Letters from camp
Looking hopefully to the resurrection of spring
by Charles Maynard
At a recent board meeting at Camp Dickenson in Virginia, we watched large chunks of ice float by in the main channel of the New River while the side channel between the bank and islands was completely frozen over. The day was warm and sunny but reminders of winter surrounded us. The trees were still bare. The wind was still a little icy. Even though we were in the midst of winter's death, we looked hopefully to the resurrection of spring, to the new life of flowers and trees, animals and birds.
Although Holston's camps are quieter in the winter, they are not hibernating or dormant. Much is going on: Confirmation retreats, environmental education camps, weekend church retreats, and plenty more. Each camp's staff and board have been working to prepare for the summer camp ministry. Readying materials, searching for and training staff, and raising financial support for scholarships and ministry have all been priorities.
The boards of Buffalo Mountain, Dickenson, Lookout, and Wesley Woods work diligently with the staff to provide support for a ministry that reached 3,000 children and youth last summer. A week at summer camp changes lives, deepens faith, and makes disciples. Golf tournaments, special camp Sundays, and offerings for scholarships all help to provide critical support for the camps above and beyond conference and district askings. As we get ready for summer camp, many are taking advantage of the early bird discount offered until April 1. Plenty are registering online (some for the first time!) at www.holstoncamping.com Local churches have brochures available to assist in signing up for camp. Campers have many options in 2005 - everything from kayaking to horseback riding to traditional camp.
Birds are returning to the leafless trees at Wesley Woods, Lookout, Dickenson, and Buffalo Mountain. These flashes of song and color are wonderful reminders of the many children and youth who will be coming to camp this summer. We hope that you will join us in celebrating the summer's theme of "Follow Me - In the Footsteps of Jesus."
Camping ministries have been an important part of Holston's work with children and youth for over eight decades. Our history is peopled with heroes like the Allisons, the Tiptons, and the Dickensons, to name only a few, who have sacrificed to reach young people with the love of God in Christ. We have set apart these scenic spots as sacred places where God's work is done, God's love is experienced, God's hope is lived.
It was a cold afternoon along the river, but I couldn't help thinking of spring, of all the new life that would be at camp this year.
The Rev. Maynard is development officer for Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries.
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