06/07/2026
Urgent Message Regarding the start of camps today at Camp Laurelview:
Recently I found a piece of artwork that reads “but what if …something good happens” I believe I was led to that quote for days like this.
Last night a high winds destructive storm swept through West Virginia and Pennsylvania. If you haven’t seen the WV news, it is being considered a mass casualty storm- at least 7 WVU fans in Morgantown were transported to Ruby Memorial with various levels of injuries. Once it tore through
Northeastern WV it continued its path northeast and through the Pennsylvania mountains.
Unfortunately camp Laurelview in Rockwood PA was included in the storms’ trajectory. Many tree limbs and debris are covering the roads and making them impassable at the current time. Your regional staff has learned Electricity is out, but will be restored tomorrow.
What does this unforeseen event mean:
WV Chi Rho, Junior, and Kids Camp Campbell are being directed to not attempt to travel to camp today.
The camps that were meant to kick off at 5pm this Sunday evening will now be pushed to tomorrow evening (Monday) at 5pm.
Transportation of campers may be difficult with parent & guardian work schedules.
There will be much discussion and brainstorming regarding the conclusion of camp. Possibilities being to end at the normal 10am Friday morning dismissal, to have a full day of camp on Friday stretching the release time to 4pm, or to hold the closing circle Saturday at 10am.
What does this mean for you:
Please do not panic. Camp will occur tomorrow.
Drivers may be needed to transport youth to Camp Laurelview tomorrow. If you have campers within your area of the state & are available to help with this task, please call 304-428-1681 or text 304-633-1047 or 304-780-1989.
If you are a parent or guardian of an individual(s) attending Chi Rho, Junior, or kids camp, please text 304-633-1047 to let your regional staff know that you have received this update, are able to travel to camp tomorrow as planned or need help with transportation, and your thoughts on the potential stretching camp dismissal to later to allow our youth to have a full, positive camp experience. To make this communique efficient, your text would read: this is ___(your name). I am the individual responsible for ___(campers names). I can/cannot transport the camper tomorrow. I prefer dismissal of my child from camp be
a: Friday at 10 am
b. Friday at 5pm
c. Saturday at 10am
Now… returning back to what if something good happens- we are thankful that the storm occurred last night prior to camp kicking off. We are in a space physically, mentally and emotionally to regroup and assure our children will receive a week of biblically forward, substantial material. And finally the good also comes in the way of a new possibility- if there are individuals that could not attend because something was interfering with a Sunday start time, let them know we will now congregate at Camp Laurelview tomorrow and they are still able to register and attend with ~40 of their Disciple friends. If you know someone who was on the verge of committing a week of their summer to experience the beauty of nature and love of Christ; you have 24 more hours to convince them to pack their bags and join you!
We are a resilient body, built by God and equipped with the spirit to move forward and have an amazing week!
Blessings to you all,
Jennifer Allen, Communications Coordinator
Rev. Dr. Thaddaeus Allen, Regional Minister
Rev. Kenneth Hardway, Associate Regional Minister
Jennifer Allen
“Thank you for being you”
