Five Facts about Tuscarora's Summer Solstice Celebration

This summer, Tuscarora is excited to have a BRAND NEW event to add to our calendar. On June 23rd, we are holding a Summer Solstice Celebration! With any new program addition, you might wonder what to expect. We decided to help explain with 5 things we are planning for this great kick-off to summer!

1. SANKHANSAFTEN

As we were brainstorming a new way to kick off the summer season, we once again decided to lean on our Scandinavian heritage for inspiration. Norwegians celebrate "Sankhansaften" every year on June 23rd. This translates to "Saint John's Eve" and is meant to commemorate the birth of John the Baptist. This of course happens six month's before the birth of Christ, celebrated on December 25th.

This celebration can go by a few different names. "St. Hans," "Sank Hans Aften," "Jonsok," or "Midsummer's Eve." The activities of our Summer Solstice Celebration all pull from this cultural event.

2. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The "official" start of our event is in the evening, but all of our Summer Solstice Celebration guests are invited to enjoy the summer weather on our grounds. Come swim in the pool, canoe down the Delaware River, or take your chances tubing behind the boat.

If you've never been to Tuscarora, this is a great chance to see all the enjoyment our campus allows!

3. FOOD

One common thread for all the areas of Norway that celebrate the Summer Solstice is FOOD. And we love to fellowship around food at Tuscarora! Traditionally food served for the Summer Solstice would be simple and uncomplicated that can be prepared and enjoyed outside.

At Tuscarora, we are planning a pig roast dinner, accompanied by other barbecue favorites and open faced sandwiches!

4. BONFIRE

When any Norwegian thinks about the Summer Solstice, they think about bonfires. Because the Summer Solstice is celebrating the longest day of the year, these bonfire will be lit in the evening and enjoyed well into the night.

In 2016, Norwegians even broke the record for the world's largest bonfire in the town of Alesund. Ours won't be that big, but we will be lighting a bonfire for our pig roast dinner, and will run various games and tournaments as we enjoy it.

5. MUSIC

As Christians, we often worship together in music. But there is something extra special about worshiping together, outside, around a fire. We will close our event with a special acoustic worship experience to help remind us that through each season, our God reigns, and the blessings of summer weather come from Him.

20 Questions with Tuscarora Staff - Danika Adderley

1.       What is your name and position at Tuscarora? 

Danika Adderley - Programs and Marketing Assistant

2.       How many roles and jobs have you had here?

Three! Summer Staff Supervisor, Programs Assistant, and Programs and Marketing Assistant. 

3.       When did you first visit Tuscarora?

December 29, 2013

4.       When did you come to know the Lord?

I grew up knowing who Jesus was and what He did for me. At a very young age, around 6 when my older sister explained the importance of salvation. But I am continuing to grow in knowledge of the Lord. There have been many moments of the Lord rescuing my mind and softening my heart throughout my life. 

5.       What is your favorite place on the grounds?

Probably just outside the front door of the office under the magnolia tree when it is blooming in early spring. You can almost feel the life of the tree and the sweet smell of the blossoms. It makes me look up every time! 

6.       If you could eat three Tuscarora meals forever – what would they be?

Oatmeal! Sunday's chicken, rice and carrots and the grilled chicken Caesar salad.

7.       What is your favorite event that takes place at Tuscarora?

The Mother Daughter Weekend is so much fun! I love seeing moms and daughters getting together and being silly, learning together and just having fun! 

8.       Three favorite Christian songs?

I'm not sure I can pick three favorites, but I like these three!  Carried to the Table- Leeland; His Eye is on the Sparrow - performed by Monica Giannone; Brighter Day - Kirk Franklin. Pretty much anything that brings me to my knees or makes me dance! 

9.       What made you decide to work at Tuscarora?

I had never heard of Tuscarora and I think the fact that I was offered a job doing something I had never expected made me think it was a God moment.

10.   Best lesson you’ve learned during your time here?

God's plans are DEFINITELY above my own. 

11.   What is your most treasured Tuscarora memory?

I have so many! One at the top of the list is when my husband Craig proposed to me in the bathroom of Apartment 40.

12.   What is the best part of your job?

Most definitely my co-workers and friends. The fact that this job brought such amazing people into my life blows me away! 

13.   What is your favorite Bible verse?

Jeremiah 31:3 - Jehovah appeared of old unto me, saying: "Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn thee." (ASV)

14.   What is something guests don’t know about you?

I am not from here and had no knowledge of Tuscarora until about 4 1/2 years ago! 

15.   How would you describe the mission of Tuscarora to someone who had never been here before?

Tuscarora is here to provide a safe place to relax and see God in a fresh light or in a whole new way! 

16.   What is your favorite movie?

I can't choose a favorite movie, but it probably involves superheroes or mystery!

17.   What’s your most common snack shop order?

Strawberry ice cream in a cone.

18.   If you could stay anywhere on the grounds where would it be and why?

One of the Riverview Cottages just because they open up to a view of the river. 

19.   What is your favorite thing to see guests doing?

I love seeing people gathered under the trees in the summer talking. I also love seeing the guests at breakfast meals! Everyone is chatting and excited for the day!

