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camp garwood

August 2024

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Camp Garwood Report – October 2022

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Our 2023 camp dates are July 31st through August 4th. Jordan Bowen has been invited to be our speaker next year. He is excited and hopes to give us confirmation soon. When I get confirmation or another speaker set, we will get word out through the MMB and on our Facebook page.

Camp theme will be Gateway to God. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me,” (John 14:6).

We have paid off the tractor debt, and I’m certain we will begin some upgrades soon.

Our 2022 camp had 233 campers, with nearly 20 professions of faith, one rededication, and a series of events that will not soon be forgotten. Those include our speaker shuffle, dorm antics, service disruptions, a fight, and a severe thunderstorm followed by a worship service that could only be described as heavenly. If you had asked me on Tuesday night how camp was going, I probably would have hung my head and walked away. At that point we were asking, “Okay, Lord, what’s going on?” But by Thursday night we were praising Him for a great week.

The financial report at the close of the year shows a balance of $6,300.50. Total received was $73,226.79; total dispersed $68,422.12. We spent $9,582.90 on food, $6,857.30 on electricity, and $7,539.00 on insurance.

This year Bro. Brian Whitlock rolls off the Camp Committee. We would like to thank him for many years of service, as he has served multiple terms.

Greetings From Camp Garwood

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It’s officially crunch time. While we don’t have any “big” projects this year. We have several small maintenance items keeping us busy. I look at my list and then at my calendar and it makes me wonder, how am I going to get it all done?

But, then I remember. 1) It doesn’t all have to be done. 2) JULY 25 – 29, 2022
Camp Theme • Forward in Faith 2 Peter 1:5-7 See bmamissouri.org for Rules, Schedule, etc. as we get closer to camp help will come. 3) These are the small things. The main thing is the gospel. And it will be proclaimed. With or without every light bulb working. Or every leak stopped. By this time your church should be registered. Please ensure all adults have completed the screening and read the camp rules. Both can be found at bmamissouri.org along with the camp schedule and other information. We are getting excited to see everyone. It sounds like we’ll have a full camp again.

Forward in Faith. That’s our theme. Forward….In…. Faith. Always moving forward. Forward in our walk. Forward in our spiritual growth. Forward in our Faith. Supplementing our faith with virtue and knowledge and self
control. With those we become Steadfast and live godly lives with brotherly affection. And as these are increased we become fruitful. And that, That is our ultimate goal. To be fruitful in the LORD.

Yep. I’m excited to see everyone. But I’m more excited to hear Bro. Jordan preach the gospel from 2 Peter.

In these final weeks would you lift Camp Garwood up in prayer. Cover every camper, worker, recreation event, meal, and daily weather with prayer. Bro. Ben says every failure is a prayer failure. Pray for me.
What am I forgetting? For health. Patience. Energy. Pray for my family as we enter the busiest month of the year. Pray for Matthews church as she
functions under a pastor serving in dual roles.

If you have any questions or if you want to know how you or your church can help get ready for a successful camp please contact me or a camp
committee member. We will be happy to answer your questions and encouraged by your willingness to be involved. The more you are involved,
the greater the blessing of seeing souls saved and other good things that happen at Camp!

We’ll see you in a few short weeks at Camp Garwood!

Camp Director Chris Polk

News From Camp Garwood

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Greetings from Camp Garwood! Since camp week we have continued working at camp weekly. We are getting things cleaned up and put up. Hopefully to give us a little boost on being prepared for next years camp.

We had a great DEWrs retreat mid August. A good turnout and a lot of fun. It was good simply hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. I believe it’s called fellowship and we need it. In today’s society it’s hard to know what to do. When to meet, when to distance, when to wear a mask. Even being an introvert, I know that we need time together. We’re better together. At the retreat we played games, took a train ride, some played on the slide and mini-golf. It was a simple, casual gathering. Bro. Dan Wisely gave a great devotional on Saturday morning, Bro. Jeff Reynolds prepared our meals with help from the Kewanee ladies. We all agreed the weekend was great and that the DEWrs should meet at that time every year. After camp rather than before.

