Subject: Summer Updates

July 2022
 
Dear Alumni,

I wanted to get a quick update out to you all regarding some off-campus events and opportunities that you might like to put into the mix of your fall scheduling. These events have a dual purpose. First, they create opportunities for ALERT guys to get together, renew acquaintances, meet other ALERT guys, and stay connected to the program. But more importantly, my desire is to offer or recommend programming that could be of help to you in your personal life, strengthen your marriage, or help you create special times with your family.

The following is a list of some fall events that ALERT personnel are loosely connected with that might be of interest to you. 

Father/daughter camp in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: July 28-31, 2022
If you’re interested in a father/daughter camp, there is one coming up in late July in Waynesburg, PA (an hour south of Pittsburg). It's a great camp with excellent speakers and a lot of outdoor activities like shooting, archery, blacksmithing, and frisbee golf, and hiking that you’ll enjoy. The cost is most affordable and I’d encourage you to consider this special opportunity to bond with your daughters. Visit fathersoncampeast.org for more details.

Marriage retreat in Green Lake, Wisconsin: September 9-11, 2022 
The retreat will be based out of our cottage which has room for three couples, with additional housing available at local motels if we exceed that number. The material is a video series by Gary Thomas called Sacred Marriage that has been extremely helpful in my own marriage, and I’m confident you’ll benefit greatly from it. Between sessions there will be opportunities for time alone with your spouse, occasional group activities, or pretty much whatever you would like to do on the lake or in the immediate area. If you’re staying at the cottage, the cost is only $20 per couple for housing and food. For those staying “off-campus” it will be the $20 per couple plus whatever your lodging costs end up being. Please let me know as soon as possible if you’re interested since lodging is pretty limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Father/son camp in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: September 29-October 2, 2022 
This camp is the same location as the father/daughter camp, but this time for dads and sons. Events are similar, but this camp will include some ALERT guys helping with rappelling and the zip line. You won’t find a more affordable and exciting camp than this one. Sons long to have special times with their dads, so consider taking a break out of your busy schedule and come for some or all of this camp.

Marriage retreat in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: October 14-16, 2022 
We have rescheduled the retreat that unfortunately had to be postponed last spring. There is on-site housing for approximately five couples, with the opportunity to camp on your own if you like or find local lodging. With the limited housing available, it again is imperative that you reserve early. Call me if you want to be part of this retreat, and when final details are worked out I’ll get back with you. The curriculum is the same as was mentioned above under the Green Lake retreat.

Father/son camp in Oakland, Illinois: October 20-23, 2022 
This camp has been going on for years and is an experience very similar to the one in Waynesburg, with typically over 500 campers in attendance. You can find out more information about it by going to fathersoncamp.org.

Future events 
I will definitely be hosting another Conquer Series Weekend both in Big Sandy, TX (probably early December), and Waynesburg, PA (date to be determined) for those men (single or married) interested in conquering the beast of pornography addiction. These weekends are also a great opportunity for dads and their son/s to come together. If you wish to be on our contact list for either weekend, let me know and I'll pencil you in as a possible attendee. 
Another thing to mention is that I continually have employers call me asking if there is anyone I could recommend to hire (particularly in the construction field), and I’ve assured them I'll do my best to connect them with our alumni. As such, here are a few employment opportunities to make you aware of:
  • Apprentice type opportunities in eastern PA (Harrisburg area) or in northern Arkansas. If anyone is interested, give me a call and I’ll connect you with the employers.
  • Samaritan's Purse is looking for individuals that have construction skills that might be interested in full time employment. Again give me a call and I can put you in touch with the right people.
  • Youth ministry resident assistant with Hope Farm. Jeff Bird is looking for single guys to serve as resident assistants at Hope Farm. The position includes room and board, as well as a salary. It’d be a great opportunity to disciple young guys that come from at-risk environments.
Also, if you're an employer out there looking for help, let me know that as well and I can pass it along in a future email.

Finally, I’m always brainstorming these days of how I can better reach out to the ALERT alumni community—both guys and gals. I've considered everything from a weekend retreat with a focused topic to something as crazy as putting a group together and deploying somewhere for a week. I’m looking for input and ideas on what you all would be interested in! I’ve got some great speakers in mind that can address issues we all face, and I think the opportunities for fellowship, encouragement and worshiping together would prove memorable. This type of event would not need to be limited to this campus, and maybe a centrally located site would be more convenient. Send me your thoughts, and let's make something happen. All of you have had a special impact in the lives of those who work here, and in particular my wife and I. We have cherished our times together with you through the years.

Blessings on all of you, and I look forward to hearing from you! 

Colonel Marv Behr
ALERT Commanding Officer, Retired
mbehr@alertacademy.com
Cell: 903-714-3481

International ALERT Academy, 1 Academy Blvd, Big Sandy, TX 75755, United States
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