Silver Lake News

The Road Ahead

In the summer of 1957, Silver Lake’s first generation of conferees traveled down Low Road to the site of the former Camp Easton to enjoy the beauty of the Sharon Hills and the fellowship of other church youth from around the state. They gathered to swim, play, worship, and build friendships that would later mark the beginning of a rich history and strong legacy of love for a place that has become sacred ground to all who’ve experienced it.

Fifty years later, on August 19th, 2007, alumni/ae and friends from across Connecticut and beyond returned to the Ballfield, the Social Hall, the Hubbell Chapel, the Camp Family Cabin, and, of course, the shores of Silver Lake to celebrate fifty years of the Connecticut UCC’s unique and wonderful ministry in the outdoors. Co-Directors Tim and Anne Hughes were thrilled to welcome back “lakers” of all ages for the day’s festivities. Those gathered enjoyed live music and singing, photos and videos spanning the years, decade gatherings, SLCC trivia, group games, and a traditional cookout lunch. The more adventurous at heart had an opportunity to try out the high ropes challenge courses. Many beat the late summer heat by making the trip to the waterfront for a swim in the lake (and, of course, a nostalgic walk back up the big hill). A community worship service led by SLCC alumni/ae ministers from all generations was undoubtedly a highlight of the afternoon.

This wonderful anniversary reunion was the capstone in this year’s successful summer conference season, themed On The Way. And while the opportunity to look back and reminisce was cherished by many, Silver Lake has never been more alive and ready to continue on its way and look toward the future and the next fifty years.

This newsletter is the inaugural issue of a publication whose goal is to connect and inform all members of the Silver Lake community and churches throughout Connecticut with one another and with the dynamic present and future of their Conference Center, whether it is a place kept for decades in the recesses of memory or one which you look forward to sharing with children yet to be born. Within these pages you will find news and information about the ever-expanding scope of Silver Lake’s ministry. Our hope is that it will help you to travel more frequently down ‘the road you came in on’ and to be a part of all that lies ahead.

[View or download the current Silver Lake News (PDF, 4.1 MB)]

Content of the Fall 2007 Issue

A Letter from the Co-Directors

Alumni/ae News Request

Summer 2007: Thank you Deans!

SLCC 50th Anniversary Alumni Scrapbook

Summer 2007 Reflections

Announcements and Events