Camp Constitution’s 2016 Review and Goals for 2017
Camp Constitution had its busiest year since its founding in 2009.
Annual Family Camp
We enjoyed the largest attendance in our camp’s history with about 120 people participating. Our featured instructors were Mrs. KrisAnne Hall, and John McManus. Mr. Mert Melfa, and Michael Smith did an incredible job videotaping the classes and activities and uploaded on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7jnzBzBiNYAKi9OYzt61K83fjwGrxP0 Mr. Mark Affleck did an excellent job as the camp’s newspaper editor and made copies available on the camp’s website https://s3.amazonaws.com/camppictures/CampArchive/index.htmllhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/camppictures/CampArchive/index.html
Outreach:
We had information tables at two home school conventions: Homeschoolers of Maine’s annual convention held in mid March, and the Mass Hope Home School Convention which is the largest homeschool convention in New England. We hosted a workshop at the Mass Hope Convention entitled “Dangers of an Article V Convention.” Our presence at these two conventions led to new families attending our summer camp, the distribution of hundreds of copies of the U.S. Constitution, and our publications and reprints.
We had a float in the Dedham, MA Flag Day Parade for the 2nd year in a row where we passed out over 500 copies of the U.S. Constitution, and Camp Constitution brochures. Thanks to Dan McGonigle and Emily Shurtleff, we manned an information table on July 4th at the Boston Common with the theme “Honoring the Signers. We challenged folks to name the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and distributed copies of an article on the signers of the Declaration of Independence and their sacrifices.
We held information tables at two venues on the same day Saturday September 17th in Boxboro, MA and Nashua, NH. The Boxboro event was the first annual “Reclaim America Rally” and the Nashua event was the National Heritage Center for Constitutional Studies’ annual Constitution Day Celebration where Camp Constitution’s director, Hal Shurtleff, was one of the speakers. Volunteers for these events were Rich Seron, Bob and Nancy Seeley.
Thanks to the Ferretti family, we were invited to participate in an all day (and evening) event celebratating the Constitution in Hyde Park, NY in mid September.
Pastor Scott Lively invited Rev. Craft, and Hal Shurtleff to participate in the first annual New England Biblical Values Summit where we had an information table, and were panelists.
Our newly created speaker bureau hosted Dr. Duke Pesta for four presentation in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, a speaking tour Rev Steve Craft in Maine, and a presentation on the dangers of an Article V Convention in the Boston area. Many of these presentation have been videotaped and are uploaded on our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN7ME18Q1xiqcrPEn5h5FbA
We sponsored a press conference for Rev. Steve Craft to speak on the drug addiction and race issues in Maine which resulted in front page coverage in most of Maine’s daily newspapers, and four TV stations.
Sam Blumenfeld Archives
Thanks to the efforts of Mark Affleck, and Eric Conover, the camp’s webmaster, we launched the Sam Blumenfeld Archives on our web site and are averaging over 150,000 views per month. People from all over the world are making use of the excellent resources on this page. http://blumenfeld.campconstitution.net/
Special Projects
We did a special project for Mr. G. Edward Griffin-videotaping a presentation of Dr. Willie Soon ,and will be in the credits for Mr. Griffin’s documentary exposing the global warming fraud.
Camp Constitution Press
Camp Constitution Press reprinted “Color, Communism, and Common Sense” by Manning Johnson, and have made plans for a speaking tour by Rev. Craft on this topic of how our nation’s enemies are using race to destroy our nation. We also attended and videotaped the first annual Nativity Celebration at the Massachusetts State House.
Social Media
Camp Constitution’s Youtube channel has close to 1/4 of a million views and over 1,200 subscribers. Our facebook page has over 1,000 likes. We also renewed our Vimeo page, and have increased the number of articles on our Camp blog.
Camp Constitution Radio
Camp Constitution Radio is in its second year. This weekly show broadcasts on WBCQ The Planet Shortwave and http://ipmnation.com/ Guests in 2016 year’s included Lord Christopher Monckton, Professor Willie Soon, Ed Martin, Director of Eagle Forum, Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America, Tom DeWeese of the American Policy Center, and Joaquin Fernandez, co-director of the documentary “Indoctrination. We also appeared as guest on a number of radio shows including the Michelle McPhee Shoe in Boston, and guest hosted “The Girard at Large Show,: a popular morning show hosted by Rich Girard in Manchester, NH.
