Making Memories at Day Camp

As I look out my office window this week - just above this monitor and under the Lutheran flag - there is a squad of young children, many from PoP and many visiting friends, running and jumping, singing and dancing, or sitting and praying with a quartet of skilled, faithful young adults. It’s been such a magical week on campus and an honor to be able to hang out here and observe the life and faith and friendships of these campers grow in their own ways; to watch them form memories that will surprise them again and again as they grow.

What are some of the memories you have from camp as a youth? What experiences have you carried with you? And what ones have carried you?

When I think about it, I can certainly remember playing games like “Duck, duck goose” - or “Duck, duck, grey duck” if our counselor was from Minnesota, tag and soccer on the lawns. I kind of remember songs. But mostly, I can remember that sense of feeling special to a grown-up who was not my parents or family. How they knew my name and played with me and we were having fun together. This is the memory that carries me - just as, I imagine, it carries many of us who have had the blessings of a good Christian camp environment.

Parents and young ones, we owe a debt of gratitude to Drew, Pam, Will and Jessica for all they are doing this week to make sure all our kids are engaged and cared for in many and various ways. And a special thank you and honors to our counselors, Yolanda, Kelly, Sophia and Kaden for all the lasting gifts they have given our children.

-Nate

PS - Check out our Facebook page for videos from this week's adventures https://www.facebook.com/popsaratoga