I’d like to have a Fall retreat but finding a suitable weekend is proving to be difficult. Band events, football games, community days, local association meets and hunting season fill the calendar. Maybe we can sneak one in this winter.

I’ll give a full report at the annual meeting, but camp week was great in so many ways this year. However we were lacking in two areas. Our attendance numbers were about half normal. And the spiritual response during camp was not there. We have no professions or decisions to report. That’s hard for us to imagine. We can only guess as to the why. We know seeds were planted and we trust that the LORD will give the increase in His timing.
As I mentioned it was a great week in so many ways. Being half the campers the dorms were not over filled, there wasn’t such a pressure with break downs and problems. We had tremendous services and a great time together in the valley.

Looking to camp in 2022. We have Bro. Jordan Bowen coming from Little Rock AR to speak. Jordan is currently serving as church planter at Hillcrest Community Church in North Little Rock. The committee and I are excited that Jordan will be with us next year. Please join us in praying for him, His wife Sarah, and their sons Brooks and Caden. May God use them to stir our hearts and awaken dead souls.

The Central Collective will return to lead the worship. And we are planning some more great things for Garwood ‘22. Plan now to join us July 25-29th. Only 46 Saturdays away!

Thank You for the continued support. We are a little behind financially due to the lower number of campers and the added expenses from working on the slide. Our focus now is on paying down the tractor debt.

Blessings to all of our churches.
Chris Polk
PO Box 271 • Matthews MO 63867
Cell phone 573-380-1975
E-mail – campgarwood@gmail.com

It’s Time to WORK at CAMP!!

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Now that May is over we can get back on our regular camp every weekend schedule. We have a lot to do in 8 weeks. If you adopted a dorm, remember this plan is to help get camp ready, not just sweep up a little and make a punch list for Chris. I’ll have toilet valves and seats, light bulbs, milgo, door knobs etc. available as needed to get your buildings ready. Each bunk in each dorm will need to be wiped down with milgo so please plan to spend some quality time. Not just a quick trip to work 30 min and then go play half a day at the river.

There are 7 Saturdays till camp!
June 26th Work day
July 9-10 GMA. Retreat

See ya soon!
CHRIS

2020 Camp Garwood Canceled

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The camp committee met tonight with Bro Matt and myself to discuss options for this years camp. After prayer and discussion it was unanimously decided that we can not in good conscience have camp.

We discussed options on serving food. Options on thinning the tabernacle. But the real problem comes down to the packed dorms. If we are still trying to practice social distancing we can’t pack the dorms full of kids each night.
We discussed options to thin the camp numbers, but that presents its own set of problems.

Another problem in the decisions of this year are with food availability and costs. I know this decision is not what you guys were hoping for. It’s not what we want either. But at the end of our discussions and our desires. We had to decide we will err on the side of caution. We all agree that no publicity is better than bad publicity.

We have already talked with Bro Dustin Wisely and he is planning to be with us for next year’s camp. We are going to keep the same theme, and we are hoping the guys in the band can be with us for camp in 2021. Which will be July 26-30th.

Some have asked about t-shirts. We are not going to have t-shirts made for the DEWrs or for camp this year. Just to avoid the cost and hassle. There is a bright side even though you may need to strain to see it. If our regular contributions continue without the expenses of camp week. We will be able to completely pay off the camp loan. We are doing some minor repairs and will be working at camp. In fact the DEWr retreat June 19-20th will basically be a work weekend. So if you’re a DEWr be sure to come help. A DEWr is anyone who gives $75 per year to camp. We will be cooking outside to avoid congestion in the dining hall.

The MO state GMA’s are also planning their annual retreat to be held at camp July 10-11. We are permitting their retreat because they typically have fewer than 30 in attendance which can be safely spread out through multiple dorms.

