Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp
Some history and perspective:
Established in 1958 by the Wesleyan Methodist Church as a place to gather for annual retreat, conference and children's camps. Supporters built cottages along the lakefront and throughout the 50 acres of property in support of the ministry, giving time as volunteers at camp and utilizing their cottages for vacations and family gathering spots.
The camp saw steady growth until the mid to late 1980's including the construction of dorms, a "tabernacle", gymnasium, and dining facility. A 12 unit motel (Betheny Lodge) was constructed in 1975. Interestingly, some of the original cabins (Cedarholm) were floated in from the flood plains of
the St Lawrence Seaway construction project.
A spiraling decline during the 1990's until 2007 caused serious concern as to the future of the camp. Presently, a season of growth and renewal fills stakeholders with hope and a sense that things once thought impossible are now considered doable.
Since 2008 a steady stream of demolition of deteriorating structures, construction of new facilities, removal of accumulated debris, upgrading of buildings and ministry renewal has resulted in growth in several areas. Camp and retreat registrations have grown by as much as 30% in the last year. Donation income is up and the operations budget is improving. A positive atmosphere abounds!
At the present we fulfill our mission through a growing slate of camps and retreats. The summer is full of camps for children, teens, adults and families filled with age appropriate activities, games, Bible teaching, worship, nature exploration, crafts and lots of opportunity to build relationships with God, others and self.
The property is often rented to groups who wish to retreat for prayer, renewal, teaching and team building. We also have a few housekeeping cotages available for families to rent for a weekend or more. With a prisitine lake, a shaded brook, a small forested area, toys and activity space we have ample opportunity for individuals and groups to have wonderful experiences together.
If you want five star facilities, and Disney World experiences do not look to us...but, if you can take what God has created, with a few man made toys thrown in and make maximum enjoyment then we just might be the place for you.