a wonderful homecoming

Wednesday, 23 July 2008 10:19

shapeimage_1 Even though I have passed through the gates of The Pines Catholic Camp more times than I can count, I am always filled with excitement and anticipation. You see, this is my “home away from home.” 17 years ago, I decided to take a job at the camp because I thought it would be a fun, summer job. I never could have imagined, then, that it would change my life and be the foundation upon which God would use to build me into the person I am today.

After 6 summers on Summer staff a year on Ministry staff and a year as the camp director, I returned in the role of musician and speaker...a role that had been and still is shared with a dear friend and mentor Steve Angrisano. In fact, it was at The PInes in 1991 when Steve offered to sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” while I hammered it out on the keyboard. Ahh the memories...but I digress.

The week at camp proved to be a wonderful homecoming...spending time with staff who I know, meeting new staff members, getting to spend time with some great teens, and once again getting to coordinate the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza...thanks to John, Cheslea and Courtney for making that experience fun AND SAFE!!

One of the highlights of the week was my time with the campers and staff in Clown Ministry culminating with a trip to the Truman Center, a very unique home for severely handicapped children and young adults who are unable to be cared for by their own families due to the severity of their situation. 24 campers and 4 staff spent 4 days learning the intricacies of ministering as a clown. Aside from learning fun songs, designing a clown face, and putting on makeup, the real lessons were breaking down barriers, expanding personal comfort zones and the true meaning of service to others. In a similar way as paint brushes and hammers are the tools for a teen who attends a workcamp (very popular among summer service opps for teens), the “tools” for a clown are make up, crazy clothes, songs and quite simply, presence. It was humbling to help facilitate a growth in faith and maturity in teens who rarely get the opportunity to experience first hand what being the hands, feet, and face of Christ truly means, even if that face is covered with red, green, and orange makeup.

The important thing for all of us to remember is that it doesn’t take a camp experience or clown makeup in order to serve those who are thirsty, hungry, naked, or in prison. Christ needs workers in the field each and every day who are willing to look outside themselves and respond to the needs of those around them. It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant, either. It can be as simple as taking time to thank the clerk at the grocery store, BY NAME, or saying hi to that person at school or work who never seems to be noticed by anyone. It just takes a little extra effort on our part.

Cooper Ray