On the road to the isles there is the small community of Loon Bay. Located next to the ocean is a camp that has been the gathering place for United Church children, youth and adults for many years. Last Saturday people made their way to Loon Bay Camp for a fun day. I was among them.
Memories
I pulled onto the campgrounds amidst the pouring rain. As I parked, my eyes scanned the grounds that had changed somewhat since the days of my youth. I did not really see the changes though. What came to my mind’s eye was the way it was, and the memories began to flood my soul.
- I saw the big white house at one end of the property that was home to our craft centre. I could see the shelves that held our supplies and the paint-stained tables that stood in the middle of the main room.
- I recalled the summer that I was there as part of the staff and the morning, just at sunrise when a couple of us rose to paint on the side of this house, in BIG Bright red letters “Jesus Loves You”. Then sneaking back to our rooms before anyone woke.
- I could hear the conversation between several young boys at bedtime. We had spent the day talking about prayer. That evening as I was doing bed check I stood outside one room to hear
“All Right. We are going to talk to God. Crook your necks and close your eyes.”
- In the lodge I walked into a small room, and I could see about 50 youth crammed into the space, blindfolded. I was told to take mine off and lead the rest of the group out of the room and through a maze. Later we heard the story of Moses and his leading the people out of Egypt and talked about leadership, Trust, Courage, and faith.
- I heard the songs we sang around the campfire “ Kum by Yah” “ This Little Light of Mine” “ I Have decided to Follow Jesus” and so many more.
And Now Today
Back to the present day I looked around the lodge as people gathered for lunch. There was a buzz in the air from the laughter and storytelling. The faces before me were, for the most part, unfamiliar. I wondered what their memories were of this magical place and if, perhaps, in earlier years our paths had crossed around these tables. How had this place shaped their lives?
There have been many changes through the years, as it should be, but despite the differences in the physical space there remains a sense of community, an abundance of love, an opening up of faith, and the presence of a peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings
Valerie
I felt the same way when we attended Camp MacLennan, for its closing. I am still in contact with many of my friends from camp. I still sing the songs, repeat the stories, and try to live my life the way Jesus would want me too.
Such wonderful memories. I remember going to camp as a Explorer meeting new friends.
Wonderful memories and thoughts.
Burt Amiro