Get to Know Maggie B. Lewis

Hey y’all! I’m so excited to get to share this amazing summer experience with you!

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Maggie B Lewis (she/her) and I’m from a small town in southern Indiana called Bedford (home of the infamous Camp Bedford and Conference Center)! After graduating high school, I headed all the way to New Orleans where I currently attend Loyola University New Orleans. I am a rising senior majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Catholic Studies, with plans of attending a Disciples seminary after graduating. I have the best job on campus as a Campus Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and sharing my major school spirit with anyone who will listen!

Camp has been one of my favorite summer activities since middle school and I’ve always felt the sacredness when on camp grounds. My absolute favorite part of going to camp each year was getting to meet the Peace Intern we would be getting to work with that year. Each time, I could look at the camp staff and know that I could at least be comfortable with the Peace Intern because their whole job was to be mentors for campers. While I now understand that there’s a bit more to the job description than that, I cannot wait to show up to camps and make campers feel comforted by my presence. More than that, I cannot wait to share the Good News of God’s love that I know to be true. 

My home church, Bedford First Christian Church, has shown me that love every day of my life. It is because of the love and open arms of that congregation that I am the person I am today. They have given me unconditional love, just as our Creator does. My hometown also is the place where many of my favorite memories take place, mainly because of my wonderful friends and family there who continue to give me the best support a girl could ever ask for. None of this summer would be possible without the aid of my loved ones, I’m eternally grateful for their astounding and wonderous love. All of these people are great examples of Christ’s love and I cannot wait to share that same compassion with everyone I meet this summer! 

Last week was our DPF training week and I was able to see that wondrous work within our national church. My cohort of Peace Interns was lucky enough to meet with numerous denominational leaders, and we were fed amazing spiritual information! More than that, we were so lucky to create a strong group of folks who are excited to share the information we were given with our home churches and all of the camps we will be at this summer. 

Speaking of my amazing cohort, Allison and Ella are two of my newest favorite people. The bond we created over a week will last a lifetime (even if half of the week was getting to know each other through Zoom)! The moments that we didn’t spend laughing at inside jokes made within the first few days were spent eating wonderful snacks provided by Allisonville Christian Church or exploring Indianapolis with our lovely Peace intern Chaplain, Sarah Zuniga. I believe this summer will only bring us closer together, even though we won’t be back together physically until the beginning of August for our closing retreat!

One of my favorite facts to share this summer is that my connection to the Disciples Peace Intern Program runs deep. My first Peace Intern experience with Rev. Sarah Zuniga left a lasting impression on me as a freshman in high school. When I came home from camp and shared this amazing experience with my home church’s minister at the time, I learned that this was not a new program for him. Turns out, my minister and now great mentor, Rev. Bruce Ervin, was the very first Peace Intern!

This connection fueled a fire in my heart to continue such an amazing legacy started by Bruce and continued through wonderful folks like Sarah. Now, I get to be a part of history as a member of the 50th Peace Intern cohort! I cannot wait to share all of my favorite moments and memories of this summer with you all.

As Jerry Garcia once sang, I love you but Jesus loves you best!

With Peace and Love, 
Maggie B

Bonus Peace Intern Blog: Indy Pride Dog Review!

I’ve heard (from reliable sources) that this year’s cohort of Peace Interns has been the first that is able to go to Pride in Indianapolis. This was such a fun experience, celebrating all of God’s creatures no matter how they walk through life. I was full of boundless joy, running through the streets of Indianapolis handing out candy to the young people of the city, and the young at heart. I couldn’t help but notice how much joy was in the community. 

There was joy as we marched through the streets. There was joy as onlookers enjoyed the parade. There was joy as new people connected through the love of the LGBTQ+ community. There was joy as old friends were able to connect throughout the festival. 

Overall, it was a joy filled and joy fueled day. 

I couldn’t help but notice the joy of some of God’s best creatures, dogs. Dogs are always so happy to be here and I was so excited to talk with them, and their owners during the event. Here are some, not all, of the dogs I was able to meet. 

Image shows a small fluffy dog wearing a Mario costume, including a red hat with an M. A man, presumably his owner, holds the dog wearing a matching hat, as well as a red flower behind his ear and a Pride flag as a cape. 

This is the dog that started it all. I saw him and his owner and thought they were both so cute. I decided to rank dogs because of them, and how could he not get a great score??

For each dog, I will give 3 measures of success. 

  1. Imaginary names. I am going to give every dog an imaginary name, because I don’t know their given name. 

  2. Outfit score. Every dog will get a score on their outfit. 

  3. Overall cuteness score. A score measuring how cute I think they are. If you disagree, feel free to say something in the comments. 

Dog #1 Mariotini

For Mariotini (who we see above) here is his score:

Name: Mariotini 8/10. Very cute, very clever. 

Outfit: 10/10. The coordination? Unmatched. Except by his owner. 

Cuteness: 9/10. Incredibly cute. 

This is going to be a difficult challenge. 

A dark brown dog, wearing a pride bandana, walks on a leash. Two people in black outfits accompany the dog. 

Dog #2 Persephone

Imaginary name: Persephone 10/10, great literary reference. 

Outfit score: 6/10. Kinda basic. 

Cuteness score: 9/10. I know this picture doesn’t do her justice, but she was doing some really cool tricks, which is cute to me. She’s a working girl. 

Two black dogs in fuzzy rainbow booties and unicorns watch the parade as two people hold their leashes. The dogs are very similar and wear matching outfits. 

