Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Camping. It brings back incredible memories - roaring campfires, toasted marshmallows, beautiful sunny days, learning a J stroke in canoeing, races of all kinds, experiencing the beauty of nature and learning to get along with others.  As a young person, I enjoyed camp immensely.  It was there that I was able to test my limits in so many ways, physically and emotionally.   At camp I learned about myself and both my strengths and weaknesses I learned the importance of communication, that working with others required effective communication - I couldn't assume that others knew what I was thinking. I learned there was more than one way to do something, that listening to others was hugely beneficial. I learned how to talk about what was important to me.  I learned to talk about my own faith.  I learned values of trust, compassion, honesty, openness, and inclusion.  I found out that sometimes I could learn the most from the person I least expected.

For two summers I was a counsellor at Camp Iona, run by the Presbyterian Church in Canada.  I will never forget how hard it was for me to learn a J stroke in a canoe.  Arriving at camp, I was cocky and full of confidence. I was physically fit, strong, and positive I could beat anyone at anything.  I grabbed a partner, jumped into a canoe, and challenged two others to a canoe race.  The other three had taken the time to learn the J stroke.  Not me.  I just thrashed about thinking my brute strength could get the job done.  The other team beat us soundly.  My partner was very patient with me.  Halfway across the lake when it was very evident we were going to lose badly, he simply said, try this, and gave me my first lesson on the J stroke.  I remember feeling humiliated, but his constant care and encouragement allowed me to swallow my pride and learn from him.  By the end of the summer, I passed my solo canoe test.  It was something I never could have done by myself.  That summer I learned that living, like canoeing is a social experience.  We need each other.

Camp K is one of the most powerful ministries St. Andrews offers.  This year over 130 children will experience camp each week for eight weeks led by trained staff - some of whom are the youth of the church.  Each year children and youth of all ages learn that living is a social experience - that we all need each other and that learning sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways.

Tonight, at the fundraising BBQ for Camp K held at the church beginning at 5pm, you can support this ministry. Please come as you are able, give generously and enjoy the experience of being together.  If you are not able to come, please consider making a special donation to the church to support the camp.

Take good care

Marty