COVID-19 and Highland Park 2020

To our Highland Family, 
 
Highland Park Campmeeting has been going strong for over 125 years. As part of our annual Camp Meeting, we hold a Youth Camp for middle and high school students.  For the first time since the Youth Camp started, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Youth Camp.  With the current guidelines in place, we believe we cannot fulfill the stringent guidelines that have been requested by the state and CDC for overnight camps.  

The good news is, we are still planning a Camp Meeting.  Although Camp Meeting may feel a little different this year due to social distancing we are still committed to our mission statement of making disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:16-20).  We are currently planning evening services and are exploring streaming of the services so those that are not able to join us this year can actively participate.

Please note that the health guidelines we must follow continue to evolve. We will be in touch as we get closer to Camp Meeting with the list of activities/ meals for which we can safely execute.  To help us better plan, we would love for you to take a brief survey on your intended attendance and activity preferences. 

Please keep Highland Park in your prayers as we go through this year of transition. May we see it as a year of opportunity to try new things instead of a year of disappointment.

We are asking you to complete our survey at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6L6ZVT6?fbclid=IwAR0ZAtx64RZ9sqo7x2U-wKYd02Xx_TGD7I2Iy-RXDI2Q6Dcww3kpKHOUDRM

In Christ,

The Highland Park Board of Directors
info@highlandparkcamp.org

Spring Updates 2019

It’s a fresh new year, and Highland Park is a really good place right now. People are already preparing for a fresh new Camp Meeting, with lots of repainting, cleaning, and renovating. We would like to express our gratitude for your continued support and participation over the years! We thoroughly enjoyed our 125th Anniversary celebration, and want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make our celebration what it was. We also want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us. We have some exciting updates for this year:

New Payment Options

For the past few years we’ve used a service on our website called Stripe, which allows users to make donations and registration payments using credit cards. In addition to that, we can now accept PayPal for users more comfortable with using that. Lastly, we can accept personal checks for anyone not comfortable with making payments on line. Because of privacy concerns, we do not publish personal addresses on our website. If you wish to send us a check, please look on any print materials, or send an email to info@highlandparkcamp.org and we will provide you with an address.

#hpyc2019

Featuring Guest Evangelist RUNKS

Highland Park features a unique overnight Christian Youth camp experience in Sellersville, PA for youth ages 12-18. We've been at this for a while (over 80 years now), and we've gotten pretty good at this whole Youth Camp thing. Come join us from July 28-August 4, 2019 for the low cost of $90 (first year campers only). Standard registration remains at $180 for 2019. Meanwhile, come and let us show you what we have to offer!

Please feel free to share our new promotional video with anyone you would like. Registration is now open, and our pricing plan remains the same as last year: $90 for first year campers, $180 for full registration. Scholarships are available upon request. Now is the time most people start planning for their summers, be sure to register soon, so we can make sure we order you at 2019 T-Shirt!

2019 Concert Series and Dinner Events

Our Cottage Owners Association and Ladies Auxiliary has once again planned a robust Concert Series and accompanying dinners for the Summer of 2019. See our events for this year:

Our Cottage Owners are responsible for planning and executing all of these concerts. Facilitating entertainment for the summer with no admission fees does cost them money, and they would appreciate some assistance in funding these concerts. Please consider sponsoring our Concert Series for the summer of 2019 as either a Sponsor or a Friend. Contributors’ names will be listed in the concert program, as donations are received. If a donation misses the cutoff date for a concert program, it will the be listed in the next program for all remaining concerts. This donation will be automatically designated to Highland Park Concerts Fund.

Donate

Job Postings: Caretakers needed

We are in search of an Assistant Caretaker as well as a Volunteer Caretaker for Highland Park Camp Meeting. Both positions have very different descriptions as well as skill requirements. Please see our Employment Opportunities page if you are interested, and prepare a letter of interest by April 30, 2019 if you think you would be a good match for either role.

We look forward to seeing you around camp this summer. Stay tuned for more announcements for this year!

Highland Park Sweatshirt and T-Shirt Fundraiser

Too cold out for your Highland Park T-shirt?

Warm up with a hoodie or long sleeve T-shirt! Don’t wait too long, this fundraiser will only run for the next few weeks. Shirts will be sent to you following the close of the fund raiser. Click here for details or to place an order.

Packing Checklist

Here is a handy packing list you can use as a guide when you start packing for camp.  

Camp is 8 days long, and we have no laundry service, so please pack accordingly.  We value modesty, so please leave things like spaghetti-strap tanks and dresses, midriff clothing, halter tops, short shorts, or other revealing clothing at home.  Lost belongings can easily be returned to their owner when they are clearly marked!

