Adam Fox, summer camp director at Woodcrest Retreat, has been involved in the annual Journey to Bethlehem - an interactive Nativity held at the camp - for six years, but some parts of the program still amaze him. "I still get that sense of awe when the angels appear, (even though) I know it's going to happen," said Fox of one of the six scenes witnessed by visitors who take the journey.
Journey to Bethlehem differs from other live Nativity presentations because participants are given the opportunity to become part of the Christmas story as they follow Mary and Joseph to the stable where Christ was born. This year, the ninth event will be held at the retreat center, 225 Woodcrest Drive, Ephrata, on Fridays, Dec. 13 and 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Adults and children who attend Journey to Bethlehem may participate in specific scenes leading up to and including Christ's birth. As they travel with the characters from the Bible, participants will witness the angel's visit to Mary and then walk to Bethlehem, where they will experience, along with Mary and Joseph, the disappointment of finding there is no room at the inn. The journey will also take attendees to a marketplace, where they may spend a shekel to purchase raisins or crackers, and then to a field, where they will gather with shepherds to hear the angels announce Christ's birth. Finally, visitors will arrive at a stable to see the Christ Child in the manger. The path through Woodcrest will be lit by luminarias to guide guests on their way.
One script change this year will have the visitors meeting up with security along the path. "Visitors will be confronted by a Roman guard, and they will be stopped by him," said Fox. "There will be some drama there."
As in the past, visitors will begin the journey by registering for the census and paying their "tax," which is the admission fee. Visitors will then ride by wagon to the area where the first scene will take place. A moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain along trails is required to complete the journey. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear appropriate water-resistant shoes on the hour-long trek. Although the event is family-friendly, strollers and those with mobility issues cannot be accommodated because of the rugged landscape.
A large number of people have attended Journey to Bethlehem over the eight years it has been held. Fox noted that in spite of some inclement weather on two of the event nights last year, more than 2,000 people attended. More than 17,000 have participated since Woodcrest began holding the fundraiser. Some families have driven from as far as New Jersey and New York City to attend.
Fox noted that although much of the script remains the same from year to year, each production is a little different as cast members change. "It's always interesting because the people who are involved in the production change, and they bring their own take on the story," he said. "It's interesting to see that each (actor or actress) brings (his or her) own unique flavor (to a role)."
The cost to attend will be discounted for children ages 4 to 16. Children age 3 and under will be admitted for free. In addition, a family price will be available to members of an immediate family living in the same household. Reservations are available for groups of 15 or more.
All funds raised by the event will benefit the ministry of Woodcrest, a nonprofit retreat and camp center that serves more than 1,400 children each year. Camps run during June, July, and August. Readers who would like to know more may contact the camp at 717-738-2233 or visit http://www.woodcrestretreat.org. In the case of inclement weather, those planning to attend Journey to Bethlehem should check the website for information.
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