In the modern world, technology has given us the tools to stay connected with people across the globe. Social media platforms allow us to keep up with the lives of our former classmates, friends, and acquaintances without ever seeing them in person. While these digital connections are convenient and often heartwarming, they sometimes fall short of fostering true fellowship and meaningful relationships.

The Need for Fellowship

Fellowship is more than just knowing what is happening in someone’s life; it is about engaging with others. Fellowship involves sharing experiences and supporting each other. It is in the moments of genuine interaction, whether through heartfelt conversations, shared activities, or collective goals, that we truly connect with others.

The absence of fellowship can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Studies have shown that despite being more connected than ever, people today often report higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. This paradox highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions. With that being the case, we must occasionally step away from our screens and engage in shared activities that involve our hands and bodies. Shared physical activities like gardening, summer camp, volunteer projects, or participating in group programming can enhance our connections with others and enrich our lives.

Giving Back to a Community

Giving back to a community is an essential aspect of fellowship. It is through acts of kindness and generosity that we can contribute to the well-being of others and create a positive impact. Communities thrive when individuals come together to support and uplift one another.

Giving back to a community offers numerous benefits. Engaging in community service provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as we contribute to something greater than ourselves. When individuals invest time and effort into a community, they help build a stronger, more resilient society. We gain personal growth as we develop new skills, gain new perspectives, and build meaningful connections. Acts of kindness and generosity have been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.

Fostering Fellowship and Giving Back at Highlands

We at Highlands have also felt the need to have meaningful fellowship time. Therefore, we want to provide opportunities for fellowship and giving back. As a non-profit, our property upkeep can come at a slower pace; waiting until the time, workers, and funds allow us. Just like any property owner, we must prioritize projects of importance before we move on to the smaller yet still necessary projects. We are currently comprising a list of these small projects that can be done together in fellowship. These projects will be available for groups or individuals to participate in, and in return, we will provide a meal and either a group activity such as canoeing, archery, low ropes team building, or a discount to an overnight stay at Highlands. It’s our way of giving back to you.

Some of you may have participated in our bi-annual volunteer days in the past, where we come together and take on tasks such as wood splitting, painting, and seed planting. We love seeing you at these events and are grateful so many of you return every year. Future opportunities will expand on those events, not replace them.

In the next few months, we will have a list of opportunities for your groups to participate in. We ask that you consider having your men’s groups, bible studies, Scouting America groups, Girl Scouts, or youth groups come up and choose a project. Some companies mandate that employees participate in community project hours. Why not come to Highlands as a group and let us feed you and give you an activity to enjoy in return? If you are interested in a fellowship project for your group, please email jjamison@highlandscamp.net. Let’s come together to participate in volunteer activities, strengthen our bonds, create shared experiences, and promote fellowship.

Spring Volunteer Work Day

May 03, 2025 10:00am MT – 04:00pm MT

Come join us May 3rd for a day of fellowship while we work on small projects around the property getting it ready for the summer. We welcome individuals of all abilities and of all ages. Lunch will be provided at noon. This is a great opportunity for small groups or individuals to help support Highlands’ mission. Do you have experience in a trade? If so, let us know so we can better utilize your talents.

Sew Day at Highlands

May 10, 2025 09:00am – 03:00pm

Join us for our first Fellowship with Impact day were we gather in fellowship and make a difference. We will sew new curtains for the summer cabins before Summer Camp begins. Bring your machine and your necessary sewing notions with you and we will provide the fabric, thread, irons, and cutting mats. Mid-day we will have lunch and finish up at 3:00.