• Your Bible!
• Pen/Pencil
• Day Clothing:
  • 8 shirts
  • 8 pair shorts or pants
  • 8 pair socks/underwear
  • Hoodie, sweatshirt, or light jacket
  • 2 pair sweatpants
  • 1 pair sneakers
• Evening Clothes for 8 Evening Church Services
• Footwear
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping Bag or Sheets
• Pillow
• Pajamas/Clothes to sleep in
• Towels (for showering)
• Toiletries (Shampoo, soap, toothpaste & toothbrush)
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Laundry bag
• Flashlight
• Fan*
• Insect Repellent*
• Umbrella*
• Ball Gloves*
• Medicine (any required medicine must be turned into the Camp Nurse at Check-in)

*Optional 

Items that will NOT be needed, and you should leave them at home or check them with the Program Director in the beginning of Camp

• Computers
• Music Player/iPod/CD player
• Cell Phones/Tablets
• Hand-held video games
• Food or drinks any kind (Snacks are available for purchase at various times during the day.)
•  Knives or weapons of any kind
•  Car keys (If you must drive to camp you must leave your keys with the Youth Director for the duration of camp.)

Information about Evening Services

We always try to look a little nicer for dinner and the evening services.  Please plan on bringing a few nicer sets of clothing on hangers for an evening service each night, and for the Sunday morning service on August 5.

Quasquicentennial.

It's the fancy word for the significance of this year's Camp Meeting.  Highland Park turns 125 years old this year!  We want to make sure you're a part of our celebration.  It's absolutely something you'll not want to miss out on. Why not? Keep reading.

125 Years ago...

In 1891, a large group of people split off from Perkasie Park Camp Meeting. Two years later, they established Highland Park Camp Meeting in Sellersville, and drew literally thousands of people.  By the year 1900, Highland Park was attended by over 8,000!

Years later, in 1936, Highland Park held its first Youth Camp. This tradition has continued for 82 years! We've worked very hard to keep our Youth Camp program strong ever since, and this year, we are planning some pretty special things for you to enjoy as a camper.

#hpcm125

This year's theme song is "Help Me Find It" by the Sidewalk Prophets. We listened! This camper-preferred theme song is all about letting God guide us on our way through life. We hope it will be a source of inspiration for you.

Chill out 3 times a day

Thanks to an incredibly generous donation by Lillian Clemens, our dining hall has now been equipped with... AIR CONDITIONING! I know this may not seem like much at this moment, considering it was snowing yesterday, but entire generations of past campers will be extremely jealous of you this July!

Hope 2018: A Free Concert featuring Bonray!

Friday evening during our Annual Camp Meeting, we have the up and coming band Bonray performing for us.  As an effort for outreach to our community, this concert is free for the public and we are expecting a huge turnout. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2018.  You won't want to miss it, it will be an incredible show!  

Guest Evangelist

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We searched far and wide this year for a great guest evangelist for our 125th Anniversary. We found someone perfect to share the word of God for this year's Camp Meeting. David Crain is a nationally known Christian speaker and musician who uses music inspire and uplift. We are truly blessed to have David speak to us this year.  

Registration for Camp is Open

Registration this year is $180. Register by June and we'll make sure you get a free T-shirt. Invite a friend for his or her first Highland Park experience, and they can enjoy a 50% off discount.  We also offer discounts to youth whose parents are military personnel or veterans. Is money a problem? We also offer scholarships.  We hope to see you there!

Come celebrate with us

415 Highland Park Rd
Sellersville, PA 18960
215-257-9987

highlandparkcamp.org

July 29-August 5, 2018

Winter Updates 2018

#hpcm125

Highland Park Camp Meeting turns 125 this year, and she's looking pretty amazing considering her age!  Highland Park Camp Meeting was founded in 1893, and if you are new to our community, you will notice that this is kind of a big deal for all of us, so we are truly celebrating this place that God gave us to worship together, and the wonderful community that has maintained it for so long.  We are planning on sharing our story throughout the year, so stay tuned.

Annual Mid-Year Banquet

Just a reminder that our Annual Mid-Year Banquet is coming up this Sunday, January 14th.  Reservations are $10/person ($5 ages 4-6) and can be purchased right through our website.  We hope to see you there!

History has been made!

Highland Park is now officially on the National Register of Historic Places as of April 10, 2017.  This was a huge undertaking initiated by Merle Landis in partnership with the West Rockhill Historical Society. Hats off to Larry and the rest of the Highland Park Historical Committee for finishing what she started.

Highland Park qualifies for the National Register because, in addition to its historic integrity, location, design, and workmanship, Highland park is a prime example of how the camp meeting movement developed, and also demonstrates specific styles of architecture, as well as demonstrating typical camp meeting layouts in the late 1800s.

Why is this so important to Highland Park?  

• Highland Park will receive extra consideration in the future for planning for projects that have federal involvement.
• Highland Park is eligible for a 20% federal historic rehabilitation tax credit.
• Highland Park is eligible for historic preservation grants.

