Director’s Update
Last updated 10/14/2025
2025 Update
We’re continuing to move forward with our existing projects as we also focus on sharing the Gospel of Christ here at camp. While typing this, I hear a group of visiting High School students cheering each other on in a Carpet Ball Tournament and I’m so thankful that we are able to serve them, even with the rain that has been falling throughout the day.
As we head towards the end of 2025 and switch gears towards our 2026 season, I would encourage you to consider attending one of our ministry events. We’re focusing on families with our new Couples Retreat, Mother/Daughter Retreat, and Father/Son Retreat. We’ve brought back our Spring Home School Family Camp as well. Would you consider attending one of these new events and helping to invest in the ministry of Hartland? If your church hasn’t joined us in a while, consider 2026 as being the year to visit again. If your church already attends, consider adding another Hartland event to your church calendar – if your church attends Man Camp, have the ladies join us at Women’s Retreat or the youth join us at Winter Camp. There are lots of options in how we can partner with the ministry already happening at your church and in your home and we would love to see you all soon.
Spiritual Growth:
We are greatly encouraged by the stories shared from those that have attended camp so far this season. At the end of September, 416 campers shared they accepted Christ here at camp! Over 500 more shared that they evaluated where they were in their life and repented/recommitted their lives and made a decision to turn back to God in all that they do. Those are amazing things that God allows Hartland to be a small part of. Thank you to everyone who attended and brought campers to Hartland this season, you share in those amazing stories.
Major Projects:
The New Dining Hall and Chapel project is underway, and not without challenges. During a project meeting on October 10th, our construction firm advised that our initial Phase 1 estimate had increased by $1 Million. Now, I don’t know about you, but for Hartland, that’s quiet an increase (even above the buffer we had planned on for additional expenses). When we come across obstacles, we never waiver in our faith or our resolve. God put this project on our hearts and He will see it through. Nothing catches Him by surprise and He had us start this process knowing full well this would come up. Our increased costs are based on some soil data that require us to add up to 29 pillars which will go down 20-40 feet each until granite or bedrock are reached; steel supports for the building followed suite bringing us to that new total. We are now looking to complete the building in three phases (instead of two), with the first phase focusing on the foundation and main structure going up with all external walls, roof, and utilities. Our Hartland staff will continue on with much of the finishing work as God continues to make additional funds available. Please keep this project in prayer as we work to be good stewards with God’s resources here at camp. With Hartland taking on more of the actual labor and finishing work, we should be able to control future expenses with greater ease.
You can donate towards this project by texting the word “Give” to 559-258-1701, mailing in a check, donating online, or giving us a call at 559-337-2349 Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Verses to Ponder:
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6 (NASB1995)
As we see shorter days and colder nights this fall and winter, we can take comfort in God’s Word. It will provide instruction, perseverance, encouragement, and unity if we abide in it. God be with you all.
The Gospel: You’ll note this section doesn’t change with the director letter updates, it’s that important!
If you do not know Christ as your personal Savior, I invite you to learn more by visiting our Gospel Page and getting plugged into a local church. While we love serving you here at Hartland, consistent discipleship happens at your local church (in your city/town) and it makes a huge difference in your walk when you are gathering regularly with other believers. For those continuing in their walks, we also have Bible Resources available to help spur on the study of God’s Word.
Prayer:
Please continue to pray for all those that minister here at Hartland, from the Hartland staff and volunteers to the visiting Pastors and leaders that boldly proclaim Christ’s Word to a world that desperately needs it.
In service to Christ and His Church,
Joshua Embry
Executive Director/Steward/Minister – Hartland Christian Camp