My note to James on his Third day of Church camp

07/15/2009

James went to Camp Bethel on Sunday. It is a week-long camp. I went there when I was little, my mom went when she was little (though only once...I loved it and went back whenever I could until I started working)

I have told you the horrible naughty things I did when I was there. The snake in the girls bunk who kept telling on me and my friend Vicki, sneaking out when I was older to meet boys, taking a midnight hike to Vesper Hill to make out....the list goes on...

But I do not think I said much (or maybe I did and I am loosing my mind) about how magical this place was and is.

I had no qualms about leaving my son, for the first time in the over night hands of someone I did not know. In the camps LONG history there has never been so much as an accusation of wrong doing there. (Thank Jesus)

My wonderful GranGran helped build the camp. He build cabins, dug ponds that are still in use, laid pipe for water fountains and helped with the pool that his church donated in memory of a child from their church who was killed.

He returned every year until he was unable for spring cleaning, he took us to Heritage Day in the fall.

One of my fondest memories is of making apple butter on Heritage Day, in the HUGE copper kettle. We all received country ham biscuits for breakfast (we got ther LONG before the break of day) and coffee...I was allowed coffee even though I was still about 12.

Anyway this place is in my blood and I can only hope that it will become part of James as well.


I have the ability to send emails to James, instead of using regular mail. I find this increadibly convenient. Each of my family members have sent him an email and I send him one daily. I am so excited for him..

Anyway here is what I wrote today. I dont really know why I am sharing it, except because I am so proud of him for going, with out knowing anyone and making an adventure out of it because he knew I loved it so much...

James,

You must be the luckiest boy at camp. Your aunts, uncles and granparents keep sending me mail to make sure you get mail while you are at camp.

You are truly loved. Know what else? God loves you even more than I do if you can believe that. Hard to imagine huh?

I can not wait to hear all of the fun stuff you have done. Have you made smores yet? Such ooey gooey yumminess is surely a treat!

How are vespers? I remember sitting by Vesper Pond in the cool of the mornings before breakfast and just being amazed by what God had created at Camp Bethel.

There is no place like it on earth. Tonight when you go to bed, touch the wall of your cabin and remember that your Great-Grandaddy helped build it and be glad he is there with you in some way.

I love you buddy

Mom