Friends of Silver Lake
Friends of Silver Lake is an independent non-profit established for the community that loves Silver Lake and cares about its future.
Mission
Uniting the dispersed community that values Silver Lake, and working toward a vision of future ministry in line with its historic mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Friends of Silver Lake is an independent grassroots organization created by and for Silver Lake alumni and supporters of its ministry.
Silver Lake alums from every generation help to lead Friends of Silver Lake. Please see our Leadership page for more details and join Friends of Silver Lake if you would like to get involved.
Please fill out the online form to share your info with us!
Join because you want to connect with old Silver Lake friends. Join because you want to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Silver Lake. Join because you want to support 2026 as the final year of traditional operations at Silver Lake and make sure it is a smashing success. Join because you want to be part of a future of ministry in line with the historic mission of Silver Lake Conference Center/Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center.
The SNEUCC has announced it is concluding the historic ministry of Silver Lake. Unfortunately, there is little we can do about that. However, plans for the future of 223 Low Road, and for the future of life-changing ministry to youth and young adults in the SNEUCC are still unclear. Whatever the future, Friends of Silver Lake believes in working toward a vision of future ministry in line with the mission of the historic Silver Lake Conference Center/Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center. We recognize that vision may take many different forms.
Conference Leadership has expressed openness to working with mission-aligned partners. Friends of Silver Lake would like to be that partner. Together with stakeholders, we’re building the bridge to what’s next, examining the viability of several possibilities to maintain Silver Lake programs in Sharon, Connecticut. We’ve called on the expertise of the United Church of Christ Outdoor Ministries Association, to learn more about camps that have announced closures across the country, and the organizations that have helped them to survive and thrive. FOSL has introduced our organization to SNEUCC leadership and we’ve begun an initial dialogue.
In the organization’s early stages, donations cover start-up operational costs such as 501(c)3 filing fees, insurance, software licenses, website hosting, banking, stationery, postage, phone, fax, and Zoom. No Board or committee members receive compensation — all work is voluntary. As the organization develops, funds will be allocated for professional services. We anticipate potential need for legal, financial, real estate, and administrative expertise. If the organization were to dissolve, in accordance with our 501(c)3 obligations, remaining funds would be transferred to another tax-exempt organization with a similar purpose.
Please join our group, indicate whether you have skills you would like to share, and stay tuned for more information!
Leadership
Friends of Silver Lake Founding Board of Directors
