Page 26 - 2025 Plan of Organization

Lane’s Board of Directors, and increased influence and communication with each organization’s
ministry. The Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren representative(s) to Brook
Lane Board shall be appointed by the Southern PA District Board. Term of office is three years,
the term commencing July 1. Members may serve three consecutive three-year terms. These board
members have a dual responsibility.

(i) To be aware of the events and values of the Southern
Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren and to communicate those to Brook Lane Health
Services Board of Directors so that that value structure may be incorporated into Brook Lane’s
operations.

(ii) To share, with appropriate elements of the Southern
Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren, Brook Lane’s value structure and operational intent.

(b) Camp Eder. In 1955 a query came to the Southern District of
Pennsylvania Conference asking that a study be made regarding the possibility of establishing a
camp within our District. The conference gave a directive to the District Board of Christian
Education to make plans for a new camp. A committee composed of Robert Knechel, Joseph M.
Long and George l. Detweiler was appointed to attempt to find a suitable camp site. After
investigating various possible sites Brother Knechel reported that a friend, the Rev. A. W. Geigley,
had graciously offered to present as a gift to the Southern District of Pennsylvania approximately
150 acres of woodland adjoining his residence near Fairfield, Pennsylvania, to be used for a church
camp. A special District Conference was called on April 6, 1957 when the delegates voted to
accept with great appreciation this generous gift of the Rev. & Mrs. A. W. Geigley. Camp trustees
were appointed to begin plans for the developing of a camp. A larger camp committee was later
formulated which included the trustees. This committee has been functioning, seeking the counsel
of camp experts, and carefully laying plans for our future camping program. Camp activities began
in the summer of 1960. It was named Camp Eder after the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany.
Schwarzenau was the town where the first Brethren baptized each other in the Eder River.

The mission of Camp Eder is to plan, organize, and institute a program that will foster and
enhance the spiritual lives of the campers, retreaters, and camp personnel. The camp is recognized
as an integral part of the local congregations, the District, and the Brotherhood through their
support, interest, time, talent, and money. Camp Eder strives to present an innovative and exciting
program while preserving the traditional aspects that are valued by the congregations within the
Church of the Brethren. Camp provides a place of natural beauty where persons can experience
God’s creation in a loving and caring environment, extending the love of Jesus Christ to all people,
providing to each the opportunity to discover His Spirit at work in the world and in one’s own life.
In 2003, Camp Eder purchased an additional 250 acres of the original Geigley farm.

There are 7 SOPA District members of the 13 members on the Camp Eder Board of
Directors.

(i) Camp Eder Board Members are selected and contacted by their
Board of Directors, presented to the District Nominating Committee for inclusion in the District
Conference Ballot, and an affirmation vote of the District Conference body.

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