07-06-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 6, 2024
I will be returning from camp later today. It has been a marvelous experience, and I applaud and celebrate the counselors who gave of their time, some of them taking a week off from work to make sure this camp could happen. Oh sure, there were a few of us clergy folks, but there were those who are simply passionate about church camp and the way it can shape a person’s life and faith. I am tired, but not as tired as those who had to sleep in the dorms with the youth. As the keynoter, I got the good accommodations, which included my own room and shower. Luxury! I also want to celebrate Scott Miller, who is the camp manager, and like a lot of things in church ministry, he wears 26 hats. Scott and his staff did a great job of accommodating my dietary issues.

Throughout the week, I saw middle school youth being middle school youth. There were a handful of moments where someone had to be pulled aside and invited to rethink their choice of words or how they reacted to a situation. During a few of my keynotes, I saw some boredom in the eyes of a handful of youth, which was absolutely ok. But we also had moments where the happenings at church camp were very different from what we might see at other camps. That’s not to judge, as sports camps and music camps can offer many wonderful things, yet there is an ability for young people in the church camp setting to ask questions that might have been stirring under the surface, questions that would not appear in a single conversation or even among a youth group on a single Sunday night. But in a more immersive experience where youth are living alongside one another for a week, trying to navigate personalities and puberty, insecurities and some new found freedom, there are amazing moments. I have had no less than eight conversations (maybe more) in which one of the youth followed up with something I said or something they heard. Their curiosity was a clear demonstration of a deeper dive into this thing we call following Jesus.

Today, I give thanks for Disciple Oaks Camp and all the church camps doing amazing work this summer. 

Where another new camp starts today or tomorrow, I pray for energy and resilience for the staff. Gracious God, may the gifts of all who serve as counselors, nurses, cooks, lifeguards, grounds crews, directors, and managers continue to remember the work they are doing as service to you. Amen.