Camp Tekoa Life; Talent Show & Closing Worship (Days 5 & 6)

Lane and two super cool counselors.
He's pouting because we told him
to stay here...

So it is two days after closing.  Yeah in a perfect world I would have posted and printed, but a busy weekend and exhaustion proved to take priority.  Nevertheless, I have my closing impressions of my week serving at Camp Tekoa.  We start with Thursday night, and go through Saturday.

We have karaoke before Talent Show
Lane decided to dance with them

*The talent show keeps getting better.  It's every Thursday night, and the acts are more original and fun every year.  Every group does a skit or something (usually very goofy and never goes according to plan), and individual campers or small groups also volunteer.  Some sing, some do gymnastics, some do something weird but cool, but overall everyone who comes up is a champ.  It takes guts to stand in front of 250+ people and be vulnerable and real.  Of course the staff also perform very talents (including yours truly, Star Wars 'cough 'cough), and it's a blast!  It's the perfect length.  Speaking of...


*The talent show has also improved in a practical sense.  Many years ago, Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" was a big thing.  So a little girl comes up and sings it.  Nice.  (Little girls singing a fav song is common...God love 'em).  Then another little girl a few acts later sings it.  Okay, two's company.  Then another little girl.  Three's a crowd.  Four, oh lord no.  Five, Jesus LET GO OF THE WHEEL!  Today it's different; you pick your song, it's put through the PA system, you have one verse, one chorus, and you are faded out.  The end, yay.  Multiple little girls & one guy look up at the fade out and either say or make the look, "I wasn't finished..."  No matter, everyone applauds, cheers, and it doesn't become a 2 1/2 slog like the Jesus Take the Wheel Year....  Now if you sing a-cappella, well, we hope it doesn't drag.

Here's some of those elementary campers,
playing with Lane of course

*TGIF, sort of.  Friday is bittersweet.  Already campers are starting to feel the end is coming, and for most it sucks.  Saying goodbye to new friends is just hard.  Yeah you have the memories.  Yeah you have social media to keep in touch.  Yeah yeah yeah.  It's a hard day.  The thoughts of home, air conditioning, and improved beds help a lot, but it isn't the same.  No one comes to Camp Tekoa and returns the same.

*Who-da-thunk it, my "deepest" group of campers for Pastor Time turned out to be elementary campers.  Don't get me wrong, the CITs were deep, personal, and vulnerable.  I'll remember it for the rest of my life.  The Survivors with the butterfly on my head were outstanding.  But this is was a new level.  I tell briefly the Creation Story, and here we go.
Camper; "Why would God put the tree in the garden knowing Adam and Eve would eat it?"
Me; "Why does that bother you?"
Camper; "Because it makes it like God made them sin and do the wrong thing.  That's not nice!"
Or,
Camper; "Do other religions know anything about God?  I've read about the Buddhists they seem nice.  I'm not sure we (meaning Christians) know everything."
Or,
Camper; "Does God have to be a boy?"
Or,
Camper; "Are we sure everything in the Bible is true?"
Me; "Why are you asking?"
Camper; "I don't know.  It just seems like, I don't know.  I just wonder sometimes."
Me; "I do too.  Keep wondering.  Let's talk about how the Bible was made..."
It's times like these I wish Pastor Time can be extended past an hour.  Sadly, swimming was next.  It was still AMAZING!"
Also, a footnote, later that day one of the campers, a girl came up to me and said, "I just want you to know, I think you are a very good pastor and I think you're great.  I wanted you to know that."  I asked her name, said thank you, and that I will remember her words for the rest of my life.  And I will.

Lane and Tekoa get along so well

*Watching Lane interact with the campers is so much fun.  He's a cutie and a social butterfly, and gave more high fives than I can count to so many cool campers and cool camp staff, both boys and girls.  I got tickled when campers would ask for hugs.  What he does is to walk into you, you hug him, no hug is returned, and that's it.  Lane rarely hugs anyone except mommy.  Uy.  Assistant Director Jon Isley watched and said, "The perks of being a camp kid."  Yup.

Jerry talking with Will & Lane.

*My wife and I had to say goodbye to Jerry who was Will's one-on-one counselor for Day Camp.  This is more extraordinary than you realize.  Jerry works in the "real world" now, blah, but hearing that Will was coming, he took a week off and VOLUNTEERED to work with Will all week.  There are no words to express our gratitude to this amazing young man.  I will say this; this is just a hint of the amazing sacrificial love that the staff of Camp Tekoa share with every child all summer.  Needless to say, we consider Jerry to be a part of our family (and if you're reading this Jerry, we meant it when we said you are welcome into our home anytime!  We love you, and so does Will!).

