa Ana: “Several decisions for Christ were made, plus many commitments for spiritual renewal”
Living Water Fellowship: “We saw God move in many lives. Many youth came with heavy burdens due to broken families, and God met them there. We had many make deeper commitments to Christ.”
Soldiers for Christ Community Church: “Our goal was to draw closer to God and to allow Him to grow a stronger bond between us and it was met beyond what we imagined!”
Adonai Christian Center: “The Lord did what we asked. There were three saved souls, healing and His power among us very strong.”
Twenty new summer staff arrived in the middle of June. We are delighted to have them with us and look forward to serving and fellowshipping with them in the coming weeks. Several of these young people are returning from previous years. It is indeed a joy to see their growth in the Lord and catch up on where and how He has been teaching and leading them. They are a vital part of this ministry. We are grateful to the Lord for their servant hearts.