CAMP. What does that word invoke in you? Is it great memories of being a kid and going away to Summer Camp? Day Camp? Outdoor Camp? Craft Camp? Sports Camp? Adventure Camp? Music Camp? Character Building Camp? Boys Camp? Girls Camp? Campouts?
I hope you have great memories of your camp experiences as I know I do! Being the oldest of seven children, camp is where I got to be a kid. Not a babysitter, wrangler, nose wiper, clothes changer, discipliner, or food provider. My busy parents put me in charge of my siblings, so I became a surrogate adult at a very young age. I believe these experiences fed into my leadership development and the desire to not only lead but follow.
In the photo from 1965, campers are swimming in Army Lake located in East Troy, Wisconsin. It was named by the Army Corps of Engineers and in 1922, The Salvation Army bought property surrounding the lake and called the new camp Army Lake Camp. A coincidence? I think not, but divine design as The Salvation Army began a century of the camping ministry to inner city children and adults. Many of them came from Milwaukee and were given the opportunity to experience God's creation firsthand. To this day, campers still swim in the lake.
I borrowed this photo from the memorabilia that was found at the 100-year celebration of Army Lake Camp in East Troy, Wisconsin that I had the privilege of attending this past weekend. It was an afternoon of archery, zipping lining, fishing, pontoon boat riding, and reconnecting to camp alumni. The afternoon was followed up by a picnic dinner and an old-fashioned tent meeting. There was the dedication of a plaque commemorating a century of camping ministry.
There was a memory room full of old photos, artifacts, and posters of days gone by. It was fun to watch people search the photos for family members, camp staff, and themselves. You could tell when a familiar face was discovered as their voices raised and their squeals of joy abounded.
General Eva Burrows, International Leader of The Salvation Army, once stated, "The Founder marched us out of the church and into the world - And I'm not planning to march us back in." The beauty of Army Lake Camp is that it is communing with God, which is the definition of the church, but without the trappings of the building. It is under the tree, staring at the lake, sitting on the dock, walking the grounds, and even closing our eyes and remaining still.
Psalm 46:10 states, "Be still and know that I am God." For this, there is no better place than Army Lake Camp.
Spiritual respite is valuable to leadership development as any other approach, trait, or theory. The most beautiful place to be at sunset is standing on the dock and watching the sun slide down behind the trees. Add a mix of clouds and you have the most beautiful fading picture of another day done. For me, there is no better place to be reminded of the God of creation and I can't help but worship in solitude.
I challenge you to find your respite, your sunset, and your camping experience filled with memories. Make them applicable for today as you continue to grow in your personal leadership development. I know for me a spiritual component is crucial to my leadership development.
Is it yours?
What She Said - Beverly
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