Welcome to the Team: Introducing Suellen Holmes!

Fellowship Camp and Conference Center Welcomes Suellen Holmes as Coordinator of Guest Experience and Creative Programs

Waterloo, SC—Fellowship Camp and Conference Center is delighted to announce Suellen Holmes as the new Coordinator of Guest Experience and Creative Programs. With a distinguished background in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the arts, Holmes brings a wealth of experience and a creative vision that aligns seamlessly with the center’s mission of fostering spiritual growth, hospitality, and community connection.

Holmes is the founder and owner of Holmes Photography, a family-run business serving Upstate South Carolina since 2002. Her son, Hunter, joined the business in 2009, and together they have captured countless memories for families, weddings, and corporate events.  In addition, she has managed The Square Roots Store, a boutique gift shop located on the historic Laurens Courthouse Square, since 2015. The store has specialized in unique, locally and regionally made items, including wheel-thrown pottery by resident artist (and Suellen’s husband) Joey Holmes and musical instruments with lessons offered by Hunter Holmes. 

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Holmes is deeply rooted in the Laurens community. She serves on the board of Main Street Laurens, contributing to revitalizing and promoting the downtown area.  Her active participation in local initiatives underscores her commitment to community development and engagement. As she transitions into her new role at Fellowship, Holmes plans to close the Square Roots Store and Holmes Photography 

At Fellowship, Holmes’ focus will be on guest and camper services—from program registrations to booking, planning, and hosting events—ensuring a welcoming and enriching experience for all. She will also spearhead the development of new creative programs, drawing on her extensive background in the arts and community programming. Holmes will provide administrative support and foster guest-centered relationships, enhancing the overall experience at Fellowship.

“Suellen’s blend of creativity, leadership, and community involvement makes her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Kevin Cartee, Executive Director of Fellowship Camp and Conference Center. “Her vision aligns perfectly with our goals of expanding creative programming and strengthening our community ties through hospitality and programs for children, youth, and adults.”

Fellowship Camp and Conference Center, located in Waterloo, SC, is dedicated to engaging our community in experiences that make connections for better living, stronger communities, and personal and spiritual growth and development.

For more information about Fellowship Camp and Conference Center and its programs, please visit www.campfellowship.org.

An Update from "The Learning Current"

Dear TLC Friends,
We are so excited about the many new programs and opportunities created by The Learning Current. We are thankful for your support and participation at the launch of these new programs!
Please read on to learn more about TLC and upcoming programs and opportunities for gathering in community! We hope you’ll share this information with your friends and neighbors and join the fun, fellowship, and learning!
Sincerely,
Kevin & Katie @ Camp Fellowship 

Dont’ Miss Tomorrow Evening’s Program!

“Climbing Your Family Tree: 
Exploring the Art & Science of Genealogy” with Cindy Ripko

Curious about researching your family genealogy?

Not sure where to start?

Wondering about tips, tricks, and tools you can use to learn more about your family story?

Cindy will share her journey into genealogy and inspire you as you begin to climb your family tree!

More info & RSVP TODAY!

What is TLC Anyway?

TLC is a Lake Campus Program connecting adult learners of all ages with a variety of courses (lectures, conversations, hands-on workshops and field experiences) building on Fellowship Camp and Conference Center’s mission to make connections for better living, stronger communities and personal and spiritual growth and development.
Learn more by visiting our website or emailing:
LakeCampus@campfellowship.org

The Learning (and fun) Begins!

The Learning Current kicked off our inaugural year of programming in February as faculty and students from Lander University’s ESSO Club (Environmental Science Student Organization) hosted Fellowship’s Great Backyard Bird Count! Read more about that event here.

The learning continued in March with a presentation by Lander University professor, Dr. Kerry Hansknecht on “Snakes of the Lakelands.” Around 40 community members gathered for the presentation to learn about some of our neighbors in nature! 

This program was followed by a community lunch bringing even more friends and neighbors together for fellowship and sharing!

On March 27, Toastmaster and community leader Len Young shared a powerful message centered on the importance of forgiveness and hope as a way of emphasizing the important practice of clear communication and strong public speaking.

