When we all come back to camp after the long off-season, Clark says, “Welcome home!” When I was a camper, the first time I heard someone say that, I thought to myself, “I just left home - this is just summer camp.” Oh boy was I wrong!  This is not just summer camp; this place changes lives. Home is a dwelling place where you are safe, secure, and can be yourself, and that is exactly what camp is. Over the years I always feel that when I come to camp I am safe and secure. What exactly makes this home so safe and secure? Plain and simple Love, and boy does camp have that!

The second thing that happens when you return to camp is you receive a huuuuuge hug. Now we give plenty of hugs at camp and when we are hugging, we are loving. The atmosphere of love at camp makes everyone feel comfortable to be themselves and to share their love of Christian Science with each other. That is the most important aspect that camp has to offer, love for Christian Science. I learn so much more about Christian Science when I go back every year, year after year.

The Christian Science that is demonstrated at camp is apparent during Wednesday night church up at the meadow; the testimonies shared are inspiring to both the campers and the counselors. To see the growth in the campers when they are giving their testimonies strengthens the assertion that the work that the counselors do is so worth it.  To see the smiles on the campers’ faces throughout the day reminds each counselor why he is there. The happiness shown at camp is just another reason why camp is home to all.

What would a home be without a family, and the family we have at camp is the greatest! A bond is instantly formed with everyone the minute they come to camp. The friends I made during my first summer at camp in 1995 are still my best friends today. It is something about the work that we do at camp that brings everyone together as a family. Whether it is on the trail, during clean-up, cabin day at the dunes, or a card game at rest hour, the bond grows stronger and stronger.

Between the family, security, and Christian Science shown at camp, there is no doubt that this place is home to many. So during the off-season be sure to remember all those times that the family had together. Nice warm Lake Michigan in the morning, elbow tag during cookout, and McCurties laying down a rap up on council fire hill is all waiting and ready to welcome you home.