Christmas At Camp
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas on December 8, when The Salvation Army's Hidden Falls Camp had a very special visitor. Santa Claus had arrived early to Bedford, Indiana to celebrate the holidays with the community over a hot breakfast. Nestled among 700 acres of beautiful woods and rolling hills, Hidden Falls Camp is a place for people to enjoy all year long. While children from across the state laughing and playing in the summertime might be a more typical sight, events like Breakfast with Santa are becoming more common.
“We are really trying to open up the camp to the community year-round,” Camp Director Jeanie Dobney explains. “We want people to know we are here, and that we are a great place for gatherings throughout the year.”
The event was a success, with more than 70 people sharing breakfast and fellowship. Neighbors became friends as they learned more about one another and what had brought them to Bedford. Local couple Matt and Cindy shared how shocked they were that something this beautiful existed so close to Bedford. “We have lived in Bedford for 10 years, and never knew about this place,” Cindy says. “We are so excited to share with everyone we know and come back soon.”
The event was really put together with fun in mind. Santa had even arrived in style, much to the delight of the attendees, showing up on his emergency ATV courtesy of Shawswick Township Fire Department and Chief Bob Brown. Th e theme of the day was Candy Land, and the whole place was decorated with larger-than-life gum drops, lollipops, peppermints, popcorn garland, taffy, and gingerbread houses. There were picture backdrops photos, as well as a scene with Santa for each family to be able to take home a printed picture. Families could also decorate cookies, create ornaments, and build real gingerbread houses.
Everyone left with full bellies, ready to celebrate the wonderful season of Christ's birth. We look forward to the promise of new traditions as we hope to gather together next year with even more neighbors who can become family and learn more about the mission of The Salvation Army. Like the children from across Indiana who visit each summer, we want this beautiful facility to also enrich the community that is its home. With the support of generous donors like you, we’re able to maintain Hidden Falls Camp and host events like Breakfast with Santa. Thank you for the important role you’ve played in bringing the joy of the great outdoors into people’s lives!