Annemarie Humm and Anne Flint, TLC Planning Team Members, led and hosted an Egg Painting Workshop on April 1st (and again as an overflow session on April 8th because of its popularity)! We were excited to be joined by friends from the community, our Red Letter Day progam attendees, and students from the Harvest Schoolhouse!

We are so very excited about the success of these programs and look forward to welcoming participants to many more fun learning opportunities with TLC!

Everybody needs a little TLC!

TLC is for EVERYONE!

• We rely on a community volunteer planning team to identify programs, leaders, and resources!

• We work to make these learning opportunities free or low-cost to participants by seeking donations, grants and other support.

• We value your participation and input to make this program a success!

• Please share this newsletter and information about TLC with your friends and neighbors! 

• Visit The Learning Current webpage to sign up for future editions of TLC: News & Reviews

Click below to get involved!

•  Share a Program Idea! 

•  Make a Donation 

•  Register for An Upcoming Event!  

Everybody needs a little "TLC"!

The Learning Current Launches a New Program Opportunity!

One of the most common misconceptions is that Fellowship is primarily for kids! And while it is true that children and youth enjoy summer camps, weekend and day retreats, Fellowship also offers many opportunities for adults!

One of our newest opportunities, “The Learning Current” (TLC), is a dynamic Lake Campus Program designed to connect learners of all ages through a variety of educational experiences. This initiative aligns with our mission “to foster better living, stronger communities, and personal and spiritual growth.” 

Inaugural Program Highlighting “Snakes of the Lakelands”
On March 4, 2025, Fellowship hosted our first TLC Program “Snakes of the Lakelands,” a unique educational program led by Dr. Kerry Hansknecht, Professor of Biology at Lander University. Over 30 participants gained valuable insights into common snake species, identification tips, habitat preferences, behaviors, and the crucial role snakes play in our ecosystem. 

We invite you to join us in these enriching experiences that blend faith, fellowship, and continuous learning. For more information or to share program ideas, please contact us at LakeCampus@campfellowship.org. 

Upcoming Programs:

• TLC - Time to Talk (March 27, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM): Enhance your public speaking skills with guidance from Len Young, a seasoned member of Toastmasters International. 

• TLC - Egg Painting Workshop (April 1, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM): Engage in a creative session where you’ll learn egg painting techniques and complete a project to take home. 
(*Stay for the Community Lunch Following the Program!)

• TLC - Climbing Your Family Tree (April 10, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM): Embark on a genealogical journey with Cindy Ripko, who will share insights and tips on tracing your family history. 

• TLC - Greenwood Genetic Center (May 6, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM): Join Lori Bassett, MS, CGC, Director of Communications at the Greenwood Genetic Center, for a conversation exploring the center’s community impact and 50-year history. 
(*Stay for the Community Lunch Following the Program!)

Staff Alumni Profile - Hayden Blalock

2024 Summer staff - (Isabel, Sawyer, Hayden and Bailey)

The first in our Staff Alumni Profile Series! We hear from Hayden Blalock - Camper, LIT/JC, and Summer Staffer - All-Around Camp Fan!

I began coming to Camp Fellowship when I was 5, starting in 2010. I automatically fell in love with camp. With all of the fun activities and counselors that still inspire the way I am as a leader. I  got the opportunity to be a kid and make connections, relate, and embrace the experience while away from home. As a camper, I went through all the stages of developing myself as a leader through our LIT and Junior Counselor programs. These programs shaped me in many ways outside of learning to be a summer camp counselor. I gained confidence in myself to make the right choices, learned to understand how taking accountability isn’t bad, learned how to work well with others even through conflict and to give yourself grace when you fail because everyone does. 

Hayden - Summer of 2014

My biggest lesson while being a camper was finally realizing that camp was something more significant for me. I found my purpose and the direction in which I wanted to go in my life.
I started on staff in the summer of 2021; being on staff for multiple years has made me see the ups and downs of being a director and solidified my decision of wanting to be one myself. I am going into my Junior year at Presbyterian College as a Psychology major with a minor in Art.

