Reflections on Camp!
Last week, I spent several days up at Lutheran Lakeside Camp, right outside the town of Spirit Lake, on the shores of East Okoboji Lake. I had never been there before, and wasn’t sure what to expect. From the very first moment of my arrival (a day after than everyone else) — even before then – I was welcomed. When I walked into the dining hall during Monday lunch, my table companions greeted me warmly, invited me to take a place at the table, and then Anika – newly expert — helped me to get settled into my room at the Lodge.
Over the week, I had many wonderful, new, surprising experiences at camp – worship by the lake, worship at the campfire in the Lost Woods, and worship in the pool! Presiding for communion from a carpet ball table. Learning how to make a friendship bracelet and to play gaga ball and 9-square. Plus, a boat ride with our friends from Memorial Lutheran in Nevada, reading, prayer, naps, and lots of walking! New friendships and deeper connections.
And I laughed more in those few days than I have in a long time.
Along with the people of Lakeside, God welcomed my body, mind, and spirit into a place of respite, fun, and belonging. I highly recommend camp!
And that is the way of Lutheran Lakeside camp. Their mission says: “Rooted in Christ, Lakeside is a place of belonging where all people can find joy and purpose in God’s creation.”
Over the week, I wondered how they practice this commitment to be a place of welcome and belonging for ALL people. What I experienced – and observed – is that truly, truly ALL people are welcome at Lakeside. It is open and inclusive to everyone, meaning that all people belong and have a place there.
Children and adults of all ages – from 4-year-old day campers to grandparents serving as adult mission trip volunteers.
People with differing abilities, appearances, personalities, needs, and giftedness.
All genders and expressions of gender.
And everyone is encouraged to participate fully in all activities – from serving to worship to fun activities — as they are able and want to participate. For example – each cabin group planned and led one of the morning or evening worship services. Even very young kids read Scripture or led the prayers – and if they were quiet or shy or didn’t know the words, an adult was available to support and encourage. And if they were bold and loud, those gifts were celebrated too. Camp traditions were learned through gentle modeling and enthusiastic participation! Fun songs and hand motions, the call and response to listening (“God is good/All the time; All the time/God is good”) and the sending from worship. (“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Okay, we will!”) It didn’t mean that all behaviors are okay – there were still rules and boundaries, with re-direction as needed, and lots of grace whenever possible.
And yet, Lakeside’s commitment to welcome, inclusion, and belonging means making space for everyone, then and always.
As you leave Lakeside, there is a sign that says: “Come back soon! You will always belong here!”
When Jesus sends the disciples out as missionaries, they go where the people are to proclaim of the kingdom of God come near.
To share in the mission and message of Jesus.
Britt Swanson, the Executive Director, shared that same message at closing worship. Once a part of Lakeside, you are always part of their story, and are invited to share that story and God’s love with others.
We too can be people who welcome all – not just here – but wherever we go. To embody welcome, to practice inclusion, to invite belonging. To carry the love of Jesus with us wherever we go.
