The first thing I learned about camp La Foret in Colorado is that I must smell a tree. Is it vanilla or butterscotch or even root beer, that’s up to the nose of the beholder. To me, it was like a sweet cream soda. The ponderosa pines have rich terpenes in their sap that produce those yummy aromas. I believe these sweet smelling pines are symbolic of the other tall powerful trees that breathe life into camp - the counselors and staff. Every staff member embodied what it means to love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly with God this week at camp.
The directors, Katie Jo, Rachel, and Laura were strong and inclusive leaders. They communicated with us the specific needs of the campers, and we had conversations of how to ensure everyone feels welcomed and a part of the team. They earnestly cared about our well being, everyday at staff meetings they would check in on us using metaphors “what's your emotional weather forecast today, what movie represents how you’re doing, what meal would your feelings be, how is your mind body and soul doing?” At one point during the week I had personal conversations with each of them, and I always left feeling joyful about our connections.
The chaplains, Munsty and Kaitlyn, provided wonderful spiritual guidance. Munsty gave a keynote every morning that engaged the campers with the scripture and a sense of social equity & justice. Kaitlyn, having grown up at La Foret, was able to pass down sacred traditions. Both of them connected with campers who had mental health challenges, and those who were inquisitive about God or theology. Additionally, they both offered me words of wisdom as I continue to discern a call to ministry, I’m so grateful for their support.
The counselors, Brandon, Val, Ella, Jeremy, and Todd were instrumental to the day-to-day operations of camp. All of us brought something unique to the table that added to the rainbow of our staff strengths. Brandon is amazing at offering a communion meditation, he’s radically inclusive and can spark a conversation with anyone. Val is a ball of energy, she brings joy and awesome dance moves to the frolic. Ella, a past Peace Intern, brings wisdom of the spirit and justice, she handled challenging theological conversations with grace and love. Jeremy is so flexible, he brought his sense of humour and a 3D printer which made us all keychains. Todd is reliable, the campers know and love him, and he is always down to jump in the pool. As for me, I think I brought a passion for peacebuilding and cool makeup looks.
Every single camper, from Junior, Chi-Rho, and CYF all displayed a spirit of amity during my workshops. This being my first camp, I was nervous for how the response would be. But every group exceeded my expectations with their engagement and enthusiasm. From 8 years old to 18 years old, the campers gave incredible insights to how they view peace. In Junior camp they identified peace as stopping fighting and wars, and understanding people past their differences. Chi-Rho campers named traits that humans should embody in order to create and sustain peace, like: kindness, curiosity, empathy, and patience. High schoolers recognized how systems and structures can improve our quality of life and bring peace to society, like: free education, accessible healthcare, and rehabilitation services.
Overall what I learned at my first camp, La Foret, is something that I think will be a universal truth at every camp - it's about the people. I thank God for surrounding me with people who are as sweet as those ponderosa pines.
