Camp Hardtner Invites Congregations to Celebrate Camp Sunday May 10, 2026
Dear friends,
Camp Sunday is an opportunity to invite your congregation to celebrate the life-changing work of Jesus Christ that takes place through our summer camp ministry. As spiritual leaders, your encouragement plays a vital role in helping families say “yes” to camp, and to the growth, belonging, and faith formation that happen here.
This year, we are designating May 10, 2026 as Camp Sunday! On that day, we ask you to invite your congregation to give generously in support of the Joe Bordelon Camp Scholarship Fund. As Fr. Joe often reminded us, “money should never be the reason a camper does not come to camp.” This fund exists to make that vision a reality.
In 2025, the scholarship fund made it possible for 75 campers—the most ever—to attend Camp Hardtner through partial or full scholarships. That’s 75 young people who experienced Christian community, heard the Word of Christ, walked the Way of Love, and encountered God’s presence in meaningful ways. Your congregation can help make that possible again this summer.
We are already seeing increased registrations for 2026, and with that growth comes a greater need for scholarships to ensure every camper can attend.
We also encourage you to lift up the voices within your own parish. Those whose lives have been shaped by Camp Hardtner—campers, counselors, parents, and staff—are often the most compelling witnesses to its impact. Consider inviting them to share their stories as part of your worship on Camp Sunday.
To support your celebration, we have provided a Collect, Prayers of the People, an offering blessing, and bulletin text. You might also incorporate camp songs, invite testimonies, or encourage your congregation to wear camp T-shirts as a visible sign of connection and joy.
If you have any questions about Camp Sunday or the Joe Bordelon Camp Scholarship Fund, I would be glad to connect with you at daniel@camphardtner.org.
Thank you for your partnership in this ministry and for helping create space where lives are shaped and faith takes root.
Peace, love, and milk ‘n’ cookies,
Daniel
If your celebration of Camp Sunday includes open plate offerings for the Scholarship Fund, please total the gifts and send a single check from your parish made payable to “Camp Hardtner,” with “Joe Bordelon Scholarship Fund” in the memo line:
Camp Hardtner
2393 Camp Hardtner Rd.
Pollock, LA 71467
