Timeline

A Progress Summary
(April 2026)
Progress Update
2025
Organized a Board of Directors
Launched a Survey

via the Silver Lake Alumni Facebook page to begin gathering the community.

Filed for Non-Profit Status

to operate as an official entity to carry on the work of Silver Lake. Received Notice of Acceptance from Secretary of the State of Connecticut November 12. (Establishing a 501(c)3 in accordance with IRS guidelines takes time. Status is pending.)

Held the Inaugural Board of Directors Meeting

to operationalize FOSL as an official organization, establish bylaws, elect officers, and create work groups.

Launched Independent Social Media Channels

on Facebook and Instagram.

Launched Friends of Silver Lake Website

to continue uniting the community, and to provide a space for connecting and a mechanism for dialogue.

Hosted a Zoom Welcome Gathering
Attended SNEUCC’s Online Event
Received Tax EIN

(Employer Identification Number).

Entered into partnership with Spring Glen Church UCC

as our Fiscal Sponsor until the 501(c)3 status is finalized.

The Board of Directors pledged matching funds

with full participation of all Board Members.

Invited Initial Donations From the Community

to cover start-up operational costs such as filing fees for 501(c)3, insurance, software licenses, website hosting, banking, stationery, postage, phone, fax, and Zoom. Funds will be allocated for professional services as needs arise for legal, real estate, and finances.

Hosted an In-Person Gathering

Celebrating the Gifts of Silver Lake, at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, where we introduced the Friends of Silver Lake Board and Vision.

Surpassed Our Initial Fundraising Goal

with $50,000+ in donations and pledges.

2026
Reached out to SNEUCC leadership

in an introductory letter.

Received a welcome response

from SNEUCC leadership.

Lakeville Journal Published an Article

interviewing Co-Chairs Andrew Wicks and Brian Lapis about Silver Lake and Friends of Silver Lake.

Co-Chairs Met with SNEUCC Leadership

to enter into dialogue regarding the historic mission of Silver Lake and possible futures.

Resurrected Silver Lake Roadshow

with volunteer Emily Hale McKenna and SNEUCC approval to ensure churches, young people, and families know that Silver Lake Summer 2026 is on and the place to be!

Held our first Board Retreat

at Granby Congregational Church, where we met with the UCC Outdoor Ministries Association Executive Director Bill Bourdon. We learned more about camps in transition across denominations and across the country to deepen our understanding of different models and processes that have helped outdoor ministry sites and programs survive and thrive. 

Participated in SNEUCC Strategic Planning Listening Session

along with clergy and lay leaders.

Initiated Search for a FOSL Project Manager
Submitted a Letter of Interest to Lilly Endowment Inc.

for their Exploring Christian Practices Initiative

Board Members who will Dean for Summer 2026 participated in the Silver Lake Deans Retreat
Entered into a contingent Memorandum of Understanding with SigmaCamp

an organization with a longstanding relationship with and commitment to Silver Lake.

Formalized Business Proposal

for submission to SNEUCC.

Submitted Business Proposal to SNEUCC
Participated in SNEUCC Silver Lake & Retreat Center Update
Engaged with attorney

for assistance in governance documents and securing 501(c)3 status.

Board Members Volunteered at Spring Action at Silver Lake
Hosted a Social and Board Update at Avon Congregational Church

On the Horizon

Silver Lake 

Registration is Open for Silver Lake 2026 Programs! 
 


Friends of Silver Lake

  • The Silver Lake Roadshow was revived with volunteer Emily Hale McKenna to ensure churches, young people, and families know that Silver Lake Summer 2026 is on and it’s the place to be! If your church would like a Roadshow visit, please contact info@friendsofsilverlake.com

SNEUCC