Ahhhhh, summer. The long awaited season of warmth and sunshine. From grilling out to jet skiing, it’s a time to get out, relax, and soak up some sunshine with family and friends. Or not…with only a few weeks of summer, it sometimes feels like a rush to do everything before the school year starts. Even in moments that are meant to be relaxing, a hurried mindset can cut into the moments that are supposed to matter the most. At Riverside, we also feel the pressure of schedules and coordinating all the elements to give every camper a great week. As we go into this summer, our “Expedition” theme and key verse are at the forefront of our mind.

When reading Joshua 1:7-9, the key verse is very action oriented in many of its points. “Be strong and courageous… do not turn to the left or the right… be careful to do according to the Law…God is with you, wherever you go.” These verses have a lot of action and direction, like a journey with specific directions to carry out. These commands from God are appropriate for the time in which they were written, just as Joshua is about to assume the position of Moses and be the head commander of the tribes of Israel. It is a lofty task that requires many skills, like proper communication with the people, and following through on the plans prepared, much like the staff at Riverside end up doing. However, in the middle of this passage, we have one verse that highlights another element that many people find themselves, often subconsciously, fighting against.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (v.8) This is a command to slow down and focus on what God has told us. For a passage that is so action-oriented, this may sound counterproductive to God’s calling for the Israelites. For us too, we may feel like there is so much to do,

there is never enough time to pause and take time with God. However, when looking at the passage more closely, it becomes clear that taking time to meditate and focus on Scripture is not intended to just be a time set aside in the day, but that God wants it to be an integral part of our lives. Time with God is meant to guide us in our daily walk as well as the overall trajectory of our lives. If one is hiking on a trail, but never uses a map or reads markers and signs, getting lost is highly likely. It doesn’t matter if the resources are available if they are never used.

As the excitement and busyness of summer kicks in, look for moments where God is speaking and seek His will in all things. We are looking forward to a wonderful summer and hope to see you at Riverside!

Riverside Reader... a biblically-based, cost-compassionate, small-camp experience

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INSIDEthis issue

Summer is Here! .................1

LIFT Summer Staff ...............2

What Does It Mean to be a Pioneer Woman? .............2

Smiles From Our Spring Open House ....................3

Financial Report ..................4

An Inside Look at RSI ...........5

The Riverside Bible Conference Association ....6

Upcoming Events ............. 6-7

Volume 17, Issue 2

Summer is Here!

2 Volume 17, Issue 2

Riverside is pleased to have another great team of LIFT summer staff. The LIFT program is a missions opportunity for young adults to work during our busiest time of the year and take part in all areas of ministry at Riverside. The LIFT team raises support and also works on the farm to earn summer income. We are always happy to have the additional help, and look forward to having more young adults serve at Riverside. This summer, our team includes Luke Brenner, Michael Dessables, Josh Solomon, Shaylana Nelson, Tessa Olson, Sofia Beecher, and Emily Williams. As this team learns to work and serve together, pray that God works through them to impact the ministry of Riverside.

LIFT Summer Staff

What Does It Mean to be a Pioneer Woman?My time at camp goes back 20+ years. With the Iverson family land

connecting to the land of Riverside Bible Camp, I feel like I have had a front row seat to the expansion and remodeling of camp. Moving back 2 years ago to the area has allowed me to get more involved at Riverside Bible Camp and catch up with what God is doing. This catching up has happened on the beautiful porch of the big blue house at the farm as well as chatting with new friends who have come on staff at camp.

I was so blessed when I was asked to speak to the young ladies coming on staff last summer. What a beautiful testimony of what God has done in the lives of these young people who grew up going to camp and now wanting to give back by working at camp for the summer.

So a few years ago I heard of the Pioneer Woman taking place at camp for a day. After moving back from Kentucky 2 years ago I was able to attend last year. When you sign up the day before the event, you don’t get the choice of all the camp has to offer. I had the choice of Slaughtering a Chicken (I’m sure it wasn’t worded that way in the brochure), Inductive Bible Study and Journaling. When I sat in the Inductive Bible Study class and was asked to introduce myself and why I chose that class, I answered with: I didn’t feel like cutting a chicken’s head off, so I am here taking Inductive Bible Study. Can I just say...even if you sign up late as I did, YOU WILL BE BLESSED! God knew what I needed that day and placed me right where I belonged and the teachers were amazing. I made new friends, had an amazing soup lunch and then to end the day with dessert and coffee with women sharing all they had learned throughout the day. What a great way to spend a Saturday!

So this year’s experience took a twist as I taught a hand quilting class. Again I was so blessed by the women who took the two classes I offered. When you come together as strangers and leave friends, that is considered an amazing day! So many times we as women take so much time taking care of our families and others that we don’t take time for ourselves to rejuvenate. This is such a great way to give ourselves a day of rest while learning new skills. The Riverside Camp staff has made this a day to spoil us.