Dogs 3 and 4: Glitter and Sparkles

They will be judged as a team. 

Imaginary names: 8/10. Very on brand. 

Outfit: 9/10. So coordinated and they’re very good sports. 

Cuteness: 7/10. They’re very cute. Just, are they cute enough? 

A black, tan, and white dog is on a leash. The dog has a rainbow patterned bandana and their tongue out. 

Dog #5 Grout

Imaginary name: Grout. 5/10. Did I come up with it? Yes. Do I think it needs some workshopping? Also yes. 

Outfit: 4/10. Again, kinda basic. They seem to have just thrown on a bandana and gone about their day. 

Cuteness: 400/10. I have a soft spot for a big dog that slobbers a lot. Grout fits that bill perfectly. Great job Grout. 

And with that, Grout shoots into the lead. 

A red husky with blue eyes stands on a leash wearing a Service Dog vest and rainbow bandana. The dog’s ears are painted rainbow. The legs of the people traveling with the dog can be seen in frame. 

Dog #6 Alfalfa

Imaginary name: Alfalfa. 9/10. Very sweet. Very accurate. 

Outfit: 9/10. Alfalfa means business. This is a working dog, and I respect it. Could be a LITTLE more colorful. Come on, this is pride. 

Cuteness: 12/10. How could you not love this face????

A husky with blue eyes is laying on the ground next to festival goers. The dog is wearing a heart covered bandana, a pink and blue vest, and a rainbow lei. 

Dog #7 Addie

Imaginary name: ADDIE!!
After spending hours at the festival chasing down dogs, I finally got a dog’s name 20/10 for Addie, who is actually named Addie. 

Outfit: 9/10. Love the lei. Very tropical paradise. 

Cuteness: Addie was very cute, but sitting next to a pile of her own fur. And for that she gets a 6/10. 

A small terrier stands among the festival wearing an oversized bandana. Festival goers can be seen in the background, with a person wearing rainbow socks holding the dog’s pink leash. 

Dog #8 Scrappy Doo

Imaginary name: Scrappy Doo. This reminds me of the energy of Scrappy Doo. 4/10. 

Outfit: Again, pretty basic, but I appreciate how large the bandana is compared to his small body. 7/10. 

Cuteness: 30/10. Scrappy Doo’s vibe seems fun and chaotic, in the best way. 

A small dog, a black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stands on a road wearing a blue Service Dog vest. The vest has a yellow leash attached, and people’s legs can be seen in the background. 

Dog #9 Charles

Imaginary name: Charles! My partner had a dog similar to this one when he was younger, and we pretend that all dogs of this breed have the same name. So, this is Charles. 10/10 name. 

Outfit: Another working dog? Okay corporate ladder!! Very small pride bows, so 9/10. 

Cuteness: 100/10. So cute. Great smile. Great ears. Very Lady from Lady and the Tramp. 

A white a tan dog lays casually covered in rainbow paint. The metal base of an umbrella is to the left of the dog and the owners can be seen to the right of the dog. 

Dog #10 Terrance

Imaginary name: Terrance. 10/10. Very business professional. 

Outfit: 6/10 although Terrance went without “clothes”, the rainbow paint is very cool and works well with Terrance’s blue eyes. 

Cuteness: 10/10. I love how Terrance is sitting like a cinnamon roll. Terrance was so polite. Love. 

A small black and white dog with heterochromia looks nervous at the camera. The dog is wearing a blue shirt with a design on it. The legs of people walking the dog can be seen in the background. 

Dog #11 Steven

Imaginary name: Steven. Steven has business to attend to. 8/10. 

Outfit: Steven moved too much for me to make out what was on the shirt. It was probably pride related, 8/10. 

Cuteness: Steven wanted out of there, but had a very sweet face. 9/10. You’ll get there soon. 

A golden retriever in a blue and pink paisley bandana stands in the grass. A person can be seen to the dog’s left, and a yellow floral leash is visible. 

Dog #12 Delilah

Imaginary Name: Delilah. Doesn’t this dog look like a Delilah? 14/10. 

Outfit: Original colors, not original fit. 7/10. 

Cuteness: 25/10. Such a cute and friendly dog. 

A small chihuahua can be seen wearing a white outfit in a pink dog stroller. A food truck, with people lined up, can be seen in the background. 

Dog # 13 Chrysanthemum

Imaginary Name: Chrysanthemum. Big name for little dog. 12/10. 

Outfit: If you include the dog stroller, this is a 30/10. Such a large contraption for such a little dog. Love love love. 

Cuteness: This dog is so small? I can’t understand. 300/10. 

Technically, a person could go through and tally up all of the scores I gave the dogs. But, the goal was to celebrate the joy that dogs bring to our community. In the same way, Pride is an opportunity to celebrate the people we cherish and the ways in which people love each other. Joy and love are such brilliant gifts given to us by God, so I celebrate all of God’s creations. 

Will you pray with me? 

Dear Creator, 

You have made us each in your image. We are people full of joy and celebration, but also loss and tragedy. Through it all, you carry each of us. Let us celebrate the joy of Pride each and every day and take every opportunity to celebrate the love we are bestowed by our Creator. 

In their name we pray, 

Amen. 

On Being Seen: Peace Intern Summer Week One

Unapologetic selfhood has been the way in which I walk through this world for as long as I can remember. I loved to scream-sing show tunes in the car with my family and loudly proclaim opinions all throughout my childhood. I have never been one to make myself smaller or more palatable. I am me. 

