"Selah" began as a family retreat. In the early years of his ministry, Pastor Chadwick determined that it would be healthy for his family and ministry if there could be a way to get away from the normal concerns for one day a week. At that time the Chadwicks were ministering in Philadelphia, and located a small plot of land ninety miles north of the city. Several years later, after moving back to New England it came apparent that Pennsylvania was too far away. On the recommendation of a colleague, Pastor Chadwick met a woman by the name of Ruth Stewart, who along with her husband, had built a summer camp in Warwick, Mass. Because the property had been vandalized, the Chadwicks were able to buy it for a reasonable sum, and for several years used it as a family get-away. When the Chadwick's three oldest children came into the early teen years, they thought it might be fun to take a group of young people from the church for a week during the summer, and that soon turned into an annual event. A couple of years later they began opening up the camp to other churches and church groups.
What is now affectionately called "Selah" has three principal uses. One is for personal retreats for Pastors. Several Pastors have used it this way, and found "Selah" to be a wonderful place to be in solitude, seeking the Lord, reading and studying the Scriptures: a time just to be alone with the Lord in the quietness of this rustic setting.
The second principal use is for Pastors' families. The Chadwicks would like to be able to share with other families the benefit of this camp. Some of the best quality family conversations take place when family members are able to get away from other concerns; when there are few distractions and not much to do except to be together and talk to one another.
The third use is for small church groups. The facility is set up so that twenty people can be housed and have enough space for eating, and meetings, etc. "Selah" does not boast in any extravagant recreational facilities, everything is very simple. But it offers an adequate setting for retreats that have a strong emphasis on spiritual and group building.
Reserving time at "Selah" is quite simple. All that's needed is a phone call ("email" or "snailmail") indicating interest in using the camp for certain dates. The requested will be kept open for a week to ten days, during which time a reservation request will be sent, which will be returned along with the reservation fee. This fee can be refunded if there is a need to cancel no later than two weeks before the time scheduled. A week before leaving for "Selah", a detailed information sheet will be sent along with keys. You'll open and set up as you like, use the facility, and clean up so it will be ready for the next group. The remaining part of the financial payment will be made after you have completed your time at "Selah". At that time you'll return a closing-up check off list, as well as an evaluation, along with the final payment.