One of the “deals” we made with the Prior boys in our coming to the great state of Minnesota was that we would make sure that they would be able to return to Camp Cross.
As many of you know, this is the camp of my childhood, where I later served as the Executive Director. It is also where I met my beloved and later where we were married. I have over forty years of history on the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d’ Alene in northern Idaho.
Our sons have their own history. They are both long time campers and counselors. And as is often the case, they both fantasize with their camp peers about some day being on staff.
Potentially to a fault, we never pushed the lads to be “camp kids.” Offered, encouraged, sure but in the end it was their choice. With that said, we could not be happier for the experiences and opportunities camp has afforded them. The influences that their experiences at camp have had on their spiritual development are evident any time camp is mentioned.
As many of you are aware, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota has a long camping history. However, in recent years camping ministry has not been available. It is my hope (and clearly the hope of many, as witnessed by a full file of letters and emails) that one day we will be able to provide a camping experience.
To this end, this fall we will be holding a “camping ministry summit” to begin the conversation and exploration of camping ministry in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. Stay tuned!