By Rev Phoebe Roaf
An integral aspect of summer camp is joyful, embodied worship, and I have experienced numerous examples of such worship during my time at Shrine Mont. Several features of summer camp worship distinguish it from the typical Sunday morning service. First, worship is completely led by youth, from start to finish. Adults are nearby to provide support or calm nerves, but they only intervene if a young person asks for assistance. Taking ownership of the service ensures that youth are invested in what happens. Youth-led services provide wonderful opportunities for leadership and public speaking. The second component is fantastic singing with full participation by everyone present. Not only is the singing done at full volume, including shouting where appropriate, but it is accompanied by hand gestures and body movements. The choreographed songs allow the youth to demonstrate their love of the Lord with their whole selves. They enthusiastically throw themselves into the singing, literally and figuratively. Third, prayers are always heartfelt and earnest. Whether read from the Book of Common Prayer or extemporaneous prayers, all are sincere. There is no going through the motions when children pray. The fourth component is to expect the unexpected. The Old Testament lesson was read by a youth in Hebrew and English at one service! In another service, everyone participated in complimentary rat ball, where you take turns giving and receiving compliments. Seeing young people genuinely praise one another and give thanks for each individual in the group was a powerful experience. One service replaced the sermon with a short skit which emphasized the importance of respecting all of God’s creation. Some youth were members of a community fearful of reptiles, a young woman portrayed Jesus, and three boys really got into their roles as snakes complete with hissing and slithering on the ground. The sacrament of the word was fully embodied and comprehensible to all who were present. Given this style of worship at summer camp, it’s no surprise that some of the youth who fill our pews on Sunday mornings have difficulty connecting to our liturgy. Could we incorporate these elements of worship into our Sunday School programs, youth group gatherings and Sunday morning services? I think we adults would be amazed at the response if we begin to turn things over to youth and young adults.
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It was an adrenaline filled week at Saint Sebastian's Sports Camp! Even if Chaplain's Time always began with yoga, some days started with a run and most days ended with games. From kingball to kickball, ultimate frisbee, soccer and camp olympics, Sports Camp managed to play every conceivable sport on the mountain. With dances both spontaneous and choreographed, MAD Camp Session I had an incredible week at Shrine Mont. They produced an astounding production of The Lost Boy, telling one of the few stories from Jesus' childhood, when we left his parents to study at the temple. MAD Campers also enjoyed a hilarious night of improv, camp dances and pool parties. We can't wait to see what they'll perform for us next summer. By Rev Phoebe Roaf
There must be some correlation between mountain top experiences and connecting with God, as church camps are often located on mountains. As a youth, I spent many summers at Camp Mitchell, the Diocese of Arkansas’ camp located on Petit Jean Mountain outside of Little Rock. When Maggie Kennedy and Paris Ball invited me to Shrine Mont to serve as a guest blogger for a few days, I leapt at the opportunity to return to another holy hill. I have come to Shrine Mont on several occasions for clergy conferences, but never for summer camp. My memories of camp include hot, humid summer days; opportunities to exercise my body and my creativity; reconnecting with old friends; and joyful, embodied worship. Trees, water and living creatures of all types provided the perfect environment for getting in touch with God and with myself. I would spend part of each day seated on a rock overlooking the valley below the mountain. Having quiet, unstructured time was just as important as the bonding experiences with my peers. I have come to learn that 21st century church camps haven’t strayed very far from these tried and true methods. I came to Shrine Mont on a cloudy, overcast day, but the weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of either the campers or the staff. I was graciously welcomed by all who were present and invited to join existing groups. Hospitality remains a hallmark of summer camp programs, and Shrine Mont is no exception to this rule. Meals and worship have been lively occasions. The campers and their young adult leaders utilize all of their senses in praising creation and the Creator. While I appreciate the solemnity and reverence of our Episcopal liturgy, I wish we could bottle some of this energy and enthusiasm to be sprinkled liberally throughout the congregations in our diocese. I look forward to the remainder of my time at Shrine Mont. Explorers The Great spent so much time exploring that we barely saw them at Shrine Mont. This summer they hiked to Duncan's Knob and spent three days canoeing on the Shenandoah. They kicked things off with a pool party, worshipped in the woods, spent some of their time at Shrine Mont bonding with Saint Andrew's Camp and after a week of exploring closed out with a relaxing campfire. We can't wait to see where they go next summer. Saint Andrew's is a small, family style camp that caters to campers who thrive when given specialized attention. This summer, Saint Andrew's four campers had the time of their lives canoeing, hiking to Seven Springs and loving themselves for being exactly who they are. You may have read Monday's post by Nancy Chafin about attending Saint Andrew's worship service, but here's a extra look at some of the fun Saint Andrew's campers enjoyed on a daily basis. Last night we celebrated the The Fourth of July with an all camp freedom fest! Campers had a blast playing frisbee, swimming in the pool, sitting by the fire and receiving patriotic facepaint. Check out some of the fun below and head over to our facebook page to take a tour with Tori from MAD Camp. From holding kangaroo courts to making potato heads, the campers from Saint George's first session had an absolute blast this summer. They celebrated Christmas on the mountain, held a "pool hang out" (not a party, a hang out), and joined forces with MAD Camp and Saint Andrew's for an all-camp carnival (take a tour with Stribs)! It was a truly unforgettable week that brought campers together through the body passage. We can't wait to see what the rest of the summer brings to Saint G's and we're looking forward to seeing all our new campers back on the mountain next summer. by Nancy Chafin I heard singing in the English garden outside my open window this evening. The garden is a lush and shady retreat enclosed in the center of Maryland House, perfect for meditation and prayer. The guitar was sweet, the melody moving and the voices belonged to little ones. I quietly stepped outside and found the St. Andrew’s campers holding their evening worship. St. Andrew’s is a smaller camp that provides personalized attention and a welcoming atmosphere for kids with specific social, emotional or behavioral issues, including autism and ADHD. The group welcomed me to join them in the garden. Two extraordinary things happened next: Following the reading of the story of the Good Samaritan, one of the campers gave the homily. I was surprised by his poise and delivery but more blown away by his message. He talked about how good and bad dwell in everyone, how we can be changed. “If an angel can fall from heaven, why can’t a demon rise to heaven?” he asked. After the peace, we sang again. Three counselors played two guitars and a banjo. One counselor invited a camper to do the strumming while he held the chords. As if by magic, the young camper was suddenly strumming “Country Road.” Our little group spontaneously joined in, singing, “Almost heaven…” It certainly felt like heaven. It might never have happened had we not all responded in the moment the Spirit moved us: through an open window, through an invitation to strum the guitar, through voices lifted in song. It was magical. So I thank God for leading me from the open window into the garden tonight to witness the Holy Spirit working through the wisdom, words and music of four beautiful children. As Communications Director for the Diocese, Nancy oversees the communications, public relations functions and provides guidance to parishes in their communications efforts. Nancy, her husband Byron and their daughter Charlotte are members of Grace & Holy Trinity, Richmond. |
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The view from the mountainSpreading the good news of Shrine Mont Camps into the Valley of the World.
AuthorsThe View from the Mountain is written by a rotating cast of staff writers and contributors. Archives
September 2018
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