The meeting in Harrisburg was videotaped, and it contains some interesting historical information about the Park, it's cottages, and it's place in U.S. History.  Because of high noise in the room, much of the speaking was difficult to make out, so we are giving you a cleaned up version that is much easier to listen to.  If you happen to hear high-pitched chirping, it's what was left over after almost all of the room noise was removed.  Enjoy.

Highland Park Open House

On July 15, 2017, Highland Park held an Open House to celebrate its new historical status.  Park and cottage tours were led, Musicians performed, refreshments were served, and the West Rockhill Historical Society gave an incredible presentation on the History of Highland Park.  They also lead a moving dedication to Highland Park's spiffy new plaque.  The event was organized by Karen Van Arsdale, and it was well-attended.  If you missed this event,  We have some pretty amazing pictures in the gallery below.  Thank you to everyone who helped out with, participated in, and attended our Open House!

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UPCOMING 2018 EVENTS AT HIGHLAND PARK

 

Spring Update

We have had some very exciting news, which the Senior Board of Directors has asked be shared with everyone.  We received this email last week:

Also, In partnership with the West Rockhill Historical Society, we would like you to put July 15, 2017 on your calendar for our first ever Highland Park Open House!

For more information:
Plaques or Signage for your property at Highland Park
Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office

Fall Updates 2016

We hope everyone is having a safe and wonderful fall.  We have had some exciting things going on at Highland Park over the past few months since Camp Meeting 2016 ended.

National Register

You may or may not have been aware that an effort has been underway, initiated by Merle and Larry Landes, and the Historical Committee of Highland Park, to have Highland Park listed as part of the National Register by the National Park Service, as an example of the Camp Meeting movement in the late 19th century..  A meeting was to take place on October 4, 2016 by the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board to decide whether or not Highland Park's Nomination was to be carried to the next stage of the process.    Highland Park's Board President Ed Van Arsdale announced that Highland Park was approved by the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board for listing on the National Register.  A video was also included in the announcement (see above).

Congratulations to our dedicated Historical Committee for some hard work that has paid off!

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Cottage owner, Larry Landes, admiring the restoration of the Fireplace, at the Pavilion.

Fireplace

The Fireplace at the Highland Park Pavilion has been restored as a Memorial to Rev. Earl Trauger and Merle Landes, Larry's wife.  These memorial funds are $1000.00 short, of the actual cost, of the project.   If you would like to contribute to this needed repair, please send your check, made out to: Highland Park Camp Meeting and mail to Highland Park Camp Meeting, PO Box 5, Sellersville, PA 18960.  Write "Fireplace" in the Check Memo section. 

HPYC Gives Some of its August Heat to January

The River Church & Resource Center in Carneys Point acts as one of two Code Blue locations in Salem County.  Check them out at www.therivernj.com

Highland Park Youth Camp introduced a new type of service project during the summer of 2015.  Using a stash of donated fleece, campers spent an afternoon making no-sew fleece blankets for the needy.  This weekend, Highland Park Youth Camp donated 16 fleece blankets to the newly established Code Blue program for Salem County, NJ.

What started as a camper service project quickly became a camp-wide effort on the last day of camp.  It was inspiring to see so many people of all ages drawn to get involved to turn a pile of fleece into warm blankets for the winter.  Code Blue volunteers at the River Church in Carneys Point were very grateful for the donation towards their cause.  Many comments were made on how nice the blankets were and how great a blessing they would be for those in need.

The Code Blue program is actually an initiative to provide “warming shelters” for homeless people in extremely cold weather conditions.   They operate from 6pm-6am on nights where the temperature drops below 25 C, or 32 C w/ precipitation.  The program had previously started in Cumberland County, and has just now opened in Salem County for the first time on Wednesday, January 27.  It is important to note that these are not fully operational homeless shelters, and will not be serving food other than donated water and snacks.

We are happy to help contribute to this program, and we hope to continue providing blankets and other goods to Code Blue in the years to come.  We are always in need of more fleece for future donations!  Each blanket is made from 2 pieces of fleece that are 1 2/3 yd (or 60"x 60"), and can be patterned or plain fleece.  All blankets are given directly to Code Blue Shelters.  This project is coordinated by Andi Grimes.  If you would like to donate fleece, please email her at info@highlandparkcamp.org.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  - Matthew 25:34-40

7 Theme Songs campers call their favorites

The theme song is one of Highland's traditions that goes way back.  Decades ago, it was a hymn that campers sang throughout the week.  With the development of Contemporary Christian music, the hymns were left to be sung in the nightly services, and newer, more energetic songs were picked.  The camp theme is derived from either the theme song title, or lyrics from within the song, and is meant to be what drives our bible studies, devotions, meditations, and the sermons delivered by our evangelist.  Since 1990, we have been blessed with some artistic people (special thanks to Cindy Morlock, Kellie Leight, and Andi Grimes) who have created banners based on the theme each year.  You'll see those retired banners hanging in the Dining Hall.  Over the years, we've had some really great ones that campers loved, and I thought it would be a great idea to revisit them.

