Deer Run Retreat

WHO ARE FRIENDS OF DEER RUN?

Friends of Deer Run have three exciting ministry opportunities to walk alongside us so more lives are transformed: prayer partners, financial partners, and volunteer partners. (Click on the "Partners" link at left for more information which includes a downloadable form for volunteers that can be mailed or faxed to Deer Run.)

If you would like to become a FRIEND OF DEER RUN, e-mail contact@deerrunretreat.org. Please include your name and phone number.
Or, financial partners may call David at 615-566-0026.
Prayer partners or volunteer partners may call Liz at 615-566-0024.

Deer Run Retreat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Make checks payable to Deer Run Retreat Center and mail to 3845 Perkins Road, Thompson's Station, TN 37179.

MELDING YOUR HEART WITH THIS MINISTRY AND THOSE WHO COME HERE

Prayer Partners: Friends who will commit to pray on a consistent basis for God's provision for this ministry and God's purpose to be fulfilled in the lives of our guests and campers. We also need someone to lead and organize this grassroots support.
Financial Partners: Friends (individuals or businesses) who will help contribute to the capital fund to complete four projects needed to upgrade our facilities for campers and staff. Prayerfully consider being a friend in one of two ways: a monthly supporter ($1+/day or $35/month) or a one-time donation. We also want to extend our hand in friendship. For every $1 donated to the Friends of Deer Run Campaign, we will set aside 10% for scholarships to help children, teens, couples, or families in need who cannot afford camp or a retreat. Note: we believe first and foremost you should support your local church with your tithes.
Volunteer Partners: Friends who can help in areas such as events, construction, camps, serving meals, hosting, parking, housekeeping, etc. Click here for a downloadable form (PDF format) which can be faxed or mailed to Deer Run (fax and mailing information is at the top of the form).

GROWING NEEDS

Approximately 70 percent of our financial resources come from user fees (lodging, ropes course, meeting rental, etc.) with the balance coming from donations. User fee income increased in 2006, but so have our expenses: monthly mortgage on The Lodge as well as other facility improvements.
Although there has been much progress, we still are a very young ministry with a tight operational budget and only a few paid staff members. Our expenses still outweigh our income at this point, especially in the winter months when the campground cannot be used.
Many of our volunteers have allowed us to keep expenses down, and we are grateful for everyone’s involvement. However, as the ministry grows, we need many more people involved as volunteers.
Our current income does not allow us to add additional facilities to provide year-round camping, so funding must come from donations, fund-raising events, and grants. We must improve the campground area to provide year-round facilities in order to keep up with the demand.
In April 2006 David, executive director of Deer Run, and Rick, director of development, visited a thriving camp and conference center in California which ministers to more than 10,000 youth each summer. Deer Run Retreat launched our first weeklong children's camp—Angel Tree Camp—in July, 2006. Through both those experiences we believe it is time to take another step of faith and launch several weeks of children's and youth camps in 2007.