Sometimes I close my eyes and I see the most wonderful images of camp. I see the lake, soccer games, the flagpole, laughter, sunshine, and friends, but perhaps one of my favorite images from the summer is council fire.

Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday we were sitting around our hallowed council fire ring? Try to see it with me. Close your eyes tightly and start from the beginning. You can see HQ walking down the hill, with their sword in hand, preparing to lead the camp up the steep hillside. The walk up the hill is thoughtful and serene. As we reach the top, we pass through the stone pillars with a reverence that can only be shown through our absolute silence. We have arrived on top of council fire hill to celebrate the wondrous achievement and divine expression of a week at camp. As I continue to reminisce about council fire, I see in my head funny characters and costumes come to life. They are like old friends who I have missed all week and I have yearned to see again. I see high-fives and hand shakes abound as the hard work and noble effort of each camper is recognized. I see lighthearted skits and spirited challenges between cabins. I see camp’s finest musicians serenading the congregation and filling our hearts with a Soul-filled expression of love. I see the Christ being crowned in our passing out of weekly awards. Finally, I see the entire camp come together to sing in one perfect, unbroken circle. We sing of our love for camp and its rich experiences, and we sing goodnight to one another. To me the Sunday evening council fire experience defines what camp is all about. There is challenge, there is recognition of good, there is brotherhood, and there is spiritual inspiration.

What do you see when you close your eyes and think of camp? Sure, camp was over about two months ago, but the special place on Pyramid Point must never leave our hearts. Camp is a wonderful place to have fun, but it also teaches us a disciplined and Christ-like way of living that should tarry with us wherever we go. Camp helps us to reveal the divine possibilities of what we are really capable of, and each time we think of camp, we should be reminded of how to live the right way. Next summer may seem like an eternity from now, but the spirit and the beauty of camp is in our hearts and minds every time we look. So, as we move through the rigor of another busy autumn season, let us remember to take the spirit of camp and its many memories with us. And until next summer:

“let us pledge each other that we’ll keep,
camping friendships strong and deep,
‘til we meet again”.