1.  2015 "THRIVE"

Thrive was by far one of our best theme songs.  I guarantee by 2025, people will wonder what we were thinking when we picked it.  Actually we were thinking about a campground that we knew was meant to thrive, and for some of us, it was inspirational to help bring life back to our aging campground.  As it turned out, even by the end of the week, people weren't tired of this song.  Usually, after you sing it 32 times (3 meals a day, plus 8 services) we never want to sing it again, but the lyrics spoke pretty loud and clear through Colleen's sermons, our daily bible studies, and devotions.

2.  2011 "Safe"

Phil Wickham performs Safe on K-LOVE with Scott and Kelli.  Acoustic/Unplugged

I remember when we were picking theme songs, we were deciding between two really great theme songs.  And then Ronnie Sensinger suggested "Safe," and there was no more discussion.  By far one of the best theme songs Highland has sung to date, with a great message.  "You will be safe in His arms, 'cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart."  Night of Silence service that year was unique, where many campers cast a piece of broken glass into a huge mess of junk, to symbolize letting go of their own brokenness, and giving it to God.  Later, the glass was rescued, and used to create a beautiful mosaic. 

3.  2007 "HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"

This one was definitely a favorite through the years.  I would mention more, but I think Chris Tomlin says it the best!

chris tomlin teaching "how great is our god"

YouTube - Chris Tomlin -- How Great is Our God

4.  2003 "FOREVER"

Can't believe this is the only Michael W. Smith song on the list!  Surprisingly, this is a song written by Chris Tomlin, and performed by Michael W. Smith in his 2001 album, "Worship."  Let's face it, this song holds up in praise music, even 14 years after it was first produced.

5,  1995 "Carry the Light"

1995 was the year most noted for having the largest number of campers registered in recent history.  with 126 names and addresses published in the Highlander at the end of the week, the dorms were packed full!  Could you imagine 31 boys stuffed into Boys Dorm?  At choir, the stage was so full, they had to have 20 chairs set up in front of the stage.  Though it doesn't quite hold up today, Carry the Light was one of the campers' favorite theme songs of the 90's.  It was so good, we included 2 videos.  One for the song, and one for the magnificent 1987 hair!

6.  1992 "Destined to Win"

The interesting thing about 1992 at Highland was that was the year we had 60 campers registered, which was the SMALLEST camp was in the 90's.  To put things in perspective, Bill Clinton hadn't even been elected president yet.  We had one graduating camper that year, Kelly Grimes.  Joanne Leight was working in the kitchen, and Holly Sensinger was a precamper roaming the camp ground.  Happy Hollister was leading the services and some pretty epic bible studies.  And this theme song was the raddest Christian Song around in the early 90's!  I can't tell you how lucky we all are that this video made it to Youtube (...again, the hair!).

Degarmo & Key & Jesse Dixon - Destined To Win

The Big List

Of course, I realize that your favorite theme song may not be on this list, so we included the big list of theme songs from the past 25 years so you can stroll down memory lane.  Enjoy!

• 1990 Dare to Run
• 1991 The Rock of Faith is Jesus
• 1992 Destined to Win
• 1993 Shine, Jesus, Shine
• 1994 Almighty
• 1995 Carry the Light
• 1996 Let there be Praise!
• 1997 What a Mighty God We Serve/How Great, How Glorious
• 1998 Shout to the Lord
• 1999 Our God Reigns
• 2000 The Kingdom Song
• 2001 Knowing You
• 2002 We Want to See Jesus Lifted High
• 2003 Forever
• 2004 I Will Be
• 2005 Maker of All Things
• 2006Let Your Glory Fall
• 2007 How Great Is Our God
• 2008 Hallelujah! (Your Love Is Amazing)
• 2009 You Are God Alone (Not a God)
• 2010 Speaking Louder Than Before
• 2011 Safe In His Arms
• 2012 Shout to the North - clip from live performance
• 2013 Where I Belong
• 2014 Live With Abandon
• 2015 Thrive
• 2016 Jesus Is a Friend of Mine

7.  2016 "JESUS IS A FRIEND OF MINE"

The staff decided to go in a different direction with the theme song for this year.  I realize that I may be jumping the gun here, but the staff is pretty sure it will easily make the list of camper favorites!

No, just kidding.  This isn't really the theme song for 2016.  BUT, we do have one, and we can't wait to share it with you.  We'll give you a hint, it has something to do with building stuff and setting stuff on fire.  Stay tuned, this won't be a secret for long...and it will be well worth the wait, cause it's a great one!