1996 - 2000 Era

Our Era witnessed a lot of growth. We were there when the new cabins were built, watched the Lodge go up, painted the (old) dining hall and were led by the incomparable Fr. Hank before he was Fr. Hank. We did field trips to the Gladewater Rodeo, the zoo in Tyler, and swam in Lake Gladewater. We played Hounds and Hares to the soundtrack from Last of the Mohicans, pulled shreks, had fruit punch and chicken rings for lunch and every summer was Jamaican Me Crazy. We were an era of fun at camp while also forging lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation of our faith. And we did it all with no air conditioning. There is no doubt that we ARE the best Era of The Pines. And we’re going to prove it while paying it forward for future campers and staff.

Would you ever have thought it possible that The Pines served over 3300 campers this past summer?! Over 3300 kids experiencing the same life changing place we did. Over 3300 kids playing ultimate Frisbee, singing Isaiah 43, saying the Johnny Appleseed prayer at breakfast and going on bear hunts during the bonfire. This, along with the fact that hundreds of kids don’t even make it off the wait list, demonstrates that it is a time of significant growth and development for camp. Which means we need to do some updates.

This year The Pines is raising money to do upgrades to the ropes courses and adventure elements, waterfront and pool activities, and infrastructure and mobility upgrades. This fundraising will also ensure that there are 10 full weeks of spiritual leadership and accompaniment, and training and staff formation. We are looking to you to join us to help The Pines achieve this goal. As a little incentive, prizes are going to be awarded for most funds raised and highest donor participation. So please donate. Call/email/text your friends and old co-counselors to be a part. Invite your family to join us. Post to social media.

Everyone might be a winner at The Pines, but there is only 1 winner for The Pines Battle of the Eras.

-Kristen "Scarlett" Tepera

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Here are the prizes for this year's competition:

MOST MONEY RAISED: A limited-edition t-shirt with a design specific to your era, sold in the camp store. All donations over $50 receive a complimentary t-shirt.

MOST DONOR PARTICIPATION: A limited-edition sticker with a design specific to that era. All gifts over $25 receive a sticker.

ALL: Anyone who donates above $19.88 gets a special NTXGD Pines sticker.

May the best era win!