Allison appears focused, in a pink tank top and high bun as she spreads marshmallow fluff on her arm. Someone can be seen on the right side of the frame in a tie-dye T-shirt and messy bun. 

If you have stumbled upon this blog post, you might be wondering who this quirky, eccentric but down-to-earth character is. My name is Allison Nash. I was born in New Albany, Indiana, raised in Shelbyville, Indiana, and moved to St. Louis, Missouri after graduating from Earlham College. I studied English and Education and now teach at a school in St. Louis. 

Photo shows Allison (second from right) alongside three of her Earlham classmates, Elijah Sadler, Thomas Jordan, and Daniela Joseph. They are all wearing caps and gowns, with various cords and stoles for school achievements. 

If you notice, I just listed a lot of places and not a lot of self. Selfhood and Place was the main area of exploration for my Junior Research Seminar in undergrad. Place can be an important part of identity. Rev. Alan Dicken from Week of Compassion has asked, “Where do you call home?” Home for me is St. Louis. Or home for me is Shelbyville. Or home for me is Camp Bedford. Do you see how using place as a way to define identity can be complicated? I hope to explore this more when I head to Camp Bedford later this summer. 

I grapple a great deal with who I am. I was really forced to consider this during the first week of my Peace Intern Summer. During my week filled with wonderful and engaging presentations, I was asked to introduce myself, and each presenter was prompted to give us an additional question to answer. 

Some, like Rev. Lori Tapia from Obra Hispana, asked about something everyday, like our favorite ice cream flavors. Mine is either Ben and Jerry’s The Tonight Dough or Mint Chip. 

Some asked questions about our Peace Intern summers and our motivations. Chris Dorsey from Disciples Home Missions asked about what drew us to the Peace Internship. My draw to the Peace Internship comes from several sources, but mainly the generous, kind-hearted, and courageous Peace Interns that have come before me, like Rev. Sarah Zuniga and Grace Dearhamer. 

And some have asked about how we see the world, like Fiyori Kidane from Global Missions, who asked where we saw our paths leading us. I told her I like where I’m at. I enjoy teaching and learning from students. I like the cultural diversity of St. Louis. I told Fiyori I don’t know where I’m going next but I’m enjoying the moment I am in. 

The moment I am in is so spectacular. 

Allison stands in the center of the photo, with Tom Jordan to her left and Ashton Awbrey to the right. They stand outside the Greyhound bus station, a grey brick building. 

I arrived in Indianapolis at the Greyhound bus station and have spent most of my time in the guest house at Allisonville Christian Church. The members and staff of Allisonville have been so incredibly kind; I will be forever grateful for all that they have done. 

A table full of snacks gifted to the Peace Interns by Allisonville Christian Church. Tons of snacks are shown including popcorn, Oreos, and Nutri Grain bars. 

We spent the week talking to some of the coolest members of the Disciples Community, learning from Jim Higginbotham about Healthy Boundaries, and Rev. Dr. Nelia Beth Scovill about ethics. 

When we weren’t talking to thoughtful and curious leaders of our community, we were spending time learning and laughing together as a Peace Intern team. 

Allison, in overalls, Ella, in a grey T-shirt, and Maggie, in a navy T-shirt stand at the pulpit at Allisonville Christian Church. They are all laughing. Rainbow ribbons form the shape of a cross behind them. 

It has been a joy getting to know the other Peace Interns. Maggie is funny and thoughtful, goofy and curious. Ella is smart and creative, hilarious and kind. I have been so blessed to spend the past week in their company learning with and through them. Hopefully, you will grow to love them through their blog posts. 

Allison, Ella, and Maggie smile as they look out the doorway of a wooden, topsy-turvy house. The house has several windows at weird angles. 

So, I don’t know who I am. But I do know that knowing someone involves seeing them and caring for them. I am so excited to get to meet so many people this summer, to know them and love them. And I hope that in the process, you can get to know me, too. 

Rev. Josh Jackson, Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Rev. Joyce Coalson, and Rev. Beau Underwood all lay hands on Maggie and Allison. Maggie and Allison stand in front of the rainbow ribbon cross wearing masks and heads turned down in prayer. 

Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Ella Gordon, and Allison Nash smile for a photo in front of the Allisonville Christian Church Pride float. They wear colorful outfits. Behind Sarah, a paper crown can be seen behind Sarah, and behind Allison there is a large wooden rainbow heart. 

Will you pray with me? 

Dear Creator, 

Thank you for the kindness of strangers. Thank you for the laughter of new friends and the joy of reconnecting with old friends. Thank you for bringing new stewards of your goodness into my life and in the lives of those around me. May we go forth into the world with your generosity and gentleness. 

In her holy name we pray, 

Amen.

Peace Intern Training Week 2024

Every year the Peace Intern Summer begins with Training Week. From June 1-8 our 2024 Peace Interns Ella, Allison, and Maggie will be home based out of the Guest House at Allisonville Christian Church where they will be meeting with denominational leaders, learning about Disciples Justice Ministry partners, and getting equipped for their summer as ambassadors for peace and justice.

Training Week is as much about building skills and resources as it is about building relationships. DPF is so thankful for all of the ministry partners and justice advocates who will help prepare the Peace Interns for their summer!

