Happy New Year from Thunderhead! We hope that everyone’s 2025 is off to a decent start. Here are a few updates about what is happening as we prepare for our Summer of Renewal and Refreshment at TEC!

• The TEC Committee has been hard at work getting things underway to make this a successful experience for TEC as a whole and for camp in particular. The Buildings and Grounds Committee has been gathering information and pricing on five major maintenance and safety issues that need to be addressed at camp. First, we need to make the second floor of Super Tent safe in case of a fire. This means developing a realistic way for people staying on that floor to get out of the building if the main stairs are blocked. Secondly, we have to deal with a serious drainage issue on the kitchen side of Super Tent that has been causing leakage and mold issues in the basement. Thirdly, we want to do some work to deal with drainage issues at the front of Super Tent as well as making the entrance look welcoming and inviting. Fourth, we need to take a careful look at the porch off Super Tent to be sure that it is safe - this may include replacing it entirely. Finally, we need to install some snow breaks on the roof.

In addition to these major projects, there are lots of other hands on opportunities for work at TEC, including staining the cabins, rebuilding some of the porches, interior work on the Chaplains cabin, upgrades in the kitchen, fire pit improvements, and general cleaning out. As we get closer to the summer, we will have at least two work weeks where people can volunteer to come and help out with these tasks.

The Long Range Planning and Fundraising Committee has been working on the best ways to raise money for some of these projects, as well as dreaming for the future of TEC and additions that might be made to camp. A booklet with fundraising ideas will be sent to the congregations in hopes that one or two of the ideas will be easily implemented in your context to help with these improvements. In addition, we are working to establish the Scholarship Fund which will be another way for people to help make camp accessible to everyone.

The Bishop has released the job description for the Canon for TEC and Youth. So far we have two candidates for the job and interviewing will begin soon. Once this person is in place, there will be more information available about Family Weekends and mini camps around the Diocese.

There is a beautiful quilt for raffle to support the ministry of TEC up and running on the webpage. Orders for tickets can be placed and paid for online.

TEC Sunday will be on April 6, 2025. Ahead of that day, Congregations will receive information on ways to celebrate and spread awareness of the ministry and blessings of TEC.

Finally, if you are an alumni of camp from any point in its history we would love to hear from you. Our hope is to perhaps have some alumni reunions attached to our mini camp experiences. We would love to create a database of email and mailing addresses in order to keep everyone up to date on all the great things happening!

If you have any questions, would like information on how to help, or anything else we can do regarding TEC, please let us know!!

Thunderhead Episcopal Center was founded in the mid-1960s when the Diocese of South Dakota purchased a former dude ranch in the Black Hills for use as a church camp. The intent and purpose of TEC was to provide a positive and accepting experience for youth from around the Diocese, that would immerse them in fun, the beauty of God’s creation, and the love of true Christian community. For many years, camp has done just that, as well as opening up the wonders of Thunderhead to adults, families and outside groups alike.

In 2024 the Thunderhead Committee got together and approved a Mission Statement for TEC that embraces this ideal:

“The Mission of Thunderhead Episcopal Center is to provide a loving environment in which people can interact with the wonder of creation, be challenged by the Holy Spirit, find rest and adventure, and truly know the joy of being accepted fully for who they are”

The Committee created this statement with not just summer camp in mind, but with a broader hope for the future of TEC and all that it can become for the people of our Diocese and beyond.

Summer camp specifically, though having undergone ups and downs and fluctuations of attendance, always strives to provide a safe, fun and loving environment for children of all ages. From Family Camp through Senior High Camp, the goal is to offer engaging activities, delicious food, amazing crafts, and beautiful worship that is age appropriate and centered in God’s love. A day in the life of camp includes all these things, and hopefully provides the type of positive experience that will bring youth back again and again.

Outside of summer camp, the Committee is working to create usable spaces for adult and outside groups so that they too can experience the peace and beauty of our Thunderhead Episcopal Center. We invite you to come and see what Thunderhead Episcopal Center is all about and share in our excitement and joy for its future!!