Annual Fund
Your support matters!
2024 Annual Fund Campaign Update!
“Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Our summer camp theme this summer was “Grant us Strength and Courage”, words from the Episcopal Post-Communion prayer. Together, we explored what it means to be called to be God’s people in the midst of a world where, all too often, what’s highlighted is all the reasons we have to be afraid. We discussed who was brave and what actions and ways of living we thought to be courageous– in big and small ways. And then we worked to enact those moments of courage; whether that was trying something new and scary like leaping off the highest element at the high ropes course, or something a little bit more day-to-day, like being vulnerable enough to apologize and, conversely, being brave enough to accept an apology.
Part of the beauty of summer camps and retreat time is the ability to imagine a new world, a new way of living, to take the time and the space away to reconnect with the still small voice inside us all and to reconnect with the community of other folks around us and to recommit to that life of connection. That’s the work we hope to inspire here at The Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center: the work of reconnection and reimagining and recommitment to the call to be God’s people.
Our commitment is to be a space for connection and transformation, whether that’s partnering with the local community to serve as emergency housing, with the AGENDA Fund who is seeking to build the financial infrastructure for equitable neighborhood redevelopment, with local parishes and non-profits who seek to find time away in retreat or mission development, or in the intentional rebuilding of our summer camp and youth leadership development program in the hopes of building in even greater commitments to equity and belonging.
This is work that we can’t do alone. Your gift to the 2024 Annual Campaign helps to ensure The Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center is a sustainable ministry into the future and directly supports the wide range of community partnerships, youth and adult programming, and diverse hospitality offerings that are at the heart of BCH. As you plan your year-end giving, please consider becoming or continuing to be a sustaining partner in ministry here at the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center with your financial contribution. No gift is too large or too small and whether you’re a first time donor to BCH or have an ongoing giving relationship with us, we are incredibly grateful for you.
In peace & gratitude,
The Rev. Spencer Hatcher
Executive Director
The Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center
Annual Fund FAQ's
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a yearly campaign that assists in closing the gap in the Barbara C. Harris Center’s annual operating budget. The BCH Center intentionally keeps fees low to allow for widespread use of our facilities by all. The fees that we do charge do not adequately cover all our expenses. The Annual Fund assists the BCH Center in being self-supporting.
How are Annual Fund contributions used by the BCH Center?
Annual Fund contributions are spent as they come in and are directed wherever the need is greatest. Traditionally contributions are used to cover such things as building renovations, facilities and equipment upgrades, programming materials and scholarships. They also give the BCH Center the ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities and to respond to unanticipated needs and challenges. This is particularly true in 2020 as the BCH Center struggles with the economic effects of the Pandemic.
Does my gift really matter?
YES! The number of individuals contributing to the Annual Fund is just as important as the dollars we raise. The total number of individual contributions is a measure of support within our broader community. All gifts, regardless of amount, contribute to the BCH Center’s ability to provide hospitality to all who visit.
Can I make a reoccurring gift?
Reoccurring gifts are a great way to make an impact with the Barbara C. Harris Center! Simply select the “Setup automated giving” button when you enter your payment information and choose the frequency and amount you’d like to give.
What if I already have a Tithe.Ly account?
Perfect. You can use the Tithe.Ly website or mobile app search feature to find the Barbara C. Harris Episcopal Camp & Conference Center and add it to “My Churches” for easy giving.