*As Camp Tekoa starts closing, all the groups meet for private closing time.  It's a holy time.  One of my favorite times at camp.  You get to see how much the campers have grown and matured as you reflect.

Here is where the slideshow happens.

*Ice Cream & Slideshow is still a big hit!  Considering this was the hottest day of the week, it was extra sweet!

*It is worth noting, at this point of the week, I am very tired of all things Star Wars.  I will take a Star Wars sabbatical.  It might last a week.

Rev. Darren Crotts is one of the most
incredible pastors I've ever known,
whom I am honored to call my friend

*Camp concludes with the Closing Campfire Worship Service.  It's fun, it's goofy, it's sweet, and then it becomes very holy and reverent.  My dear friend Rev. Darren Crotts shared the closing message and it was heartfelt and moving.  I think many got misty-eyed.  I love what he said, "The word for this summer is 'Breathe.'  I am going to add a new word to that, 'Gratitude.'"  Amen to that.

*After campfire is something much cooler.  I won't say what for those who have never been to Tekoa YET, but it's amazing.  It's the one thing I didn't tell Darren about.  Listening to his response to this holy tradition was very cool, "What is, what?  Brad you rascal!"  :)

*Saturday comes, and everyone is dragging.  Campers, pastors, and the staff.  And guess what, they do it again.  And again.  And again and again.  9 times this summer alone, greeting another 250+ campers each week (with Day Camp totals it nears 300).  This is such a holy place.

Will and Jerry, and the Holy Spirit

*How I love the things we do at Camp Tekoa!

*The staff are funny, dedicated, called, and beautiful.
*The campers are brave, wise, life-loving, and beautiful.
*20 years later, and after every year, I am a better person because of Camp Tekoa.

Till next year, and yes I WILL BE BACK, May the Force Be With You.

Camp Tekoa Life; Days 3 & 4

So we are at that point in Camp Life as we head toward the later days of the week.  These are significant days for two reasons; Talent Show tonight, and Closing Campfire Worship tomorrow night.  But as of now, it's days 3 & 4 that are worth mentioning.  I'll give you some highlights;

The more eccentric the mug, the better

*Every morning I'm at the porch for morning devotions at 6am.  I LOVE having the porch to myself (even though I end up chatting with maintenance extraordinaire and dear friend Greg the whole half hour (wakeup is at 6:30 am).  This also secures my beloved rocking chair spot.  At 6:30 the bell rings, and at the start of the week it is a steady army of little people who come down for rocking chairs, hot chocolate, and the best spots for the morning devotion (7:15-7:30 am).  Yesterday and today, the numbers are dwindling.  They still come, but more arrive after 7.  There is a terrific group of elementary school boys who are 6:35, sharp.  Mucho respect.  (When I was on staff, our boys were at the rockers at 6:31 sharp.  We were late just once in 5 years).  Peoples of all ages are starting to tire out.

The Tekoa rhythm can leave you feeling
upside down, but only at first

*Everyone is a bit tired, but everyone is in rhythm.  Early in the week new campers (and new clergy) are full of questions.  When is meal time?  When is light's out?  When does devotions start?  Where is Laurel Lodge?  Where's the infirmary?  Who sleeps in Little Lodge?  What's the new cabins called?  Where did the trees go?  Now...it's second nature.  There are a few curveballs, most mostly everyone has been "trained," except....

Camp Tekoa cries when campers leave with H.S.
Only YOU can prevent H.S.

*There is a little bug going around this week.  It's called homesickness or H.S (saying the words out loud is dangerous too).  It's very contagious.  Talking with the directors I've learned that at this point in the summer it is quite common.  Why?  Because families have just come back from long vacations, or kids have been jumping from sports camps to other camps and visits and with no "downtime" at home have arrived at Camp Tekoa.  Some kids handle it quite well, others do not.  And I do remember when a camper starts to feel the effects of this bug (symptoms include sniffling, wiping of eyes, referring to family members with extra fondness), you nip it in the bud!  If you can.  Most take a deep breath and manage, some parents draw a line in the sand and say no (and such parents are celebrated) and some throw in the towel.  So parents, if you're reading this, be mindful of letting your kids have some downtime before camp.  You may be immunizing them from this common camp condition.

Huzzah!

*Camp is much more fun when my wife Renee and my youngest son Lane join in with Will and I, and they just got here!  Huzzah!

