Outdoor Ministry of National Capital Presbytery

FAQ about Glenkirk’s Relocation

visit www.meadowkirk.org

 Are we closing summer Camp?  No, we are relocating the program to a new site in Loudoun County.  We believe there is too much importance in the Christian Education and nurture of our children that happens at camp for us to close.  We will continue to provide quality summer camp experiences for generations to come.  The potential at the new location will allow for a major expansion of our camp program to continue to meet the needs and desires of campers in new and exciting ways. 

Why is relocation necessary?  The plans and construction around Glenkirk mean we are no longer in a rural area.  The tranquil feel of an escape to the woods is no longer the case as construction sounds and increased traffic will negatively impact the ambiance of all users at Glenkirk.  We are being surrounded by houses meaning that we will have more problems with trespassing in the coming years.  We are already taking measures to increase security in our summer camp programs but soon our campers will be hearing neighborhood dogs and lawnmowers while laying in their tents and treehouses.  Retail and office buildings to be built near I-66 and Hwy 29 will also increase the traffic and travel time to Glenkirk.  An elementary school is to be built directly across Glenkirk Road from our entrance and 660 homes built around it.  In all, about 2000 homes are planned to be built on Glenkirk Road from Linton Hall Road to the dam (less than two miles past our border,)  from 2002 until 2007.

When will this happen?  We currently planning to move to the new site in early 2005.  The contract allows 15 months from the time of signing to purchase Glenkirk until the closing.  This will cover the re-zoning period and allow us to prepare and begin to develop the new site.  This will take a great deal of careful and fast work by the committees involved.  .

Why so soon?  The construction around us is moving quickly towards our borders.  The climate for rezoning and approving new housing developments in Prince William County is changing and we need to move quickly to make this deal possible.  Our property is currently under contract and the developer is continuing studies.  The date for the close of the sale of our current property is in March, 2005.

 Where is the new location?  The site we have purchased is located off of Hwy 15 about half way between the intersection at Hwy 50 and Leesburg.  It is about 43 miles from the NCP office and is accessible from many major routes in Maryland, Virginia and the District.  It is almost 360 acres of rolling hills and woodland on an well run farm with over 2 miles of the border made up by Goose Creek.  This property has several large homes on it already which will be used for retreat groups in the future.  The committee is working with our master planners, architects, engineers and lawyer to make the transition as smooth as possible.  You can see pictures of the new site here.

What will the new site be called?  At the May Meeting of National Capital Presbytery, the name Meadowkirk was selected as the name for the new location of Camp and Retreat Ministries of NCP.

What will we have at the new site?  The committee is in the process of establishing both short and long term development goals.  It is our plan to build welcoming, comfortable and modern facilities- from an adult friendly conference center to small group friendly cabins to a high ropes course with climbing wall.  Also included in the costs of development will be monies to endow both buildings and programs for the future of the Outdoor Ministry of National Capital Presbytery.

What is the process for making decisions about what to build?  We have hired the master planning firm Fletemeyer and Lee from Boulder, Colorado.  They will be working with the Camp Committee, congregations from National Capital Presbytery, county zoning, and local engineering and architecture firms to develop the best plan for the needs of our congregations.

What can I do to help?  Continue to support the Outdoor Ministry of National Capital Presbytery through your prayers, promoting events and camps, and booking retreats.   If you have pledged to Vision 2010 for Outdoor Ministry, please try to fulfill it.  We appreciate your participation as we dream and plan for the best way we can serve you through our ministry in the future.

I have other questions, can you help me?  Certainly, we would be happy to answer any questions we can about the transition, simply call our office at 703-591-3362 or e-mail office@campglenkirk.org and we will be happy to help you.  We also are happy to come speak to your congregations!