Music, creativity, community, and connection have been the theme for our past month at Camp Fellowship! Over the past several weeks, our beautiful lakeside setting has welcomed people of all ages for experiences that remind us why this place is so special. From inspiring music and meaningful retreats to creative adventures and shared meals, we've been busy doing what we love most—bringing people together.
And while each gathering has been unique, they've all shared something important: the opportunity to slow down, make connections, and discover the joy of being in community.
Music That Connects Us: The Imani Milele Choir
One of the special highlights of this month was welcoming the Imani Milele Choir to their “end-of-tour” home. Each year, the choir spends a couple of weeks with us, sharing their gift of music and the important witness and message of hope they bring as they raise awareness of the needs of children and youth in Uganda. Their visit brought music, energy, and a wonderful spirit of fellowship to camp and to our community!
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our little corner of Lake Greenwood with these remarkable young people and to be part of their journey as they prepare to return home after 6 months on tour here in the United States!
And we are grateful for St. Mark United Methodist Church and Aveleigh Presbyterian Church for providing wonderful hospitality and hosting community worship experiences highlighting the choir’s message. We are also grateful to all of our volunteers (especially our volunteers-extraordinaire: Sandy, KeNyJa, and the crew!), staff, and community members that helped us provide welcome and activities making this year exciting and entertaining for our friends. And special thanks to Dr. Justin Brent for connecting us with bicycles - and the opportunity for many of these children to enjoy riding AND learning to ride for the first time!
Creating Something Beautiful: Pottery and Quilting Retreats
There's something wonderful about gathering around a shared creative passion, especially when there's time to learn, laugh, and enjoy one another's company along the way.
Our recent Pottery Retreat brought artists and enthusiasts together from SEVEN (7) states for a time of creativity, skill-building, and fellowship. Whether working at the wheel, exploring new techniques, or sharing ideas with fellow participants, the retreat demonstrated how creativity can foster meaningful connections.
Our Quilting Retreat offered another kind of creative community. With fabric, patterns, stories, and plenty of conversation, participants enjoyed time dedicated to both their craft and their friendships. Like the quilts themselves, these gatherings weave together individual experiences into something beautiful.
These retreats remind us that camp isn't only about outdoor adventures. It's also about making space for people to explore their interests, learn something new, and enjoy the company of others.
Time to Rest, Reflect, and Grow: Abide and Bloom Women's Retreat & Red Letter Days
Our Abide and Bloom Women's Retreat offered an opportunity for participants from Easley Presbyterian Church and Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church to step away from the demands of everyday life and spend intentional time in reflection, spiritual renewal, crafting, and community.
Our fall Red Letter Day brought together a wonderful group for a day of rest and relaxation. Red Letter Days are designed especially for cancer survivors, their caregivers, families, and friends. These days are an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, enjoy fellowship, celebrate healing, and find moments of wholeness, peace, and joy in the beauty of camp.
In a world that often encourages us to keep moving, spaces for rest and renewal matter. At Fellowship, we believe that opportunities to reconnect with ourselves, with one another, with creation, and with God are an important part of our mission.
There's Always Room at the Table:
Community Lunch and TLC Field Trip And So Much More!
Of course, some of the best fellowship happens around a table or when a shared meal is involved!
Our Community Lunch continues to offer a welcoming place for neighbors, friends, and visitors to gather, share a meal, and enjoy conversation. There's no elaborate agenda required—just good food, good company, and an opportunity to connect.
The Learning Current (TLC) is for those who enjoy sharing a meal together, but also love the opportunity to learn, explore, and build community. 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 our mission. Recently, TLC friends enjoyed a picnic lunch and tour of the White Creek Alpaca Sanctuary in Abbeville County.
These simple gatherings are an important reminder that community doesn't always require a big event. Sometimes, it begins with pulling up a chair and making room for someone new.
Beyond these special events, Fellowship continues to welcome retreat groups, community partners, and visitors who find inspiration and connection in this beautiful place. Whether it's a church gathering, an educational experience, a day outdoors, or simply time spent alongside the lake, each opportunity helps fulfill our mission of creating exceptional experiences that encourage personal and spiritual growth, stronger communities, and better living.
Camp Fellowship is a year-round ministry, and our mission reaches far beyond summer camp. Children, youth, adults, families, and organizations all have a place here.
Thank You for Being Part of the Fellowship Story
As we reflect on these recent weeks, we're especially grateful for the participants, volunteers, program leaders, staff, donors, and community partners who make all of this possible.
Every retreat hosted, every friendship formed, every shared meal, and every moment of discovery helps strengthen this ministry and its impact.
We hope you'll find your way to Fellowship soon! Register for an upcoming program, plan a retreat with your church or organization, join us for a community gathering, or consider making a gift to support the work happening here throughout the year.
Because at Camp Fellowship, the seasons may change, but the opportunities for connection, growth, and community never end.
We can't wait to see you at camp!