What is Camp RHINO?

Camp RHINO is an exciting new part of the RHINO ministry at St. Charles Ave Presbyterian Church. At Camp RHINO, campers and their leaders will see that there is still much "rebuilding of hope" to be done in  in New Orleans, even seven years after Hurricane Katrina. All ministry sites will offer a glimpse into the diverse needs of the people of this city, as well as an idea of the needs experienced by most major US cities.

While serving in New Orleans, campers will get the chance to visit various ministry sites, where they will have the opportunity to meet and hear the personal stories of many people dedicated to helping New Orleans rebuild. A typical day at Camp RHINO might include painting and moving furniture at a ReNew Charter school in preparation for the coming school year or sorting and boxing food for the needy at Second Harvest Food Bank, or playing games with residents at the Magnolia School, which provides programming and residential care for adults with special needs. Other service opportunities might include helping construct a home with Habitat for Humanity, maintaining an organic garden at the Edible School Yard at an innovative New Orleans Charter School, or serving a meal and sharing conversations with homeless guests at the New Orleans Mission.

At night, campers gather for dinner, evening activities, followed by a time of  reflection and worship. Our theme for 2013 is “What’s your story?”. Have you ever told your life story to someone? Well, during Camp RHINO, you will have that chance…to tell your story and hear the stories of others. During the week’s discussion and worship, we will share our and explore the way that all of our stories are connected; both to each other and to the stories in Scripture. Whether it’s working at a ministry site, dining at a church member’s home or making friends with the people of New Orleans, we hope these conversations will show campers how all of our stories are unique and valuable.  We will also look at how God’s story has and always will play a part in our lives. Nightly worship services will illustrate how God’s story plays out in our lives. At the end of the week, we hope campers and leaders will return home excited to tell a new chapter of their stories to their churches and communities.
 

Lodging:

Campers will be staying at Tulane University dorms, which are located right off St.Charles Ave (less than a mile from St.Charles Ave Presbyterian Church), and within easy driving distance of ministry sites. We request that campers bring their own sheets, towels and other linens are provided in each room. Breakfast, lunch and dinners will be provided each day by Camp RHINO staff and volunteers.

Your room will be a place where you can decompress after a day of hard work, think about your time in New Orleans and rest up for the next day.
 

Camp RHINO 2013 dates

Monday, June 10 - Sunday, June 16
Monday, June 17 - Sunday, June 23
Monday, June 24 - Sunday, June 30
Monday, July 8 - Sunday, July 14
Monday July 15- Sunday, July 21
Monday July 22- Sunday July 28
 

Registration:

Camp RHINO accommodates up to 50 campers/leaders during each session. Camp RHINO requires one adult for every five campers. Youth ages 12-18, who have completed 6th grade are welcome…no skill set required! The cost per RHINO campers is $300. This fee includes lodging, most meals, building supplies and other expenses for the work sites, and a Camp RHINO water bottle.

A non-refundable deposit of $50/camper is due to reserve your space. The final payment is due by April 29, 2013.

To register, click here to download the Camp RHINO Group Interest Form. Once that is received, you will be contacted by Avery Strada to discuss availability and details. Your spaces will be confirmed once your deposit is received! If you have questions call Avery at (504) 897-0101 ext 111. Please send completed forms to:

Mail:
St. Charles Ave Presbyterian Church
Avery Strada, RHINO
1545 State Street
New Orleans, LA 70115

Fax:
(504) 897-0105