Family camp is a chance for Christians with similar values to spend a fun filled and spiritual week together in nature at Camp Stapleton. Even though the camp committee does a magnificent job in keeping the costs down to a level that makes camp an affordable family experience each year, we are aware that there are “lean years” for a few. That is why the “Rob Murray Fund” was established.

           

Rob Murray, the son of fellow campers Don and Mary Murray, came to camp every year from the age of four until he joined the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1981. Rob loved coming to camp, and he eagerly looked forward to it every year. He had a unique way of relating equally to both young people and the older generation which was especially evident at camp. He encouraged the young to listen and learn from their elders. He was a joy to know, and he was missed by all when he was away from home in the Marines.

           

In 1985, Rob had the opportunity to serve the Marines in Okinawa, Japan, and he was very excited about the chance to learn about another country and its culture. He kept in close contact with his family and friends through faithful letter writing. In May of 1985, Rob participated in a weekend fellowship-type mission on Japan’s mainland. On the way back to Okinawa, the helicopter Rob was riding on failed, and he was killed instantly along with 16 other Marines. The Murray family was devastated, but they felt the strong support of the numerous people Rob had touched in his short but vital life. There were many financial contributions made to the family in Rob’s name. After some family discussion, it was the suggestion of Rob’s twin brother, Richard, that a Memorial Fund be established to help those who could not afford to come to camp because of monetary reasons. Richard knew that Rob would be grateful that others could appreciate the fellowship and spirit of camp even during financially trying times for them.

           

Richard and Lucille Hoffmann were honored to become administrators of the Murray Fund. Fr. Christopher Talbot and David Keller succeeded the Hoffmann’s as administrators for the 2001 Family Camp.

 

You can apply for the RMF by filling out the application on this page. The administrators will contact you about your application request.

 

Applications must be sent to the administrators two weeks prior to camp at the latest. You must fill out an application to be considered.

 

Please remember that the fund was designed for occasional financial assistance and not for annual use. All applications are confidential and discrete.