2017
We would like to expand our outreach and mission which includes starting other camps around the country, a greater presence at home school shows and other venues. We will be hosting Robert Brown, Constitutional Scholar and creator of “The Constitution is the Solution” in Maine and New Hampshire later this month to speak on the dangers of an Article V Convention, and have made arrangements to have an information table at the Nashua, NH gun show. We have several book projects underway including a book written by our campers.
What can you do?
Attend our 2017 Family Summer Camp and help get other families to attend. Download the 2017 camp brochure: https://campconstitution.net/public-essays/
Host a Camp Constitution speaker in your town and/or encourage local patriotic and civic groups to host a speaker.
Share our Youtube videos.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN7ME18Q1xiqcrPEn5h5FbA
Promote our website. https://campconstitution.net/
Start a Constitution Club in your home, or local library.
Make a monthly donation via our PayPal account. https://campconstitution.net/set-up-recurring-donations/
And pray that God will continue to bless our camp, and our nation.
Camp Constitutuion Guest Hosts the “Girard at Large” Show on WLMW Manchester, NH
Rich Girard, host of the popular mornings drive time radio show “Girard at Large,” offered Hal Shurtleff, who has been a guest on the show over the past few years, an opportunity to guest host the show for a day. Hal took him up on the offer, and along with Camp Constitution instructors Tom Moor, and Dr. Punyamurtula Kishore, drove up from Boston in the early morning hours last Tuesday to be at the studio in time for the 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM show. It was a lively three hours with guests Rev. Steve Craft, Mrs. Diane Gilbert of the National Heritage Center for Constitution Studies, Ed Martin, director of Eagle Forum, Robert Brown, creator of the video series “The Constitution is the Solution,” and climate scientist, Professor Willie Soon of Harvard University. A link to the archive of the show http://www.girardatlarge.com/category/show-archives/page/2/
Bill of Rights Day December
Over the past few years, Camp Constitution participated in the annual Flag Day Parade in Dedham, MA- a town just outside of Boston. The first year we participated-2015-we passed out 500 copies of the U.S. Constitution and asked recipients one simple question: What are the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution called? Only a small percentage had any idea. But we had a much better response this year. Yesterday marked the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution which became known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments didn’t give the people any rights; they protected rights they already had while limiting the role Congress can have.
The Bill of Rights:
THE BILL OF RIGHTS:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage other
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or
retained by the people.
Camp Constitution Adds Mrs. Catherine White to its Speakers Bureau
Camp Constitution is pleased to announce the addition of Mrs. Catherine White to our speaker bureau. Mrs. White is an instructor at Camp Constitution.
Catherine G White is a Massachusetts native – born in Worcester, raised in Quincy, and a graduate of MIT. About a decade ago, she started a book club to read W. Cleon Skousen‘s “The 5,000 Year Leap.” Out of that grew a passion for the US Constitution and a US Constitution study group that now sees attendance of about 40 people each month. She also coordinates an ever-increasing schedule of lectures, talks, study groups, and events – all centered on teaching the amazing document that is the Supreme Law of the Land. Additionally, Catherine wrote a series of articles on the Constitution for the e-zine “MinuteMom” and has lectured extensively — from colleges like Brandeis and Middlesex Community, to rallies, and to a large number of local civic groups from Pembroke to Mansfield, Portsmouth NH to Groton, and from Boston to Worcester. She has also arranged group events such as guided tours of the Forefather’s Monument in Plymouth, an all day event with Michael Badnarik, 2004 Libertarian Party candidate for President, and a lecture by Professor Kenneth Calvert of Hillsdale College. You can read her articles and watch videos at her web site, The U.S. Constitution Decoded, and there is a “contact” link at the site for more information.★
Lecture Topics:
- The US Constitution in one hour
- Exegesis of the Declaration of Independence – religious foundation
- Exegesis of the Declaration of Independence – secular
- Preamble to the Constitution – the “mission statement” of the federal government
- US Constitution – Article I
- US Constitution – Article II
- US Constitution – Article III
- US Constitution – Articles IV-V-VI-VII
- US Constitution – Bill of Rights
Readers who are interested in booking Mrs. White or our other speakers may call Hal Shurtleff at (857) 498-1309 or visit our web site
The Drug Card and the Race Card with Doctor Kishore and Rev. Steve Craft
Camp Constitution Speakers Bureau recently hosted a tour for Camp Constitution instructors Doctor Punyamurtula Kishore, and Rev. Steve Craft entitled “The Drug Card and the Race Card.” Doctor Kishore explained the addiction crisis in Maine and the United States, the politics of the addiction industry, and the “Medical Mafia” that promotes costly and dangerous treatments that have a dismal track record. He also discussed the Massachusetts Model which he pioneered that consisted of the use of non habit forming drugs to treat withdrawal, home detox, and primary care. Rev. Steve Craft, a former drug addict, discussed the race issue and the need for God on the lives of addicts. The tour included an in-studio interview on WFST, a Christian radio station in Caribou, and a phone interview on “The Aroostook Watchmen” hosted by Jack McCarrthy on WXME-AM in Montcello. While the turnouts were modest, Rev. Craft, and Doctor Kishore were invited back to speak to a church group, and a sheriff, and a warden are interested in learning more about Doctor Kishore’s model of treatment. “The Fort Fairfield Journal” attended our Presque Isle event and produced a video of the presentations. A special thanks to Mr Bob Roy of PresqueIsle, and Jeannette Wheeler for their hard work and to the Truman Family of Hallowell for lodging.