Again, We did not make this decision lightly. It saddens me to write this. Last year we celebrated 50 years, this year no camp. We are only comforted by knowing that our LORD will work even this out to be good.
It is HIS history. HIS story.
Chris Polk, Camp Director

May 2020 – News and Views from Camp Garwood

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Colossians 1:15-20 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” ESV

History is HIS story. An appropriate theme for 2020, much better than ‘vision 2020’ because none of us saw this coming. But Jesus did, even this is His story. We don’t know what the LORD is doing with this time in history. There’s a lot of speculation, there’s a lot of accusations. But that’s the thing about history. We can’t really see what’s going on until it has already happened. Is it all a hoax? Will half the population be killed off? Is it an evil plan devised and carried out by a political party, or another country? There are all kinds of ideas floating around, some of them a lot crazier than others.

While we don’t know what the end of the Coronavirus will look like, we do know what THE END looks like. Jesus will be seated on HIS throne ruling over HIS perfect creation, and in that knowledge I find peace.

Just like you, I have more questions than answers at this point. Will we have camp? I don’t know. If we do, what will that look like? I don’t know. When will you know? I don’t know. Even by the time you are reading this report it will still be too early to make a decision. I would like to say, “You know what, It’s not as bad as they say, we are having camp no matter what.” But the reality is, We can’t say that. And that is not a lack of faith.

I was able to watch the Governors Broadcast on FB today. I was actually able to tune in early. It seemed like 15 minutes but was probably only 3-4 minutes of watching closed doors. No movement, no talking, just closed doors. And even at that the angry faces were flying. There were some likes and hearts too, but it was overwhelmingly angry faces. People angry because he is opening the state, because he isn’t opening it fast enough, because he didn’t open it soon enough, because he didn’t close it fast enough, because he is helping this group and hasn’t done anything about this that or the other. Everyone has an opinion and on FB they don’t care to share it. In the midst of the angry faces and the angry comments people were signing in, posting where they are from. Florissant, Jackson, Kennett, Branson, Literally all over the state. When you think about that load, Whether you like him or hate him, that guy has a lot of weight on his shoulders and no matter what he does, a lot of people are not going to like it.

Everyone has an opinion, but that doesn’t make them right. People are failing to realize, this pandemic is not about them. Oh, it involves you in some way. But it is not about you. Even though we can’t see it yet, it is about Jesus. Everything that happens in history will be for HIM. “All things are for him and through Him and to Him.” He will receive glory through this; the question is, will it be by your lips and actions?

When your pastor or your elders or your deacons make a decision during this time remember they didn’t ask for this. They are doing the best they can and trying to glorify the LORD in the process. Their decision may not agree with yours but they don’t need to know that and neither does anyone else. Remember, It’s not about you.

Whatever the camp committee decides about camp this year it will be the right decision because it will be made through prayer and with the desire to please the LORD. Whatever we decide some of you will have other opinions. Remember, It’s not about you. There are a lot of things to factor into our decision. Are there liability issues? We are drawing in people from all over the state and out of state to pack into dorms that are not social distancing friendly. The tabernacle doesn’t have walls but we are normally packed in the pews. Will food be an issue? Will kids practice being sanitary? (That record speaks for itself). Right now it’s early May, How will the numbers be trending at the end of June? There are too many questions that can’t be answered yet. So be patient, we are waiting as long as possible to make a decision.

At this point we have no activities planned at camp, The DEWr weekend and the GMA retreat are on hold. We are continuing to do maintenance at camp and plan to have camp ready to go, hopeful that it will be used.
We have opened a PayPal account for camp to help you support this ministry. The easiest way to find us on PayPal is with our email address. campgarwood@gmail.com It will show up as Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri because that is our official name. But it will send the funds directly to the camp account.

Have a great day and remember to pray,
Chris Polk, Camp Garwood
PO Box 271 • Matthews, MO 63867
573-380-1975 • campgarwood@gmail.com

Camp Garwood Activities

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These months sure are clicking by. Your church should have received a camp packet by now. We are looking for the T-shirt order and registration form to be sent in on Fathers Day. We will not be ordering extra shirts this year so please be sure to order if you want one. We’ll have pictures of the shirts posted on the camp Facebook page soon and the camp packet is available now at bmamissouri.org.

