December 2024: 4th Quarter Newsletter

…where Christ, Creation, & Community Connect

It’s been quite a year at Highlands, and through it all we have given thanks for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Now more than ever, we are convinced that the future of Highlands is bright as God’s blessings upon this Holy place have abounded in 2024.

We’re grateful for so many blessings this year.

Here’s a few:

On December 3, 2024, at a called meeting of the Presbytery of Plains & Peaks, two motions passed without dissent. The first motion requested that the Presbytery incorporate the Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center as an independent Colorado nonprofit corporation that will seek tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501c3. The second motion requested that Highlands continue as a validated ministry of the Presbytery of Plains & Peaks.  The next step in this process will be an application for 501c3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. We anticipate a response from the IRS in two to four months.

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It was November 7 when The Boulder Valley and Longmont Conservation District named Highlands the 2024 CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR. The award was given to recognize the forest restoration project that we conducted throughout this year. The BVLCD stated that Highlands “… committed to reducing fuel loads and restructuring the overgrown forest on their property. These forest treatments will serve to reduce the chance of high severity crown fire in the area near Allenspark, CO, giving firefighters a chance to make a stand before a fire reaches the town itself. In addition to the wildfire protection, the reduction in forest density will allow native grasses and forbs to proliferate across the treatment area, improving forage and habitat for birds, mammals, insects and pollinators. Finally, these treatments will provide an opportunity for “good fire” to safely return to the landscape. In contrast with many of the abnormally high-severity wildfires that we have experienced across the west in recent decades, the fire that will be carried across these restored forests will burn with much lower intensity, periodically reducing surface fuels, improving soil conditions, and promoting native understory regeneration.” Suffice to say, we are delighted for this recognition of conservation efforts.

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It snowed on the evening of November 6, yet twenty-five neighbors who live adjacent to Highlands braved the weather to gather for a cozy dinner in the Retreat Center. Conversation was lively as stories about this corner of Heaven were shared. Friendships were renewed and new friendships created between our neighbors, the staff and members of the Highlands Administrative Commission. We believe that keeping our neighbors informed about everything Highlands is important for us and for them, and it’s equally important to hear any concerns they may have. We’re happy to report that all is well in the neighborhood.

Visitors continue to book retreats through the UCCR website. Reviews from visitors always mention Amber Smith, Assistant Site Director and Master of Meals, noting that she is always pleasant and welcoming and serves meals that are delicious and tailored to the needs of guests.  

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2025 Summer Camp

Over seventy campers of all ages attended summer camp at Highlands in 2024 where they learned that they are beloved children of God, made in God’s own image. They hiked, climbed rocks, met hawks and owls, studied scripture, learned about pollinators, saw the rings of Saturn through a telescope, made new friends and went home buzzing about the wonders of camping.

Summer Camp 2025 is scheduled for three weeks in June and July. See the flyer for details. During the 2025 summer camp, campers will discover how love flows from God, links us all together, and how we give thanks. Join us and be linked by love, linked through acceptance, linked and present, linked by grace, linked in truth, linked to change, and linked to love. We are working on adding more camp opportunities for adults as well so stay tuned!

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In January we learned that our application for a conservation easement with the Estes Valley Land Trust was approved, protecting all 293 acres of Highlands such that it can never be developed or used as anything other than a camp and retreat center. By September our tax credits for the easement had been sold and Highlands will use the proceeds to support programming and maintain the facility.

In October, we created a job description for the new position of PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Our aim is to hire a person who can create and produce programming for people of all ages at Highlands. Throughout our history, summer camp for kids has been the cornerstone of our programming. However, we have discerned that young, old and in-betweens are in desperate need of a place of renewal where they can connect their bodies and souls to nature. We want Highlands to be that place. We’ll have more information on all of this in the days ahead.

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Last of all, we hosted a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, December 7. Thirty-five guests attended and enjoyed a bountiful meal. Five Speakers shared information about their work and partnerships with Highlands. Among them were Preston Brown from the Boulder Watershed Collective, speaking on the Beaver Project; Chiara Forrester from the Watershed Center, speaking on the critical need for healthy watersheds; Jeffrey Boring, from the Estes Valley Land Trust, speaking on conservation easements and preserving undeveloped land; Alex Han from the Butterfly Pavilion speaking on the importance of pollinators in conservation work; and Kristi Briles from Respite Care, Inc., speaking on the life-changing experiences of differently-abled children and youth as they experience nature and new friends through summer camp.  

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As we turn toward a new year, we anticipate carrying out a number of projects that will reduce our carbon footprint and our operating costs. These projects include replacing the inefficient boilers in the Retreat Center with high efficiency boilers, making the switch to LED lighting in all facilities and installing solar panels on the Retreat Center. Grant funding would help us achieve these goals. We’d be very grateful for your recommendation of a grant writer who could help us identify and apply for appropriate grants.

In this season of Advent, as we anticipate the inbreaking of God into our human sphere, we pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in the hearts of all. May God’s presence be constant and your joy complete. Merry Christmas.

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Give a Gift

Your financial generosity ensures that we can continue to offer the life-changing programs and retreats in a safe and welcoming environment. We understand that times are challenging, but even your small gift can have a significant impact.

To contribute, click on the donate tab on our website. Thank you for your support! https://www.highlandscamp.org