The two-week August session came and left quicker than I could say “Chosatonga.” Two weeks is a long time, but in the grand scheme of a camp summer, it feels like I was just getting to know these great girls. While our director team meets in the office first thing every morning, campers often stroll … Continued
Gardner and I had a day off yesterday. It’s a gift to be able to step away from the well-oiled machine of camp, knowing that those in charge will keep everything humming along in the right direction. Our team is second to none. It takes a village to make camp happen. After watching bits and … Continued
Good evening from Laurie. Gardner and Lucas are enjoying a day off and they gave me the “microphone. ” My first time for this summer 2025- a far cry from the days that Gordon and I alternated nights reflecting on the day and visiting with camp parents. Gordon and I were camp directors for 34 … Continued
Just like that we arrived at the final day of Mini-1. I’ll miss these campers. I feel like I was just getting to know them. They were full of kindness, excitement, and in the two weeks they were here, made this place more joyful and whole. It was a great day; Made extra great by … Continued
This morning, our Pineview Campers helped lead worship. Time at the Woodland Chapel together is sacred for me. I took an extra moment today to pray. I’d be lying if I said the tragedy at Mystic hasn’t affected me. Whenever I saw a camper today, I gave thanks to the Lord that they are smiling … Continued
The final day always feels surreal. How did we get here? Where did the time go? Somehow, all the magic, the sliding rock trips, the campfires, the meals, the dance parties, the hikes, paddles, climbs, and more… everything went by like the blink of a firefly. The morning began with all the performances from our … Continued
Today began as all Sundays at Illahee do: A late wakeup bell, and hundreds of campers meandering their way to the dining hall for donuts, cereal, and breakfast casserole. Adorned in their PJs, some holding their favorite stuffed animal, they sat around tables, recounting stories from the first week of camp. Our bodies are tired, … Continued
When I was a pastor, Easter marked the culmination of busyness and a moment to celebrate not just the resurrection of Jesus but also to look forward to the slower season of summer, when many parishioners traveled and most church programming grinded to a halt. As you can imagine, working at a summer camp, Easter … Continued
On my drive home after picking up Jasper from daycare, three shadows in the middle of the soccer field at camp caught my eye. I pulled into the main drive to see three deer, all of them does, popping up their heads to stare me down, seemingly frustrated that I had interrupted dinner. Overtaken by … Continued
I remember watching a TED Talk once where the expert presented how her research has shown a simple and effective way to improve happiness and joy in our daily lives. Leaning forward with the anticipation of uncovering this magic pill to improve my life, I was surprised to hear that all we had to do … Continued
