My youngest son, the photographer, and I took a ride today. Our destination way Presbytery Point on beautiful, (huge) Lake Michigamee, the site of our denomination's church camp. This particular kid spent lots of time there, since his parents served as staff members at Family Camp, and I was sometimes the camp nurse. He was a camper and counselor, too, at various times.Since the days when we were there a lot there have been some beautiful updates. A new dining hall has been built, and another great building that can be used for small groups who can use the campgrounds.
However, the areas of the camp that kids always seen to remember best are basically the same. The campfire, the beach, and the outside chapel areas are as I remembered them.
Many red pine trees had to be removed at the site where the new dining hall was built, and the director told us that the trees were milled by volunteers, and then dried and treated to be used as the interior paneling for the dining hall. Then the camp procured pine seedlings for the campers to plant the following year.
We took our walk to the places we wanted to see and photograph, and then got out of Dodge, before the Junior High campers started to arrive.
I don't envy the campers there this week since our forecasts are for temps in the 90's most of the week. No, nothing is air conditioned. Perhaps they'll have more swim time than usual under these circumstances.
It's hard for anyone who hasn't been a camper as a kid to imagine the kind of community that can develop in only a week at camp. But talking to kids about their time at The Point usually evokes a big grin and some funny stories. Hopefully the kids learn more about God's love for them through the example of the adults who serve as staff. At least, that's always the goal.
I liked being the nurse, but wasn't a very patient counselor. We all have different gifts, and I know my limitations.
I'll do better praying for camp, than being on the scene as a staff member these days. They are at the top of the list.