We thank General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens, DHM President Rev. Chris Dorsey, Obra Hispana National Pastor Rev. Lori Tapia, NAPAD Executive Pastor Rev. Chung Seung Kim, and National Convocation Administrative Secretary Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Kinnebrew. 

We also thank our Healthy Boundaries Trainer Rev. Dr. Jim Higginbotham, Workshop Development Trainer Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Small Group Facilitation Trainer Prof. Michael Dirksen, Spectrum Ethics Training from Rev. Dr. Nelia Beth Scovill, and Justice Bible Study Leader Rev. Stephen Yarbrough. The Peace Interns will also have Peace Prayer Practices Training and Spiritual Self-Care Training led by our Mission Director Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray.

Additionally we thank our justice ministry presenters: Rev. Steve Blinder from AllianceQ, Rev. Carol Devine and Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri from Green Chalice,  Rev. Matt Rosine from the Christian Church Foundation, Rev. Alan Dicken from Week of Compassion, Rev. Dr. Laurie Pound Feille from Disciples Public Presence, Rev. Jeff and Janet Wright from the Disciples Palestine Israel Network, Rev. Monique Crain Spells from Disciples Home Missions, Rev. Kelli Driscoll Crews from Disciples for Choice, Bethany Guy from Global Ministries, Rev. Hector Hernandez and Rev Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto from NBA, Fiyori Kidane from Disciples Overseas Ministries, Rev. Allison Lanza from Be The Neighbor, Brad Lyons from Chalice Media Group, 2023 DPF Peace Intern Marci Mazza-Fredley, Rev. Alex Ruth from Disciples Men, and Rev. Dr. Alexis Tardy from the DPF Executive Committee.

Plus, a HUGE thank you to Allisonville Christian Church who will once again open up the Guest House for the Peace Interns. Thank you to the Allisonville’s Senior Pastor Rev. Beau Underwood, Associate Pastor Rev. Josh Jackson, Associate Pastor Rev. Sarah Zuniga, and Director of Administration Isaac Ackerman for the prayerful support during Training Week and all of the logistical support leading up to Training Week!

Meet the 2024 DPF Peace Interns!

With Training Week right around the corner we wanted to update the Blog by introducing this year’s amazing group of Peace Interns!

Maggie B Lewis (she/her)

Maggie is a Junior at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana with a Major in Philosophy and a Minor in Catholic Studies. Upon graduation Maggie plans on going to seminary with the long term vocational goal of serving in congregational ministry.

Maggie grew up attending First Christian Church in Bedford, Indiana where her longtime pastor was the Rev. Bruce Ervin, the very first DPF Peace Intern nearly 50-years ago! 

In a reference letter for Maggie, Rev. Ervin wrote, “Maggie’s convictions regarding peace and justice are grounded in the scriptures. She understands the inclusivity of God’s love as being that which embraces all people. This is clearly expressed in both her words and her actions.”

Fun Fact: As a kid Maggie earned a youth Screen Actors Guild card for appearing in the show “Most Terrifying Places in America!” 

Ella Gordon (any pronouns)

Ella Gordon is a junior at the University of Oregon majoring in English. They grew up in the Pacific Northwest and First Christian Church Corvallis is Ella’s home congregation.

Ella comes to the Peace Intern program with strong teaching and mentorship experience having spent the past two summers on staff at Oregon State University’s KidSpirit Summer Day Camp teaching art as well as social/emotional skills to children and youth. Ella writes, “My commitment to peacemaking is one that asks me every day to consider how I can change someone’s life.” 

As a Higher Education & Leadership Ministries Scholar, Ella’s Peace Intern Summer experience will begin with the HELM Trip to Japan!

Fun Fact: Ella is a gifted musician who plays guitar, violin and clarinet!

Allison Nash (she/her)

Allison was born and raised in Indiana, grew up going to church camp at Bedford Camp and Conference Center, and now lives in St. Louis, Missouri where she attends Union Avenue Christian Church. 

She is an alumni of Earlham College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Allison works as an Elementary School Librarian and Generalist Teacher at the St. Louis Language Immersion School. 

In her application Allison noted that Peace Interns were regularly on staff at her home church camp growing up. Describing her goals for the summer she wrote, “I would love to have a positive impact on campers in the same way that Peace Interns have positively impacted me.”

Fun Fact: Allison loves to travel and her first overseas trip by herself was to Japan at age 14!

Peace Intern Closing Retreat AND General Assembly

Wow!! I cannot believe the summer is already over! I had an amazing closing week with Grace, Kaylie, Sarah and Brian. While in Indianapolis before General Assembly, we discussed each of our summers and the camps we attended.

It was so amazing to hear about the other intern’s camp experiences and talk about the similarities in all of the amazing camps we attended. We also took some time to wind down and simply hang out with one another before a jam-packed four days in Kentucky!

We went and saw the Barbie movie (and yes, we all wore pink!!) We went back to TopGolf (and yes, we all improved our golfing skills!!) And, we tried a bunch of new coffee places together while answering Brian’s famous fishbowl questions about our summer experiences. At the closing retreat, the question of “what season of life are you in?” came upon me again, but in a different fashion: what era are in you? (And yes, this is in reference to the Eras tour!) But, after a summer of thinking about it, I am in a season of change, but I am also in my comeback era. This comeback era has taught me so much about how I want to see myself in the world around me. I’ve taken risks this summer, tried new things, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I am proud of the Marci I embraced along the way. 

