Crow Summer Bursary
From the beginning, Crow has known that for many families, money is a meaningful, and sometimes decisive consideration. That’s why camp is free. We don’t want anybody to be prevented from coming to camp because of money.
That goes for volunteers too! If you are anxious about money, or if money is an obstacle as you make plans for the summer - this blog post is for you.
You can fill in an application form here or read more about the bursary here
But first, a brief word from our sponsor (God):
Jesus talked about money a lot. He emphasizes the importance of investing in other people - giving them what they need to drink, or eat. He warns about thinking money is permanent and cautions against caring too much about it. “Watch out!” he says. “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” He encourages generosity (think about the story of the Prodigal Son, or the story of the Good Samaritan), and accepts generosity himself (From Joanna and Susanna, and from Mary and her fancy nard perfume).
For our part, we want Crow to be a giving place - a place that uses a generous measure when we share with others. And we strongly believe that “the laborer is worthy of his hire”.
Money is an important indication of what we value. More than just a means of exchange, it tells us something about the heart. Our heart, at Crowsnest Lake Bible Camp, is for people: for the kids who are the focus of our programs, and for the many volunteers who make those programs possible. We want to devote what resources we have to people. We want those people, and their ministries to thrive. Thriving often requires money. Not always a lot… but enough.
I’ve attached our Bursary Application to this post, so you can look over it at your leisure. But here’s the gist of the application process:
A conversation about calling. We don’t want Crow to be your “summer job”. We are a ministry, and our priority is to enable the people God has called. Honestly, if you are looking to make money, there are easier ways to get paid (and we’d be glad to help with the job search, with resume writing or interview prep also - for real! Drop an email to david@crowcamp.ca(link sends e-mail)).
A conversation around need. We want our workers and their ministry to “thrive,” and thriving is not a “one size fits all” solution. We’ll help you make a budget, and look to understand what your need for the future is - whether that is a car payment or two, or tuition and housing for the coming year.
A conversation about calling (part two) - We’d like to meet some people in your church family, face to face. Crow wants to be integrated with your primary spiritual community. We’d ask them questions about you, and how we can get the best from you. We’d ask how we can be effective mentors to you. We’d tell them what you are getting into. And we will invite them to participate.
It’s weird to talk and think about money in connection to the Bible Camp. Crow is not a “money” place. But, ironically, we are talking about money because we DON’T want it to occupy our thoughts. If you are called to be a disciple… if you are called to serve God at Crow… if God wants you to be a part of the ministry at camp this summer, we want you here. We don’t want money to be a consideration at all.
You can fill in an application form here or read more about the bursary here
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” Matthew 6:31-32
