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| Camping Changes LivesWhen I was a small child, my family belonged to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Bonita. We attended church camp at Camp Stevens in Julian. I remember singing silly songs in the dining hall. I remember nature crafts holding my attention for long periods of time. So, while I was relieved to learn that United Methodist Camps Virginia and Cedar Glen escaped major damage in the mid-September fire, I am sad to know that the Episcopal Camp Stevens lost about 15 structures (mostly cabins and lodges). Their comprehensive camp, conference, and retreat programs are going to suffer disruption until the rebuilding process can be completed. For many people, church camping experiences create lasting memories. Children and youth in particular respond to the "round the clock" Christian community that camp offers. People of all ages find it easier to draw near to God in nature and away from the routines (or the chaos!) of their daily lives. Certainly the young people of our congregation, my daughters included, have made formative friendships and deepened their faith through annual attendance at San Diego District summer camps. Truly, our United Methodist camps in Julian (owned collectively by all United Methodists in the region) are a great treasure. This winter (February 15 to 17, to be exact) our church is going to revive the hallowed tradition of "All Church Camp." We have reserved space at Camp Cedar Glen so that families and individuals, kids and elders, seasoned campers and first-timers can all join together in learning and service, worship and play. Yes, it could be a chilly time of year up there in the mountains, but that's part of the point. We can enjoy hot chocolate, mittens, toasted marshmallows, warm blankets, and -- who knows? -- maybe even snow. Dee Baraw, camping coordinator for San Diego District United Methodist youth camps and our own youth ministry coordinator, has signed us up for the most comfortable cabins and the on-site meal plan. (She says the food is great, and she figures we could all use a break from cooking.) Our Discipleship Committee (the group charged with helping us "grow in grace and faith") will be planning a program suitable for an intergenerational group, which is what we intend to be. Our cabins will have bunk rooms as well as common rooms for game playing, reading, and visiting. The dining room and craft hall have fireplaces. The camp has hiking trails for those who like to tromp through the woods, and the town of Julian is a short drive away for those whose ideal afternoon includes shopping and apple pie. I'm telling you all this now because I want everyone to have plenty of warning for saving the date AND saving up your money. The cost of two nights at camp and five meals is $109 per person. The organizing group is eager for lots of people to take part, and we realize it will require some planning. For kids, going with their parents is a great introduction to camp; summer camps are then less mysterious and intimidating. For adults, going to camp provides a chance to slow down, relax, make new friendships, and spend some time focusing on God. Ralph S. has told me what a great time he had at senior high camp this past summer (he accompanied Ben to enable Ben's full participation). Ralph grew up going to camp at Cedar Glen and he is committed to making sure his sons have the same wonderful opportunities he did for faith development, friendship, and fun. Ralph is one of my inspirations for encouraging our Discipleship Committee to plan this February 15 to 17 Winter Camp. Another inspiration is the current theme for all the United Methodist camps in Southern California: "Camping Changes Lives." I think it's true, and I'm ready for us to be touched by God's grace through camping together at Cedar Glen. In gratitude for PB UMC's special community of faith, |
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