Since the classes I taught were in the morning it freed me up to take a couple classes in the afternoon. I thought it would be fun to

watch my friend Carrie clean a fish and see what I could learn about cooking them from her. I love fish...so I was in for eating me some fresh fish. I showed up and sat at the table. All of a sudden a fish was placed in front of me, to which I replied “do I have to touch this?” About the time the other ladies were finishing up cleaning their first fish I got up the nerve to touch mine. I ended up enjoying the expe-rience as I cleaned two fish, prepared them for frying, frying and then eating. So... if cutting a Chickens head off is offered again…I may have to try it!

I cannot let this article happen without mentioning the amazing speaker. To hear about how God took this family and moved them to a farm and learning through struggles and victories was encouraging. She had me engaged with laughter and then wanting to learn more about what she learned. I would place myself in the category of “I dream of being a Pioneer Woman.” Haven’t we all at one time or an-other dreamed of the days of past when things were simple, we weren’t too busy to eat as a family around the table (instead of using the table to collect mail and who knows what else), to grow our own food, to respect the bull in your field, and living where we can enjoy the stars at night. The speaker had me dreaming of a simpler life!

So what is my favorite part of Riverside Bible Camp and Pioneer Woman Day? The preparation to make it a great day, the staff, the food, the bookstore, the decorations, the fellowship, the teachers, the new friendships made, the beautiful grounds, being spoiled, a day for me...and most of all, God is present!

I use to dream of being a Pioneer Woman, but thanks to this day Riverside Bible Camp offers I am a Pioneer Woman! I hand quilt, I can clean fish for my family (after I get brave enough to catch that fish and take it off the hook, another class I need). I sit in silence with the Word of God and talk with God and allow Him to talk with me, without modern day music or television. I make my coffee without using a k-cup, and enjoy great conversation on the front porch of a great friend talking face to face instead of text messaging. Oh yes, I use all the modern day things mentioned above, but not always. Certainly not on this day that Riverside offers... We all become a Pioneer Wom-an for the day!

By Cathy Iverson

3RIVERSIDE READER

Smiles from Our Spring Open House!

4 Volume 17, Issue 2

DID YOU KNOW?• 4,000+ individuals served per year• 80% of pastors and missionaries had a life-changing

experience at summer camp• Children who would be considered “at-risk” are

impacted by positive adult relationships through programs such as summer camp

• Riverside has been a continuous ministry since 1934• Riverside’s programming includes 23 different events

during the year

FINANCIAL FACT$• The average cost of a week-long camp is $768 (ACA) • Riverside campers pay less than $200 for camp• $725 per day to operate Riverside• Hundreds of volunteers help keep costs down• 70% of budget comes from generous supporters

Sustaining Riverside Financial Report: 2019–2020

The Thrivent Choice® program encourages benefit members to recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes an amount of its charitable grant funds. Members make this recommendation by directing Choice Dollars to enrolled nonprofit organizations. Riverside has been privileged to receive Donations through the Thrivent Choice® program. If you would like to direct your Choice Dollars to Riverside, you can go to thrivent.com or call Thrivent Financial today and request to direct your Choice Dollars to Riverside Bible Conference Assn.

General Fund Income $7,977.88 $160,000

General Fund Expense $14,086.74 $160,000

Current Deficit ($6,108.86)

YEAR TO DATE BUDGET

5RIVERSIDE READER

Riverside Servanthood Institute (RSI) is Riverside’s volunteer program for teens. For youth who have enjoyed participating in Riverside’s programming, the RSI program gives its participants an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at Riverside’s inner workings and also gives them leadership and volunteer experience. The opportunities to participate in the ministry at Riverside are vast, and include working in the kitchen, on the farm, program assistance, and working with the children as well. During the summer, we typically have around 15-20 RSI students serving in various areas of camp each week. We are glad to have Shaylana Nelson, who is on the LIFT team, as this year’s RSI Coordinator. Shaylana has served in RSI for years before, and we were actually able to chat with her a little more about her experience.

What was your favorite thing about serving as an RSI student?The friendships I made were really great. Sometimes I would spend a week working with

a bunch of people I didn’t know, and we became really great friends. Working alongside other people impacts the way we interact and connect with each other, and it’s really cool how we become friends over the course of the week.

What kinds of interactions did you get to have as an RSI student?There was a lot of time spent with the others on my team, as well as the RSI coordinator. I still

talk and spend time with many of the people who were my RSI coordinators for different summers.

Is there a personal experience you had while working as RSI that impacted your life?There was one summer where Katie Babcock was the RSI coordinator, and she washed all of

our feet. Just seeing someone who was your leader and over you, and then she does like Jesus did and become a servant to wash our feet after a whole week of camp, that was just really cool.

How do you see the RSI program would benefit those who participate in it?You get to connect a lot with your team. You also learn more about being a leader, because even

though there is someone in charge of you, different members of the RSI staff get the chance to be the leader of a project and take responsibility for getting it done.

If there was one thing you could say to someone who is signing up for RSI, what would you say to them?

I guess I would say that it’s important to have the right mindset and remember why you are here. Working as RSI isn’t just about being with your friends and hanging out at Riverside, it’s about serving God.