*When a staff member feels ill, or is having a hard day, or needs backup, the volunteers that come charging in is inspiring.  No one does this by themselves, nor should they have to.  It's awesome to know so many have your back.  Note that this also includes the visiting clergy.  I've had a couple of moments and it's the same; I have your back.  Praise the Lord.

Behold a quiet moment
in the "well oiled machine"

*Rev. Darren Crotts, my dear friend and colleague here has called Camp Tekoa a "well oiled machine."  No kidding.  It's high energy, but it's controlled.  And from my experience it's been this way for over 20 years (technically over 50).

*The weather has turned drier......but much hotter.  I prefer the wetter and cooler.  Stupid July in the south....boo!  :(

*The number of people (both clergy and campers) that have come to us wrestling with calls to ministry stands at 4.  That's just this week.  Wow!

*The excitement for Talent Show is growing!  Will Star Wars be in it?  Duh, of course Star Wars will be in it!

*Watching my special son Will and his one-on-one counselor volunteer Jerry continues to warm and heal my heart.

*The staff continue to embrace and accept me.
*The campers continue to wow and recharge me.
*The church is a better place because of Camp Tekoa

Day 5 (mostly Friday stuff with maybe Talent Show highlights) will be my last entry of Camp Tekoa Life for this year (probably not published till after the fact, Saturday or Sunday), so tell then may the Force be with you!

Camp Tekoa Life, Days One and Two

So I can finally blog.  It's been tough, the web service has been spotty.  But it's good now.

So where to begin.  I don't know how.  So much has happened.  I think I'll just give you some nuggets;

*  Camp Tekoa is so wonderful, but a rare treat is being able to share it for the first time with someone.  Last year it was with my co-pastor Rev. Jim Parsons whom I became fast friends with.  This year it's with my dear friend Rev. Darren Crotts.  We worked together in ministry in Davie County for many years, and now I get to share Tekoa with him.  Watching him smile, explore, soak it all in with his son (who is a camper this week) is such a treat.  And as these things go, he's teaching me too.  

*  As Pastors, Darren and I meet with all the groups.  I have been reminded that when meeting with elementary groups, have a plan.  Lots of plans.  Each year at Camp we have a spiritual theme.  This year's is "Breathe."  I've lead lessons with them my having them act out John 20 (Jesus gives the Holy Spirit, Thomas doubts) by being a dictator director, and then talking about it.  It's good to have a plan.

*  Also, it's good sometimes NOT to have a plan.  I also met with the Counselors In Training (CITs) for pastor time.  These are older teens quickly becoming young adults, and they're smart, insightful, empathetic, and have very big heart that feel deeply.  You don't come to them with a plan, you have to give room for the Holy Spirit to work.  I hate surrendering control like that.  Almost 2 hours later, I was humbled and blessed.  The future of Camp Tekoa is in fine hands.  They helped me a great deal, and I hope that I was able to do the same for them.  Cool people

Storm made big boom

*  Summer weather is unpredictable in the mountains.  Extremely unpredictable.  Twice yesterday huge thunderclouds roared by.  I am allowed to have my phone, so I check the radar.  It's on!  Everyone runs for cover, and it barely sprinkles.  Boo.  Then at around 8pm, I watch this beautiful thundercloud rise above the lake, lit in the setting sun.  I mean wow.  And wow it was...  9pm, the bottom fell out.  Total downpour, lots of lightning.  My favorite, the one that stuck so close that it made a "Zizzle-POP" sound followed by thunder that shook the buildings.  It was glorious!  And tense.  And glorious!  Yet I don't care for a repeat.  The forecast today; Thunderstorms.  Uy.

Will and Jerry

*  Watching Will and his special one-on-one counselor and friend Jerry go on adventures is just a blast.  Usually we have to hover over Will, keep an eye out on him, and we have to out of necessity.  Here, he's in perfect hands, and I feel so free!  This freedom is a rare and precious gift, like grace.  I don't deserve it, but I have it, and I'm just asked to say Thank You and Pass It On.  And I shall!

Star Wars Battle 2014

*  Star Wars remains as popular as ever at Camp.  Some of the staff bought lightsabers this weekend, and evening lightsaber duels are common.  I brought my premium lightsaber to the Opening Campfire Worship Service, and it's magical glow continues to produce awe.  A couple of kids have tried to outfox me and educate me, try to stump the Pastor.  Their efforts were valiant but fell predictably short.

*  The staff here continues to inspire and wow me!

*  The campers continue to energize and wow me!

*  The world is a better place because of Camp Tekoa

Till another day when I find the time, may the Force be with you!

Cooking Critic Cleric: Helping Special Needs Kids