Trailblazer e

Trailblazer e-newsletter

Spring 2008

Christikon Partners with MAC to Continue Sojourners Camp - Support for Scholarships Invited

Seeking to preserve a ministry partnership begun last year with the Montana Association of Churches (MAC), Christikon has offered to underwrite the costs of hosting this year’s Sojourners Camp.

Sojourners Camp, a MAC initiative, is offered without cost to at-risk youth ages 9-13. Its purpose is to offer a positive and formative experience of friendship, respect, resilient problem solving, with a sense of wonder and adventure in a Montana wilderness area.

"At-risk youth" are those who may be lacking any resources important for their development (for example, low family income, absent parent, stress or grief in the family), or who may be showing warning signs in attitude or behavior (for example, poor performance in school, emotional or behavioral problems, or experimentation with alcohol, drugs, or sexual acting out).

MAC publicity materials note, "We are committed to respect for all campers’ faith traditions and backgrounds of every kind. In no way do we expect Sojourners campers to be Christians or to become Christians. Instead, we hope campers share the experience of having a significant life infused with friendship and grace, and take something of value from the encounter." Christikon believes it can participate in this initiative in a way that is consistent with its own Mission Statement.

For a number of years, the Montana Association of Churches has provided the resources to carry on Sojourners Camp. Last year MAC asked Christikon to host the program; and MAC covered the camp fee for each youth participant. But this year MAC found itself with significant financial challenges (possibly resulting from office embezzlement), and was forced to suspend the program as part of several cost-cutting measures.

Christikon has offered to undergird the program so it can continue. As was originally planned, two MAC adults (Pastor Eric Thorson and Julie Donald of Billings) will join campers and Christikon counseling staff in program leadership.

However, this year Christikon will fund the entire Sojourners program from its own resources. With average costs at nearly $85 per camper per day, Christikon subsidizes every person who comes to camp. Now, with no offsetting camp fees (which are only about $43 per camper per day), Christikon this year will bear the entire cost of the Sojourners Camp, as well as covering bus riding costs for participants ($24-30).

So Christikon is now making a special appeal to individuals, congregations, auxiliaries and others who may be able to help provide the resources for this important Sojourners initiative. Those interested in helping may make a gift online by clicking here. When you get to the page where you enter your gift information, in the bottom "optional" part of the form, select "in honor of" and then type in "MAC" or "Sojourners".