20.   What is your biggest hope for the future of this ministry?

I hope that Tuscarora continues to grow to accommodate and reach out to more groups so that they have a place to call their home away from home. Or even for them to look back and say that this is where God made an impact on their hearts.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a crucial day in the church calendar. It is the beginning of what Christian's believe to be the most important three days in human history. On Good Friday Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the sacrifice for the world's sins.

This morning, the weather was gray and rainy, reflecting the spirit of all those who ponder the reality of the Lord's sacrifice.

Today, mourn the events of Good Friday. Linger in contemplation of the great price that was paid. But, know that celebration is coming, that Good Friday was not the end, and eternal joy is yours in Christ Jesus.

20 Questions with Tuscarora Staff - Paul DiQuattro

Paul and Rachel DiQuattro with their sons Caleb, Micah, and Ethan

1.       What is your name and position at Tuscarora? 

Paul DiQuattro, Operations Manager.

2.       How many roles and jobs have you had here?

13 (Waiter, Dining Room Host, Grounds, Snack Shop, Summer Staff Head Counselor, Conference Attendant, Snack Shop, Housekeeping, Receptionist, Conference Coordinator, Assistant Conference Manager, Program Manager, Operations Manager)

3.       When did you first visit Tuscarora? 

August 1982, when I was 8 months old.

4.       When did you come to know the Lord? 

When I was 5 years old.

5.       What is your favorite place on the grounds? 

My office…just kidding.  The deck of the Overlook…it has an amazing view!

6.       If you could eat three Tuscarora meals forever – what would they be? 

Omelets, Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl, Chicken with Onion Straws

7.       What is your favorite event that takes place at Tuscarora? 

Couples Retreat.  Hearing Couples’ stories on Sunday morning of the work God did during the weekend in their marriages has been amazing!

8.       Three favorite Christian songs? 

Seas of Crimson by Shane & Shane, Joy by Rend Collective & Came to My Rescue

9.       What made you decide to work at Tuscarora? 

It has been a place that I loved attending all my life.  After working on Summer Staff for 3 summers, I knew this was where God was calling me full time. 

10.   Best lesson you’ve learned during your time here? 

Be flexible. 

11.   What is your most treasured Tuscarora memory? 

Meeting Rachel (my wife) in the Snack Shop in 2003.

12.   What is the best part of your job? 

I get to be involved in many areas of the ministry and dream about the future with the leadership team.

Paul DiQuattro and Brian Abrahamsen

13.   What is your favorite Bible verse? 

Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

14.   What is something guests don’t know about you? 

I am not Norwegian  

15.   How would you describe the mission of Tuscarora to someone who had never been here before? 

A place where you can retreat from the daily stresses of life and be refreshed spiritually and physically

16.   What is your favorite movie? 

Karate Kid 1

17.   What’s your most common snack shop order? 

Double Dunker ice cream in a cone

18.   If you could stay anywhere on the grounds where would it be and why? 

Riverview Suite.  I like the king size bed and the view is great.

19.   What is your favorite thing to see guests doing? 

Boat Tubing on the River.  It is a highlight for so many guests every year and they have a blast!

20.   What is your biggest hope for the future of this ministry? 

That it will continue to be a place where people hear about Christ for the first time, where marriages are strengthened and people grow closer to God.  We pray that this will be accomplished for many, many, many years to come.

"Power" of Hospitality

So far, this March has been a month to remember at Tuscarora. The nor'easter two weeks ago reminded us that those things that are out of our control (weather, and electricity or the lack thereof) are not out of God's control. Power was restored on Tuesday and we began welcoming guests as normal.

One of the great things about Tuscarora is that we are tied to tradition. We have many guests who choose to return to our grounds year after year. These guests become a part of the Tuscarora family. The staff often gets accustomed to seeing the same faces enjoying our ministry.

But every once in a while we have the opportunity to meet guests who might not have visited otherwise.

Last Saturday evening, when we were full with weekend guests, we received a call from Jersey Central Power & Light asking about room availability for the following week. About 200 lineman from around the United States were going to be in the area, working to restore power in Sussex, NJ and needed a place to stay. Having the availability and wanting to serve, but knowing there wasn’t staff scheduled, we took a leap of faith and said yes.

Nothing would be final until Sunday morning, but the evening was spent planning for the arrival of these new guests even though it might fall through. That night, we began reaching out to anyone that might be available. We would be short staffed, but members from all departments of the Tuscarora staff arrived to clean bathrooms, vacuum, and make beds. Even Brian Abrahamsen was making beds for six hours alongside managers, supervisors, volunteers, and one very enthusiastic four year old boy!

From parking attendants, all night office hours, and 6:00 AM breakfasts, the Tuscarora staff came together to make it happen. After a stressful few weeks one would never expect to hear laughter as so many unusual participants were found on the grounds Sunday afternoon doing the work that needed to be done.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ”

— Colossian 3:23-24

While many guests to Tuscarora have mountaintop spiritual experiences, the work of performing the ministry runs the risk of feeling repetitive. But moments like these, we have the chance to step outside of the ordinary, to appreciate the people we work alongside, and truly understand the power of hospitality.

At the end of the day, when two hundred linemen checked in and the parking lot was filled with trucks, we had the opportunity to serve the community at large and help others receive electricity. During their stay, as they rested from weeks of hard work and public service, we pray they were able to become aware of the broader ministry of Tuscarora.

It is our mission to provide hospitality to groups in need of refreshment and we were able to provide that in a different way this past week!