Dear Friends of the Woods,
As 2020 comes to a close, I am struck by how much we have to be grateful for. This has been a challenging year for the Woods; we have missed the milestones of Summer Camp and the rhythm of the school year and returning guest groups, but there have been many blessings and moments of joy along the way.
Innovative teaching. When schools closed in March, our School Programs team immediately began working on distance learning lessons for schools that would miss their scheduled field trip. Several of our videos (many of which are available for free on our website) have been shared by leading environmental education experts as exceptional examples of how to teach online. One teacher wrote, “My team and I thank you with all our hearts for these online experiences… Lessons are so well thought out and easy for us to complete in a day.” When we are able to welcome students back to the Woods, these projects will enrich the program we have already been delivering for years.
The Woods family. Another blessing of 2020 has been connecting with individuals. Our Ministries team continues to reach out to pastors to deepen our partnerships and relationships with each other and Christ. We have also been able to welcome families and small groups to stay in our guest houses, which are normally reserved for schools and larger guest groups. What joy it has brought us to see members of our community retreating to the Woods to find peace and connection in the beauty of this place.
Community. All of these things could not have been possible without you, our community members, who have stepped up and donated, many for the first time, rented our houses, prayed for us, and sent messages of thanks and love. THANK YOU! We truly could not be where we are today without your care and financial support.
As we look forward to 2021 with hope and purpose, we ask again for your support. Your gift, of any amount, will provide critical funds to help us be ready to welcome back schools, campers, and larger guest groups whenever it is safe to do so.
If you have already made a year-end gift, thank you!
Wishing you and yours peace this holiday season.
With gratitude,
Chris Rhodes
Executive Director