UUSM’s Generous Congregation program supports our church community. And together, we might expand the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. Our practice is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Camp de Benneville Pines.
Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of young people and adults alike, as well as in the broader UU community. Camp is a place of transformation, where young minds are nurtured, interpersonal skills are honed, and a profound connection to nature is forged. It’s a haven where individuals of all ages can explore and embrace UU values, foster lasting friendships, and grow as individuals. We firmly believe that these experiences are invaluable in shaping the future of our community and our world.
Did you know that in 1961, UU congregations from San Diego to Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo and eastward across the Colorado River and throughout Arizona donated the funds to purchase and rebuild the facilities? We own it! And it’s located in the San Bernardino National Forest, just 100 miles from UUSM. Open year-round for sponsored programs as well as for rental for private retreats, Camp is managed by its own nonprofit board and supported by contributions like ours.
Thank you for your generous support of our beloved community and Camp de Benneville Pines. To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. $5 will go to UUSM and $5 will go to Camp de Benneville Pines. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit uusm.org/donate.
UUSM’s 2024 Camp Weekend was cancelled due to the Line Fire, an arson fire that erupted in September and burned nearly 44,000 acres over several weeks. Mandatory evacuations were ordered from Running Springs to Angelus Oaks to Forest Falls. Camp de Benneville Pines was evacuated but not harmed. See this article from last year: Camp de Benneville Pines Struggles with Fallout and Continued Threats from Fires.
Here are photos from Santa Monica’s outstanding 2023 weekend — marking again what a special place this is for community-building. We can help keep camp available for all who need it.