After a couple of days back in Indianapolis, we packed up and headed to Louisville, Kentucky for General Assembly! Where the theme was: Kindom of God: Within us and Among us. This was my first General Assembly, and what better way to go about a general assembly than experiencing it with your mama?! One of the fish bowl questions that Brian asked us was, “who are you most excited to see at General Assembly?” My answer was: my mom and Dr. Rev. William Barber.

The whole GA experience was like no other- especially coming off of a jam packed summer as a Disciples Peace Intern. I met past interns, got to see those from the camps I had just come from, and met some amazing individuals who work within the greater church. 

I had some amazing opportunities at this General Assembly and I still cannot believe all that I was involved in!! I got the chance to speak at the pro mic in favor of the Palestine resolution presented. This resolution means so much to me, considering I just got back from Palestine and have been learning so much about the history of Palestine and Palestinian culture. And to be able to speak to other Disciples about why supporting this resolution is so important, was amazing. The resolution passed too!! This was not the only historic resolution I voted in support of either! We also passed a resolution denouncing Chrisitian Nationalism, and another resolution in stand against the continuous legislature that is harmful and deadly for our transgender siblings. In the final days of GA, I also had the opportunity to sign on in support of an emergency resolution that calls for the end of “cop city” in Atlanta, Georgia and acknowledges the dangers that the climate catastrophe brings for people of color and indigenous communities. 

While all of my days started early, and ended late, I had the most amazing experience at GA and every second was cherished. One of the things I looked forward to most everyday was the worship services. The worship services were packed with amazing speakers and soul touching music. So many amazing lessons were taught from the pulpit and spoken in the form of prayers. One night, the worship leaders called for those who feel moved, to find one of the regional ministers standing along the wall and ask them to pray over you. My mom and I went up to Tennessee Regional Minister Cristal Williams for a prayer, and she said everything I needed to hear. I knew as soon as she started praying for us, that God was speaking through her. That is a moment I will never forget! 

Not only did I get that amazing message from Cristal, but I also got to hear Dr. Rev. William Barber preach in person!!! To hear Dr. Barber preaching only 4 rows in front of me was absolutely life changing. He is such an inspiration to me, and the message he preached will live on in my heart and mind for the rest of my life! Remember Disciples: we are called to be a challenge to the challenges of this life, this world, and this culture. I can’t wait for the next GA!! Hope to see y’all in Memphis, Tennessee! 

And lastly, thank you to everyone who sent me cards, packages, and prayers throughout the summer. Your support has meant so much to me and I am so lucky to have had an amazing opportunity. Your kind words and generous gifts are loved and greatly appreciated!! I am so blessed for the experience DPF has provided me with. I cannot wait to see who become interns as the years continue!

My Week at Camp Crystal

Camp Crystal is a beautiful Disciples of Christ camp on the lakefront of Crystal lake in Michigan! I got the opportunity to spend two weeks at this amazing campground, and I loved every minute of it! When I first got to Michigan, I met Amanda who drove me to the campsite, which was about 2.5 hours away. So we had a bunch of time to get to know one another, and we are such good friends now! During the drive, we also saw wild horses running in a field, and that was so beautiful to see along the way! 

There is something that has to be said about live music being played at church camps- it truly feeds your soul. However, at camp Crystal, they have worship in a large dome shaped outdoor building where it amplifies the voices of everyone even more- the feeling I felt listening to some of those songs during worship… indescribable and enchanting. One of the nights, one of the fellow counselors, Adam, sang “come as you are '' while playing the piano for the night’s special music. I did not realize how much that song would affect me until I heard him sing a message I full heartedly believe God spoke through Adam’s talents. Each night had a different individual preaching to us, and they really spoke to me. One of them was given by Carol; and she told us that you will never look in the face of someone who is insignificant in the eyes of our creator. This message was so important, especially in a summer where our General Assembly theme is “The Kindom of God.” She preached that there are no nobodies in God’s kingdom… in God’s Kindom.

Like at Kamp Kaleo, Camp Crystal also does a float trip- and I got to do it twice! I have preached a sermon on inner and outer peace a couple times when I get to do pulpit supply. In this sermon I talk about how inner peace is found by everyone differently. I say all of this because I truly found some inner peace just floating down a river surrounded by God’s creation and feeling the water’s surface on my fingertips.

Something that is unique to camp Crystal is that they have an adventure course right on site!! They had a whole afternoon carved out for the campers and counselors to push themselves, and work on communication through various obstacle courses, including a rock wall!! One of the afternoon’s activities was also going to a popular tourist attraction in Michigan: sleeping bear sand dunes. This was a really good workout, but an even better view!!! Climbing those mountainous sand dunes is a great time and place to clear your head and really count your blessings. Once I got to the top of those mountains of sand, I immediately forgot the muscle aches I got while fighting to make my way to the top, because I was so amazed by the views before me. That night, some of the counselors “snuck” our cabins out to stargaze on the beach in the middle of the night. Just like on the top of that sand dune, while laying on the beach staring up at hundreds of stars, I was once again overwhelmed with the miraculous sight of God’s creation. 

Something else that is also unique to camp Crystal is the spectacular color war! You will see just how cool this is, once you get a look at how the photos came out! This is how Camp Crystal takes their camp photo every summer, and what a fun experience!! There is a water balloon fight, a shaving cream war, and then a color explosion, followed by swimming in the lake!  While I am sad I did not get to go to the last camp that was initially planned for me, I am so lucky to have spent a second week here. I got to kayak on the lake during sunset, go shopping at local souvenir stores, take a much needed nap on the jumping platform while also tanning for a while, and connect to God’s creation while floating in the lake.