Thanksgiving Day 1789 By The President of the United States
THANKSGIVING DAY 1789 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – A PROCLAMATION Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. GO. WASHINGTON.
Camp Constitution wishes all a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
Camp Constitution Salutes our Nation’s Veterans and Active Duty Military
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.
However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918,… is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples. (The above is from the Veterans Administration.)
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C.. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater.
The white marble sarcophagus has a flat-faced form and is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classic pilasters, or columns, set into the surface. Sculpted into the east panel which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. The six wreaths, three sculpted on each side, represent the six major campaigns of World War I.
Inscribed on the back of the Tomb are the words: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God
The Tomb sarcophagus was placed above the grave of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. West of the World War I Unknown are the crypts of unknowns from World War II and Korea, plus one empty crypt honoring missing service members from all conflicts. Those three graves are marked with white marble slabs flush with the plaza. The empty crypt originally held the remains of an unknown from the Vietnam War, but its occupantwas identified in 1998 and his remains returned to his family for burial in St. Louis.
Camp Constitution salutes our nation’s veterans and activy duty military
Camp Constitution Speakers Bureau Exposes Common Core
Camp Constitution Speakers Bureau hosted several engagements for Dr. Duke Pesta, one of the nation’s top experts on the subject of Common Core. Dr. Pesta, a professor of English at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and the academic director of Freedom Project Education spoke in Western, Massachusetts, Boston and Rindge, NH. In attendance at these events included elected school committee members, a superindentent of schools (Rindge-Jaffrey, NH) and a New Hampshire state-rep elect. Many thanks to all who make these events possible. Please watch his eye-opening presentation he gave in the Mattapan section of Boston.
Where Do We Find the Job Description of the President of the United States?
While we hear plenty of rhetoric of who and who is not presidential, we don’t seem to hear just what is the job description of the President of the United States. Does the job description include being the most powerful leader in the free world? Is the president suppose to create jobs?
We don’t have to search any further that Article 2, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution to find the power and duties of the President:
“The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.” And, in Article 1, Section 7, Paragraph 3:
Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.”
Congress, under the Constitution, has far more power and duties than the president. Unfortunately, most American including members of Congress and presidential hopefuls, don’t even know the job description of the president. Let’s help change that by promoting and teaching the U.S. Constitution.
Camp Constitution Speakers Participate at the Constitutional Seminar in Hyde Park, NY
Camp Constitution’s Rev. Steve Craft and Hal Shurtleff participated at the 1st Annual Constitution Seminar which took place at the Hyde Park Baptist Church in Hyde Park, NY Friday October 14, 2016. The event was hosted by The Farretti Family, Camp Constitution summer camp attendees, and Dutchess County LEAH-Loving Education at Home.
The all day program consisted of the showing of two videos-“Overview of America” by John McManus and “The Genealogy of the Constitution” by KrisAnne Hall, and presentations by Rev. Craft and Hal Shurtleff on “The Moral American,” “Know Your Constitution,” “Threats to the Constitution, Agenda 21, and a presentation on the history and goals of Camp Constitution.