Fees charged youth and adults for summer camping and year round retreating do not cover all of the costs. Fees are intentionally kept at a minimum to accommodate all campers and congregations who wish to participate, regardless of economic circumstances.
Program fees for summer camp and retreats fund approximately 70% of the ministry of Cross Trails annually. The remaining money for operating costs must be raised by Cross Trails Ministry each year.
Summer Camp Example:
$285 Summer Camper Fee* paid by child or local church
$110 Annual Fund gifts from congregations, individuals, LFSW, etc.
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$395 Total to Cover Actual Cost
Every person attending a Cross Trails Ministry program benefits from gifts given by friends of the camps. In addition to fees paid by participants, funding for Cross Trails Ministry comes from a combination of sources including individuals and families, congregations, organizations, endowments, and the Southwestern Texas Synod. These gifts make up the Cross Trails Ministry Annual Fund.
Annual Fund gifts provide financial stability and ongoing support of the overall ministry. Since 1999, Cross Trails Ministry has finished every year in the black.
Annual Fund gifts are used to:
- Supplement the fees paid by all campers and retreaters
- Provide financial aid for campers and retreaters who need extra help
- Fund repairs and purchase of capital equipment
- Pay debt service for new buildings and property
- Provide for new program start-ups
The Annual Fund does not provide for large scale repairs, improvements and purchases. To meet these needs, Cross Trails Ministry has launched the Legacy of Promise Capital Campaign.
All donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to Cross Trails Ministry and send them to:
Cross Trails Ministry
391 Upper Turtle Creek Rd.
Kerrville, TX 78028
Arrangements can be made with our office for regular bank withdrawals or other types of gifts.
Cross Trails Ministry is a founding member of The Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest and has benefited greatly from the endowment and estate planning they offer.
Both Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch are eligible for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans matching funds. If you are a Thrivent Member your gift can be partially matched. Contact your local representative, Cross Trails Ministry or visit Thrivent for a GivingPlus form.
For more details on our annual funding, please see our most recent annual report.