My goal is to be a camp director and make an impact like the one made on me. I full heartedly believe that without Camp Fellowship, I would be another statistic of what happens when a child doesn’t have connections of support and unconditional love. I have been pushed to better myself for myself but also the children and families that I hope to serve  in the same way very soon.

To Everything....

By Kevin Cartee, Executive Director

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSVUE) 

It’s almost that time again - time for another “migratory season” of summer staff to move from their colleges and universities into the Retreat House, their new humble-abode that will be a place of rest and laughter, prayer and study, tears and growth for the summer season at Camp Fellowship. With footlockers and plastic tubs packed with clothing and other camp counselor essentials tossed in from recently vacated dorm rooms, Summer Staff will be greeted by camp leadership and ushered into their summer quarters. 

Once inside, they’ll each find their name emblazoned on door tags and name tags leading them to their assigned bunk.  Laying neatly folded on the bed -  the illustrious “staff polo,” required weekly wear distinguishing them as summer staff and camp and retreat ministry leaders!  And with all the authority that can be contained in a three-ring notebook, each person will find their copy of the summer staff manual - second only to the Bible in importance as they embark on this journey as a part of the summer staff team!  From there, extra-ordinary college-aged students will be shaped and molded into an elite team of recreation experts, camping care-givers, and faith-formation guides ready to share their knowledge and experience of God’s love in ways that encourage positive, life-transforming experiences for every summer camper.

Some version of this annual migratory-scene has occurred at Camp Fellowship for 75 seasons before, making this 76th occasion at Camp Fellowship familiar, but nonetheless exciting and pivotal for the arrival of campers that will follow in only a few weeks.  “Camp is for the Campers,” as we say.  But summer staff are essential for this season of program and ministry.  And while the gathering of staff is the moment of reflection and attention here, the purpose of camp is clear – to provide exceptional experiences in the camp setting for children and youth that will help them grow in their love of God, gain life-giving experiences of community, and learn knowledge and skills that will strengthen their resiliency for living in a world full of challenges and opportunities for sharing good news and demonstrating better ways of caring for all of God’s people and God’s creation.

Ginny Cartee on the Swimming Dock - Summer of 1980
(I’m walking behind her - ready to Jump In!)

I’ve had the privilege of not only witnessing but being intricately involved in this scene at Camp Fellowship for 17+ seasons as camp leadership and several in addition to that as summer staff in high school and college.  Even before that, I experienced the powerful outcomes of the seasonal-arrival of summer staff as a camper at Fellowship.  

In fact, some of my earliest memories of Camp Fellowship are as a child of a summer staffer.  My mom worked at Fellowship for several years during and after college.  As a school teacher married to a store manager, she managed a few more summers even after I was born.   One of those summers in my very early formative years, I remember standing just outside of the Retreat House on the pathway leading up to what was at the time the open-air pavilion we call Fraser today.  I remember hearing a lyrical melody written by Pete Seger and sung by the Byrds floating on the warm summer breeze from an open window of the retreat house

To everything [turn, turn, turn]
There is a season [turn, turn, turn]

And a time to every purpose under Heaven 

In that moment, I experienced an incredible sense of the importance of the people, place and season in which I was standing.  And though the song came from the Byrds, the lyrics, borrowed almost verbatim from Scripture, connected my story (even this story) back to the story of God’s people throughout the generations – and the story for all the generations to come. 

The faces and names may change.  There may be new holy-lyrics that echo across the lawn.  But from year to year, the holy-ness of the scene does not change.  We eagerly greet this season at camp as a season of hope, a season of joy, a season of love, and a season of peace.  And in all our preparation for this season, we recognize that “Camp is for Camper,” but it’s also for all of us – because the future of our churches, communities and our world all need more hope, more joy, more love, and more peace.

Will you join me in ushering in this summer season at Camp Fellowship by making a gift of $50 or more?  Your contribution helps us share the story of faith through camp and retreat ministry and insures that summer staff experiences can continue to have the impact on the lives of young adults and the campers they encounter.  Every donation is appreciated and received with a promise to maximize your gift’s impact through our camp and retreat ministry.