 As Camp Crystal was the last camp I visited this summer, I had a lot of time during my last week of camps to reflect on my summer before the closing week with the other interns. Something that really stood out to me was how I have learned how to walk places without rushing. I thought about this: how often do I really walk somewhere and take the time to absorb all that is around me? How often do I walk places simply rushing with the goal of just getting to the designated location? Why haven’t I found peace in simply walking slowly to wherever I need to get, and really take my time in all that God has blessed me with? I think walking along the beach in Michigan really helped me take that reflection to heart and I can't wait to continue that practice this upcoming semester at school!

Snack update!! 

  • Popcorn I tried at Stormcloud Brewing and Restaurant: honey sriracha, zesty ranch, and truffle oil/parmesan cheese! I loved the honey sriracha popcorn so much that I went back a second time the following week!! 

  • Camp snack:  I got to have some really tasty banana cream pie from a local bakery that two of the counselors picked up for me! It was super good! I also got to have breakfast pizza from a local pizza shop, and oh my goodness, best breakfast ever!!

My Week at Camp Walter Scott

““It is sometimes easy to forget that we are not separate from Creation, but instead a part of it. We can have beneficial impacts upon these ecosystems by wisely discerning that the voices to follow are those that call us to gentleness and humility in the wider world.” ”
— Quote Source-Camp Walter Scott social media reflection

Camp Walter Scott in Illinois was such a fun and educational camp I got to spend a week at! I learned so much about the eco-friendly actions that CWS takes to show respect for God’s creations…and I got to feed some goats along the way! CWS is a green chalice ministry campground which means that they practice, preach, and live through the example of environmental justice! The week before I arrived, they had just gotten three goats: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednegoat! I got to sneak over to their pen every once in a while and feed them some carrots and talk to them! CWS cares deeply about creation care and how we as humans can be giving back to the creation that God has provided us. Which means, getting rid of harsh chemicals (hence the goats for invasive plant species removal), composting food waste, planting a garden, and even investing in solar panels. It was so amazing to see how much this camp cares for the land they use, and teach the kids about why these actions are so important along the way. 

While at CWS, I had so much fun learning new songs at camp fire, planning worship/ morning reflection time with my small group, and getting to race against the other counselors in human mario kart! During the week, there were mission times where the campers would help give back to the camp grounds/ community at large. Some activities included moving picnic tables over to the goats pen so they had something to play on (and a neat way to recycle an old picnic table!), cleaning up the worship areas for future use, and even decorating cards that would be sent to children being held at the US border around Christmas time. I admire the ways in which Walter- Scott encourages their campers to give back to the spaces they use and love every summer in such beautiful and meaningful ways. In one of the small group activities, we had the campers draw out and narrate the life cycle of a chicken nugget. This was a really unique way of getting the campers to really evaluate where their food comes from and how the environment is impacted in different ways through that cycle. I have to say, there were some really intriguing depictions of a chicken nugget’s life cycle, and it really got me thinking more too about where my food comes from and how my eating habits can harm the environment. 

Unlike the other camps I went to, CWS used a curriculum that was from a couple years ago: Creation Speaks. So fitting right!? When it was my small group’s day to plan worship, my co-counselor asked the kids, “what season of life are you in?” While some responded with, “summer,” a couple of the other campers took the time to reflect and realize that many of them are in a season of change (school year, camp age group, emotional and physical changes). When we asked this question at worship, the question really burned into my memory. What season of life am I in? Yes, a season of change, that’s for sure- but more specifically, a season of learning about who Marci really is. (I would soon realize that this was a strong theme throughout the entire summer.) 

At this camp, it was clear that while we are all a part of God’s Kindom, that Kindom would not be the same without the creation around us that God has provided us. And in order to make that Kindom come true, we must respect all of God’s creatures- even those creepy crawlies you may find sleeping in your cabin at camp! I did get to lead a workshop day at Camp Walker Scott! Even though I had to maneuver around an unforeseen ending to my initially planned workshop, the kids took so much out of the boxes exercise and led discussion. This camping group was younger than the first two I was at, so I had to shift my presentation a little bit, but so many of the campers had already heard about the Israeli occupation in Palestine in school. Hearing the knowledge that some of these campers had about a topic I have grown to be so passionate about, was unlike any other feeling - they are so hopeful and not shocked out of that youthful innocence that asked the following question. They asked, “well why can’t people just get along?” They are right. As church leaders and justice advocates we ask this question a lot. Why can’t we all just get along? Why can’t we love like God- without limits, bounds, and conditions? 

The final days at CWS were so much fun! With an awesome dance, where I got to take a little part of Tall Oaks and teach the kids the dance moves to Footloose!! That night, we also had an epic glow light game night outside! We played laser tag, tic tac toe, and rocket copters with glow sticks! I had an amazing time at CWS and I cannot wait to hear about how those cute goats are doing when I see Clayton and Eli at General Assembly! 

Snack update!! 

  • Popcorn I got to try at CWS: home grown popcorn! From the amazing garden that they nurture, they plant specific kinds of corn that can then be used for homemade popcorn! 

  • Camp Walter Scott snack: Fruit Pizza with cream cheese icing and delicious fruit!