The DEWrs had a great time last weekend. We spent a lot of time at camp just hanging out. We also visited the Twin Pines Conservation center in Winona. They have a lot of information about logging in the early 1900’s an old one room school house is there also an archery range and several pieces of old sawmill equipment. Later that afternoon we took an exciting train ride and then prepared a new dish over the fire.

Now is the perfect time to be a Camp Garwood DEWr in 2020! You can start now saving and bring your DEWr funds to us at

A Note From Our Camp Director

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In May, our funds were running very low. We asked for and received a $20,000 loan from the revolving loan fund to cover the remaining dorm expenses and operate until camp week. We have since received a couple special gifts. I especially want to
send a heart felt Thanks to the remaining members of Springdale who have graciously blessed camp with funds as a result of closing their doors. Your gift will enable us to give back the loan and complete the building debt free. We praise the Lord for that!

We have been busy at camp trying to get our hut ready. Joe has been busy trying to get the new dorm ready. And both are very
close to being finished. Folks have been asking, “What can we do?” At this point EVERYTHING! Because I have done very little normal camp stuff. If you are coming to help get ready for camp, let me know I’ll have plenty for you to do.

As camp is quickly approaching, all of the churches should have already received a packet. If you have not please give me a
call. The church registration date is June 19. Registering by this date insures your T-shirt order will be filled. It also gives your group a better chance of being placed in the dorm of your choice. The registration helps us prepare in many ways. Not only in dorm space but also camper sites, food ordering and a more accurate T-shirt order. Not to mention tracking the number of campers throughout the week.

Please be sure the adults in your group have completed the adult screening form and that all of your campers are familiar with the camp rules. Continue to pray for our speakers, worship leaders, teachers, sponsors, and most of all the lost who will be introduced to Jesus in the valley we call Garwood.

Chris Polk • P.O. Box 271 • Matthews MO 63867
Home 573-472-1038 • Cell 573-380-1975 •
campgarwood@gmail.com

Greetings From Garwood

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Ahhh Springtime! It’s the time of year all of Gods critters get busy. And so do we! Work has begun on the new dorm. Hopefully we can send some pictures next month. We are working on the directors apartment. We’ve also done some work on the paintball area preparing for our retreat this weekend.

Looking back, We had such a wonderful time at the Renewal Retreat. I believe it was helpful for all who attended. It certainly was for me. Thanks to Bro. Ben Kingston and all that helped.

Looking forward we are expecting another great Men’s retreat May 12th-13th. Please encourage your men to attend this retreat, and bring the boys (young men) with them. We always have a great time of fellowship. It’s Spring so we will have skeet shooting, Door prizes and Lots of food.

Ladies don’t forget! The GMA retreat is July 7-8. For more information concerning this retreat or if you would like to help. Please contact Shelia Polk 573-380-4064.

As Spring gives way to Summer we will try to get camp ready early this year. There are always little jobs that get pushed back until camp week. I can’t do that this year. Due to a con?ict at work I am unable to get o? for camp week. Not to worry though, my trusty assistant is on board and ready to take my place. I’m really hoping to make it over for the evening services. We have plenty of time, 18 Saturdays to be exact!

There’s a ton of stuff happening at camp this year. Not one but two super men of God! Shawn Hammontree and his son-in-law Jordan Bowen will be there. Not one but two great worship groups. The Harpers you all know and love and Central Baptist Church/Conway’s youth band, Crossroads is coming to help with filling in the gap after evening services. They will also be helping with some of the recreation activities. But that’s not all, We are working on train cars to haul 35-40 people around camp. But wait! No really, you have to wait. Because, Sorry I can’t give any details yet. But it’s gonna be Gggreat! I’m really excited about this year’s camp. AND I CANT GO! (Yes, I’m crying just a little)

As I was typing this I received the proofs for our promotion posters. Looks good! They will be included in the packets that should be mailed in early May. Be sure to get your adults screened. Everyone 18 and over has to complete the form every year. It’s not too early go ahead and get it out of the way.

Blessings,
Chris Polk
P.O. Box 271 • Matthews MO 63867

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