As the RSI Coordinator this year, how does it feel on the other end of the program?

Weird, haha! I mean, it does feel weird, but it’s also cool. I just remember the relationships I had with my RSI coordinators, and it’s neat that I get the chance to be that person for other RSI staff.

What is it you look forward to most while working as the RSI Coordinator?

I am excited to build relationships with the RSI staff, and also for the opportunity to be an example of a leader to them. I mean, it’s not like I have it all figured out, but being an example for others and trying to reflect God to them, that is really cool.

An Inside Look at RSI

The Story Project: Do you have a story to share?

For 85 years, Riverside has sought to help individuals of all ages know, grow in, and share Jesus Christ. If you would like to share a story of how you or a loved one was impacted by the ministry at Riverside, we would love to hear from you! Not only are they encouraging for us at Riverside, but our supporters and patrons love hearing about them as well. You can write to us through the mail, or send an email to office@riversidebiblecamp.org.

Want to hear more news from Riverside?

We now have an email newsletter! Every month, subscribers receive updates about the latest happenings at Riverside. Our updates also include information about upcoming events and stewardship info, all conveniently delivered to your email inbox. If you would like to be subscribed to our email list for monthly updates, you can go to our website or contact us at office@riversidebiblecamp.org. We would love to make you a part of our Riverside Roundup!

Shaylana Nelson, RSI Coordinator

6 Volume 17, Issue 2

Riverside had an amazing week of VBS, ministering to over 100 children each day. Sponsored by Riverside and Amherst Bible Church, VBS is a great opportunity to give children a small taste of the Riverside camp experience. During the week, children sing songs, play games, make crafts, and most importantly, learn more about God. During Bible time, children learned more about the story of Moses, and how no matter what life throws at us, God is good. We also had swim days for the kids in the Tomorrow River and farm visits during the week, along with many other fun outdoor activities. We did have a rainy day during the week, but a little rearrangement was all we needed to prepare for a fun day indoors.

Every year, we have a fundraiser for a project that the children collect money for. This year, the goal was to raise $600 to help with the expansion of the school at Beauvoir Deshommes’ orphanage in Lajeune, Haiti. Beauvoir hopes to double the size of his school to accommodate more students and grades so that all the orphans will be able to attend. This year, the VBS kids raised $741 for Beauvoir’s school. This is a great blessing for the ministry, and we hope and pray that it will impact many lives.

The week finished off with Family Fun Night on Friday night. We had approximately 325 attendees, and 75 volunteers. This free community event is always a great way to connect with the people in Amherst and the surrounding community, and we always look forward to hosting it each year.

Our LIFT Team banded together to make so much of VBS happen this week, and we saw it in the excitement and enthusiasm of the children who attended. The RSI volunteers also did a lot to help, spending the whole week at Riverside to help with camp cleanup at the end of each day, as well as setup for the next day. To all other volunteers who also helped this week at VBS and Family Fun Night, we appreciate you. Part of what makes Riverside happen is all its volunteers, and we are always glad to have extra help during our programmed events.

The Riverside Bible Conference Association held its Annual Business Meeting on April 13th. Thank you to those who attended. The Annual Business Meeting is an opportunity for those who take a special interest in Riverside to participate in its leadership.

We are thankful and blessed by the 66 individuals who serve as Riverside Bible Conference Association Members offering their advice and consent on major strategic decisions. From within its

membership, the Association also elects (up to nine) individuals to serve on its Executive Board. The Executive Board members meet several times during the year and provide oversight to the regular operations of Riverside.

If you have an interest in joining the Riverside Bible Conference Association and contributing to the decision making process, please contact Darrie Nelson at darrie@rivesidebiblecamp.org.

Riverside’s Annual Business Meeting

VSB Programming Update

June 10— 14, 2019

Riverside Bible Camp

Mon-Thurs, 9am-3pmFri, 9am-NoonCost: FREE

(For students entering Kindergarten through completed 6th grade)

Vacation Bible School Day Camp

Register online: riversidebiblecamp.org

FREE shuttle

service is available

daily from

Amherst Bible

Church!

*Bring a sack lunch for our break and then enjoy an afternoon packed full of fun summer camp activities! Invite your friends to a morning

of VBS and then stay for an afternoon of Day Camp fun!*

7RIVERSIDE READER

Upcoming Events!

6355 County Road DD Amherst, WI 54406

riversidebiblecamp.org 715.824.3198

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

AMHERST, WI

PERMIT NO. 3

Thank you to those who helped provide paintbrushes and sand toys from our list last month. We are especially grateful for Nancy Kohler who has stepped forward to insure the flower gardens are in tip-top shape. Nancy and her husband Elmer along with a number of other volunteers help us with our needs.

Riverside Reader

• Clean toys for ages 0-3

• Tennis balls (new or used)

• 10 single kayaks or funds to purchase them

• John Deere small square baler 336, 332, 328,

or 348

• 500-gallon LP tank

• PTO driven generator (35,000 Watt)

• Passionate volunteer with marketing expertise to

help strengthen our promotional efforts