Life changing impact of adults investing in the lives of children will be the theme as internationally known speaker Don Bartlett presents “Macaroni at Midnight” to benefit the ongoing camping ministry of Camp Buckeye Retreat Center

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • February 25, 2013
  • 429
                        
Summary: Camp Buckeye will be sharing its message of transforming young lives as they host internationally well-known speaker Don Bartlette, who will be sharing his life story, ‘Macaroni at Midnight’ at the Amish Country Theater on Sat., March 23 at 7 PM. Bartlette’s story is one of the transforming power of love and acceptance in the life of a young person. Camp Buckeye Retreat Center/Grassroots Ministries has endeared many to its summer camping programs for children and teens, as well as the many opportunities they offer for everything from swimming lessons to retreats and family reunions. The non-profit ministry, located in the northwest corner of Tuscarawas County near Beach City, draws campers from not only its home county but also from Holmes and Wayne counties and an extensive area beyond. Along the way of its almost 30 years of operation, the camp has been dedicated to positively changing literally thousands of lives. In line with that mission, the organization is bringing well known and sought after inspirational speaker Don Bartlette to the area to raise awareness of the camp’s mission of ‘God, Kids, the Woods…Connecting and Growing’ and to financially assist in keeping the camp programs thriving. Don Bartlette was born into a poverty stricken Native American family, into an atmosphere of family and school violence, alcoholism, child abuse, and racism. Bartlette also had a severe cleft palate birth defect, which left his face severely distorted and made speaking almost impossible, making him a target for ridicule. Prejudice, hate, and abuse were the only things the little boy knew. Largely left to fend for himself, the young child struggled just to survive, let alone experience acceptance and love. After 17 years of unspeakable difficulties, an encounter with one person who extended her love and friendship to the young man finally broke through the darkness and hopelessness. So began a new chapter in Bartlette’s life. Now an adult, Bartlette became a social worker, counselor, and educator, as well as the parent of seven daughters and one son. He has shared his life story for decades through his life story, ‘Macaroni at Midnight’, which exemplifies how tragedy can transform into a life of joy, hope, and success through the caring of one person who shared God’s love with him in a real life way. His story has been presented in multiple media outlets and forms, including appearances on the well known Focus on the Family radio program. “We are so excited to have Don coming to the area on behalf of Camp Buckeye!” exclaimed Lucy Richards, Camp Buckeye executive director. “His story of transformation, hope and healing is one that is so inspiring. Don’s life was changed forever because one person stepped into his path and invested in the person she knew he could become. That is the same story of what we have done here at Camp Buckeye for decades. Every summer, we see kids’ lives changed in phenomenal ways as our staff invests in their lives in significant ways.” Those attending the day camps, week-long camping programs and other events find themselves in a wonderfully restoring environment where they can fully immerse themselves in the outdoors within a safe, supportive community of their peers, all under the watchful care of carefully selected, screened, and trained adults who have a passion for speaking truth into the lives of their young charges. Many campers return year after year, eventually becoming junior and then senior counselors themselves or taking on other staff roles. The camp has enjoyed hosting youth from all walks of life, and has invested in the past with an ongoing collaboration with youth in the T-4-C Booster and Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs. “We encourage everyone to come out and celebrate Camp Buckeye with us as well as hear Don’s miraculous and life changing story,” said Richards. ‘Macaroni at Midnight’ will be presented at the Amish Country Theater, 3149 Ohio 39, Walnut Creek, OH, on Sat., March 23, at 7 PM. Those 17 and under will be admitted free, with an $8 cost for adults, and tickets will be sold at the door. Donations will also be accepted. For more information, call Camp Buckeye at 330-756-2380, or visit them online at www.campbuckeye.org.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load