My Week at Tall Oaks

Before getting to the Tall Oaks camp, I spent my home hospitality at a former Peace Intern’s home! It was so nice to meet Rev. Laura Phillips, and talk about what her summer as a peace intern looked like. On the Sunday before camp started, I went to church where Laura preaches, and I was welcomed with open arms and excitement! (Thank you Overland Christian Church for inviting me to worship with you all!!) 

As a Disciples Peace Intern this summer, I have the most amazing opportunities to travel around the country and meet so many new people. Tall Oaks camp in the Kansas City larger region was the second church camp I traveled to. During a morning keynote on peace, I was left absolutely speechless. As a teenager, I was so passionate about justice and equality (and still am). But, sometimes the partisanship and blatant disrespect for human life that exists in our current political climate, the fight for justice and peace can be tiring and even feel impossible some days. While I get to be a Peace intern/ counselor this summer, I find that my internal flame of passion is reignited every day when I interact with youth. These young adults are SO passionate about racial justice, economic equity, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and overall inclusivity. I am very hopeful that youth will show up and show out and fight for peace and justice. I look at these teens and immediately see myself in their hopeful spirits and positive outlook on the future. I hear their conversations about the groups and ministries they are leading at home, and the feelings of frustration I have surrounding the current political atmosphere starts to turn into feelings of passion again. 

Something that Tall Oaks does at every CYF camp is a night dedicated to line dancing and square dancing!! It was SO MUCH FUN! I learned the line dance to footloose, which I will definitely be bringing back home to my church camp (so get ready Laurelview)! Everyone dresses up for square dancing night and has such a good time. I may not have had boots with me, but I definitely jumped in and got to dancing. This was a unique experience that I will remember forever. 

At this camp, campers and RYC members signed up for interest groups, and one of the activities was my workshop! Both days I got to do one of my workshops. Like at Kaleo, I chose to do my indoor activity because it was way too hot and humid outside to have the kids running around. I had the kids split up into 5 boxes that I had outlined on the floor in painters tape. I separated the campers and staff based on where they were from in the region; each box represented a different area of the region which separated them geographically. This activity is called “Don’t Put People in Boxes,” (which is linked in my DPS playlist!) where I would make a statement and if those within the boxes felt the statement resonated with them, they were to step into the middle of the room- leaving their boxes. After this activity, I went into a presentation about the Israeli occupation in Palestine. The point of this activity was to show how the Israeli occupation in Palestine is separating Palestinians into “boxes” which are represented by colored identification cards which designate where they are allowed to go. So many of the campers and young adults asked many insightful questions and connected how important not labeling people based on specific characteristics is. I was so proud to see how passionate these campers were once we started talking about this atrocity. 

Many of the campers in this region grew up going to 8ers camp, and I learned so much from these kids! It was truly an amazing experience to speak with those who grew up going to a church camp where body positivity and inclusive sex education is made a priority. Through these conversations, my eyes were opened to how positive going to an 8ers camp can really be, especially in such a confusing time in a young person’s life. I felt it was important to mention this in my Tall Oaks blog because this camp is a true reflection of how inclusive conversations and open dialogue can be life changing for campers. I was so proud to be a part of these larger conversations and learn more about the curriculum of an 8ers camp! 

Like many camps, Tall Oaks ended their camping week with a dance! Their dance was neon themed and everyone dressed up for a great cap to the week! There is a tradition at Tall Oaks where everyone signs up on a sheet of paper, and the RYC members split the group in half: half get asked to the dance, and the other half ask those to the dance. Everyone goes all out to support one another and it was so exciting to be invited to the dance with the sweetest sign and beautiful flowers!! Overall, my week at Tall Oaks was super fun, and I had the most amazing time being a counselor to some amazing campers!! 

Snack update!! 

  • Camp snack at Tall Oaks: Churros (which I sadly was not able to eat, however they smelled delicious)

  • Popcorn I tried from PopCulture in Kansas City: puppy chow popcorn and a kettle corn drizzled with white and dark chocolate

My Week at Camp Laurelview

From Kentucky to Pennsylvania, my DPF journey took me on long, winding roads back to my home region’s Junior/Chi Rho Camp.

Although it was West Virginia’s youth, we had the exciting experience of utilizing the Pennsylvania Region’s campground at Camp Laurelview!

Staying on a new (to us), beautiful campsite was great, but seeing the familiar faces of my home region was even better!

This week was packed full of adventures, including a hiking trip to Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park!

Many of the days brought heavy rainfall, but that didn’t slow us down. We found peaceful moments indoors together, featuring a movie night, dancing, family games, and countless crafts!

When we finally got some sun, the kids delighted in a major fishing tournament and water balloon extravaganza.

In our more quiet moments, I had the opportunities to lead labyrinth walks, Vespers services, and Fruit of the Spirit games.

In our not-so-quiet moments, I gladly led the campfire songs that I grew up singing amongst my West Virginia camp friends.

I never grow tired of passing along the traditions of my own camp summers, and feel beyond blessed that my DPF summer provided time for me to connect back with my home camping programs.

Next week I will continue my West Virginia travels to Bethany College for West Virginia’s CYF Conference.

I suppose all I can say now is, “Country Roads…” well, y’all know the rest.

Peace!

My Week at Kamp Kaleo

“Hello World, it’s morning at Kaleo.
The Sun is shining bright!
The spirit’s moving this morning in Kaleo.
And I think I’m doing alright!
”

First week of my DPF summer camp experience started out great!

