In the words of the late and great John Denver, “Country roads, take me home, to the place where I belong” For me, it’s when I turn down Mountain Home Creek Road (the name is fitting, huh), and it leads to Loch Leven Camp and Retreat Center. If home really is where the heart is, then one of my most sacred homes is up at Campbell Lodge. That's where I went on many retreats with Chapman Disciples on Campus, that’s where I reignited my relationship with God, that’s where I bonded with my friends and pastors, and that’s where I first felt the spark of the spirit calling me to ministry. Loch Leven is my home camp. Although I didn’t grow up as a camper there, I grew up as a young adult there. Hopefully my writing will reveal to you the spirit I’ve always seen, take a tour of my home camp with me.
The meadow is the first place the campers meet to get to know each other and greet. Maybe over a game of partner tag or strategizing to capture the flag. Family groups compete in the Olympics, run as far as you can scream and gymnastics routines like a dream. Bows up drawing arrows back, flying high towards the target SMACK.
The dining hall is a magical place, every meal starts with a silly grace. Sing a prayer to the tune of Adams Family or Batman, saying thank you God for all that I am. Raise a glass to the kitchen staff, giving a toast to what we appreciate most. Eating yummy comfort food, the best grilled cheese I ever chewed. Somehow you’re hungry for more, seconds are called out to the dining room floor. “SECONDS! I LOOOVE SECONDS!” Is yelled by all who reckoned. Every night we’re blessed with a different dessert, careful not to spill chocolate pie on my shirt.
Chapman lounge is the best indoor place to gather, I led my mental health workshop in there playing would you rather. Guitars come out and faces glow as we sing “PHARAOH PHARAOH, ohhh baby let my people go, ooh ahh, yeah yeah yeah yeah” the campers love to rock out and groove with sweet sweet moves. On Thursday night a variety of talents are presented, skits, jokes and performances in our memory cemented. Right before the kiddos are picked up by caretakers, a slideshow of the week reminds us why camp is our anchor.
The building named Cole are private rooms which are swell, located just past the giant ringing bell. Sleep here if you’re not a cabin counselor but a leader at camp, like directors, chaplains, keynoters, and peace intern champs. If you get hurt or catch the poison oak curse, swing over to room one to visit the nurse.
Cabins are just down the dirt path, be prepared to do some shower schedule math. Thank you to the region for hearing our plea, all the cabins finally have AC. Whether you’re staying in Alder, Ares, or Maus; this is a place to rest and take a pause. Getting ready for bed, share your highs and lows, reflect on the day and how you saw yourself grow.
The creek is one of my favorite places at loch leven, the rushing water sounds like heaven. Remember to put on your water shoes, so you can walk in the stream and catch the best views. After the floods a temporary bridge was put in, thank you to the grounds staff your work is a win. Sit and be still, feel the water it’s chill, journal with a quill, throw a rock down the hill, pray your dreams fulfill, search for God’s will.
Ross is up the stairs past Mr. Majestic that ancient tree, it’s a very old house full of debris. Once upon a time it was a horse stable, it’s the oldest camp building according to the fable. For years it was a place full of bunks for boys to sleep, now it’s being refurbished and holds the craft supplies we keep. We use the patio to make art and do games, when we play tag this is a safe spot to claim.
Walk through the swinging bridge to lead up to the pool, watch your step and follow the 3 person rule. Take the swim test so you can go in the deep end, call out Marco and Polo with all your new friends. The nighttime pool party is so much fun, it’s special to swim under the moon with no sun.
Flashlight in hand hike up to inspiration point, this is where the body and spirit are joint. Talk to God at the cross, thank Jesus for his sacred loss. Lay on a pew and look up at the stars, hold onto your wish then let it fly far. Hand in hand with our beloved community, sing the goodnight song in harmony and unity.
I saved the best for last, my home sweet home, Campbell lodge is the place of shalom. Walk through those doors and feel the divine, I love this place so much it inspires me to rhyme. Sit around the fireplace and sing “In the secret”, calling out to God being brave enough to speak it, “I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more”, reaching out to God like water on the shore. Feeling drawn to the deck, breathing in the mountains and orange sunset. Find gratitude for this holy ground, whenever you are lost, it’s here you can be found.
