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Greetings from the New Camp Director!

What’s poppin’, my name is Dakota Bowley, and I am the new Camp Director at Hope Haven. I’d like to share some of my story of how God has led me to Hope Haven.

When I was 16, I had the opportunity to attend a Christian camp with my youth group. There, I heard quality preaching, and through the work of the Word and the Spirit, I came to faith in Jesus Christ.

After coming to salvation, I realized the impact that my pastors had on me and how much of a role they had in preparing my heart for that decision. I wanted God to use me in others’ lives, just as He had used my pastors in mine. I decided to pursue a vocation in youth ministry.

In 2019, I graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Christian Ministry. BJU is also where I met my wife, Kristina. To continue my education, we moved to this area so that I could attend Virginia Beach Theological Seminary.

Camp has been part of my life at many crucial moments, and I am excited to be a part of the ministry at Camp Hope Haven. I am grateful that God has placed me in this role, and I am blessed to be able to serve alongside everyone at Hope Haven to serve Christ, our campers, and the community.

Although this summer might not look like previous summers, I want Camp Hope Haven to continue to minister to the community here in Hampton Roads. This means we will have to be flexible as safety standards change, but I believe God will use our efforts in great ways as we seek to honor Him in all that we do.

We are working as a staff to determine how we can best be used by God to offer a fun, safe, and God-glorifying season of camp. As we decide on the best ways to move forward, I look forward to sharing more information about Camp Hope Haven this upcoming summer.

Peace out,

Dakota Bowley

Angela JeffriesGreetings from the New Camp Director!
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Summer Camp Postponed Until 2021

 

Dear Hope Haven Community,

We hope everyone’s families are staying safe and healthy.

The coronavirus and corresponding state guidelines continue to challenge us to look to God and consider new ways to serve young people for the cause of Christ. We want to assure you that, in the midst of this upheaval, Hope Haven stands firm. We are committed to continuing to nurture children and strengthen families, no matter what challenges are faced.

What our services look like will no doubt evolve as the emergency continues to unfold, and health
guidelines and local restrictions are updated.

Right now, for the safety of all on our campus and in response to government guidelines, we are:

1. Asking that staff members who are sick or in a high-risk category stay home.
2. Following strict hygiene standards.
3. Closing our office to visitors. Please do not come on campus unless you have a previously made appointment.
4. Cancelling the scheduled six weeks of summer camp.

At this point, we are prayerfully considering what form this summer’s camping season will take. We will continue to pray and monitor COVID-19 developments. The safety of the campers and our staff is of utmost concern. We are no long accepting employment applications or camper registrations for this summer. Registration fees will be refunded upon request or may be applied to preregistration for summer camp 2021 (please notify us at camp@ummnorva.org).

For those who have applied to serve the Lord at Camp Hope Haven this summer, we are thankful for your desire to give your summer to serve children. God has a wonderful plan for your summer. We will be in contact concerning camp opportunities and expanded Switchback events.

Be in prayer for discernment of God’s will, the Hope Haven staff, and our nation. One beautiful truth we can hold to is God is in control. No matter what is going on in the world, coronavirus or otherwise, God is still moving for His glory and His good pleasure.

Sincerely,
Hope Haven Staff

Angela JeffriesSummer Camp Postponed Until 2021
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Hope Haven has Week Long Camp for Teens

Do you have a teen that is looking for a way to have fun, and make friends in a supportive environment? Hope Haven’s teen camp program is a week that they are sure to remember for the rest of their lives. Space is limited so make sure you sign up to save your spot!

hopehavenHope Haven has Week Long Camp for Teens
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