Kamp Kaleo is a beautiful campground in Burwell, Nebraska where I got to spend the week trying new tye-dye techniques, tubing, tanking, doing a scavenger hunt, and sharing my workshops with campers and staff! Growing up, I was not a camp kid. But after just one week at church camp, I now understand why it was so hard for my little sister to come home after a great camp week! I could float down the river in a tube at Kaleo forever!! It was so peaceful to feel the warm sun, and the cool water. All while letting the river take you to your final destination, and being able to look at the small waterfalls and laugh with fellow councilors along the way! 

I was so excited to share my time with the youth at Kaleo! I was asked to lead multiple meditation sessions where I helped campers and counselors practice meditation in ways that they may have never tried before. I got to lead two workshop groups doing an activity that really engaged staff and youth to think about how the Israeli occupation in Palestine separates and labels Palestinians in the Holy Land. I also got the chance to collect signatures to support the Korean Peace Appeal and lead a vespers service on peace!! 

During Peace Intern Training Week, we all discussed things we wanted to mention in each of our blog posts- where we had the best s’mores, where we had a memorable camp meal, an activity we got to experience for the first time. Well, I want to keep you all updated on the really tasty camp snacks I got to try at each camp! I also LOVE popcorn; especially the outrageous and creative flavors that are out there! So, I also make it a priority at the airports I travel through or the local shops near camp I visit, that I get some new tasty popcorn flavors to try! So keep an eye out for all the tasty things I get to eat this summer! 

  • Camp snack at Kamp Kaleo:
    Peanut butter Nasties!! These are cheerio bars mixed with peanut butter and a little corn syrup. YUM! 

  • Popcorn I tried in Indianapolis (during training week):
    Dill Pickle popcorn 

  • Popcorn I got at the Chicago Midway airport on the way to Nebraska:
    Caramel popcorn with cashews 

During the week, I learned and engaged with new camp traditions that Kaleo does. Before every meal, they sing a different grace (each written and created by campers and staff) and each grace is sung to a popular tune. We sang graces to the tune of Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off, to the tune of Johnny Appleseed, and even the Flintstones. One of the nights before vespers, Kamp Kaleo does skits that the campers come up with together, called “bag skits.” Every summer there is a mission that the camp focuses on and collects offerings for. The mission this summer was collecting offerings to help churches create natural disaster relief kits and send them to families in need of basic necessities. It was so much fun watching the campers create a skit with so many different props, while also raising money for a great cause they learned about. 

At the end of the camp week, family group leaders had the campers write letters to their future selves, so I also wrote one. It was very calming to write a postcard to myself about the new things I got to experience at Kaleo! I can’t wait to get my letter back next year and see all of the little jokes and memories I wanted “future Marci” to remember! 

Thank you to everyone who helped me get to Kamp Kaleo, and let me stay in your homes! Thank you to the staff at Kaleo for inviting a Peace Intern onto your holy ground for the week! It was truly an experience I will never forget. 

My Week at KBY

Camp Week #1 took me to a 40-acre campground, featuring hiking trails, hammock pavilions, and countless water sports along the beach of Kentucky Lake. This camp has an activity for everyone, whether it's outdoor table tennis, gaga ball, tetherball, four square, fishing, canoeing, sailing, basketball, or a craft in the most organized recreational space I've ever seen...if you guessed that I was talking about Camp Kum-Ba-Ya, you would be correct! 

My week at KBY was nothing short of special, where I was welcomed into a tight-knit group of Chi Rho campers and their stellar staff. We kicked off on Sunday night with counselor training and worship, where we left our apprehensions for the week behind and turned our focus to the camp's theme: Faithful Fruit, emphasizing nine fruits of the spirit that would guide our curriculum each day. 

On the topic of fruit, I would be remiss not to leave a special thanks here for KBY's kitchen extraordinaire, Ellie, who went above and beyond feeding us home cooked meals every day. She even went out of her way to make me my own individual entrees on days where my dietary restrictions would have limited my choices. I can't say enough "thank you’s” for how Ellie made me feel so welcomed and overly accommodated. P.S.: Ellie, if you ever release your secret turkey roast recipe...please call me first!!!

Anyways...

KBY was a week that balanced comforting camp traditions with exciting new experiences. I enjoyed learning new campfire songs and singing the ones I grew up hearing, playing familiar games as well as navigating the rules of "blob tag" (a game that truly builds teamwork), and even found time to sit on the beach reading a book, followed by a sailboat ride! Truthfully, there is no time for boredom when you're at Camp Kum-Ba-Ya! 

The last full day at camp was one for the books, with a number of KBY traditions on the schedule to end the week with a bang. Campers and counselors alike spent much of their spare moments writing "Warm Fuzzies" for one another, which are kind notes to those who impacted our week. Each camper and staff member designed a bag with their name on it, hung it up, and patiently waited as the bags filled up with letters of gratitude and appreciation. Opening my Warm Fuzzy bag was the perfect close to a week spent building new friendships. We wrapped up the day with a major beach party, where canoes were filled to the brim with ice, desserts, and sodas that the campers were thrilled to see, hot dogs were roasted on the campfire, glow sticks illuminated the lake for night swimming, and all of the favorite songs were sung as loud as can be. If I could guess, I would say everyone went to bed that final night exhausted and filled with joy. I sure did. 

Thank you KBY for the perfect start to my summer! I am grateful for the connections I made, the things I learned, and of course, for their newly installed air conditioning! 

Peace!