About Us

MISSION

The mission of this organization shall be to nurture the spirituality of any person, to facilitate the gathering of people, and to equip them for love and good deeds in the likeness of Jesus Christ. The nurture and care of children shall be its top priority. The embracing of God’s creation at Camp Selah shall be its primary tool of ministry.

VISION

This mission shall be implemented through individual and group experiences such as retreats, camps, opportunities for spiritual direction, seminars, workshops, festivals and electronic conversations.

VALUES

  1. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

  2. The created spirituality of each person.

  3. The transformation of human lives through the conversion and nurturing of their souls.

  4. The importance of both knowledge and wisdom.

  5. The creative arts.

  6. Honoring all people as children of God without regard to race, color, socioeconomic status, physically or mentally disadvantaged, denomination affiliation or sexual orientation.

GOVERNANCE

The mission and vision of this work shall be guided by a designated community (Board of Directors and subsequent Advisors/Counsels) who are committed to the teachings of Christ.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sallye Hardy

Sallye has given her entire life to serving children and their families, through local pastorates, directing Pitt County’s Family Violence Program, and owner/operator of The Rocker Room Child Care Center. She was raised in Pittsylvania County, where her father, the Reverend R. Fletcher Hardy III, pastored United Methodist Churches for over fifty years. Her confidence in God’s creative and redeeming power inspire her vision and commitment to Camp Selah Ministries. “This is a great opportunity for people who believe in the love of Christ to practice their faith and really make a difference. If we can get people here, the nature God has provided will bestow upon them the Selah experience—rest and renewal.” 

Sallye is a graduate of Asbury College and Duke Divinity School. She is a Board Certified Chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Her hobbies include leather work, caning chairs and watching children’s movies.

Mary Betterton

Mary Betterton, DVM, has served the Danville community for all her life as a volunteer.  Since 2013, she has given countless hours to Camp Selah, always ready to serve!  From cleaning toilets to showing kids creek life under the microscope, her energy always empowers the young ones and encourages the elders.  Over the years, she has guided many those who work as junior counselors into our work for which we are forever grateful.

Dr. Betterton lives in her family home place, where she lives with her retired state policeman, Mr. Ward who also shares his gifts, tools and wisdom with us.  They grandparent eight grandchildren with great enthusiasm in their retirement.  The Betterton Foundation was our primary funding source for the new bathhouse, which serves all our guests faithfully.

Suzanne Howell

Suzanne Howell, M. A. (alias Ms. SUE or DragonLady) has given her life to the service of children.  She and her husband Bill, fostered over twenty eight children and are now equally devoted to their grands!  Sue was an elementary school counselor, receiving her M.A. from The College of William and Mary.   She directed for 23 years the Elementary Camp for Johns River Camp and brings to us the unique perspective of administrator and amazing listener to children and adults alike. 

We are grateful that Sue is serving with us, we are better because of her counsel and presence.  Sue also acts as our Secretary, making sure we stay  true to our promises and on track often.

Karen Cotta

Karen Cotta, LCSW, MT-BC, has worked with children and families since 2000. She first worked as a music therapist, completed a Master of Divinity at the Iliff School of Theology in 2008, and transitioned to social work in 2016, after her move to Danville, VA. She currently serves as an outpatient therapist at Family Insight and incorporates music, art, and trauma-informed interventions to support children, families, and adults process traumatic experiences and achieve wholeness. She is also an enthusiastic traveler, gardener, animal lover, and bluebird monitor and brings all of her interests together in the service of individuals and families at Camp Selah.

Karen Cotta