Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1978

Camp Shalom - A Summer Parade of Memories
Jack Huisman

The campgrounds are empty and quiet now. The friendly laughter and enthusiastic chatter of campers are just precious memories that linger on and on in the hearts of a thousand people or more. Some eighty frogs which participated in the popular frog races on Paul Bunyan Nites have retired now along with the many, many hopefuls which had been in training only for brief periods. Oh, if they could only talk. The often crowded soccer field is totally deserted now. The usually noisy and splashing swimming pool has now been drained. And oh, these messy, messy cabins of the boys have all been cleaned for another season, another activity ... yet God's work continues on at Camp Shalom even now, and in the hearts of every person who attended this very special place.

For Camp Shalom is much more than a soccer field, a swimming pool, a baseball diamond or even a place to go canoeing. Camp Shalom is a place where Jesus is presented in words and by example everyday, so that He might become more real in the lives of the campers (and the chaplains, the staff and the counselors). Camp provided all of us with wholesome fun in a good Christian atmosphere. Camp showed us that Christians can have the joy, the peace and the love that Jesus brings. Praise be to God that this message has indeed been presented this past summer to the campers in such a wonderful setting as Camp Shalom.

Uncle John (Drost), the Camp director, together with Uncle Roland (Van Oostveen), the assistant director, have utilized their God-given talents so beautifully this past season that camp has become such a very inspirational experience for many a counselor. The counselors come each week as volunteers from our own family of churches, including the Christian Reformed Churches in this area. These counselors work. together in harmony, with God leading and guiding them, to make the camp experience something the campers will remember for a long time to come. I have yet to find a camper who has negative feelings about the Camp Shalom experience.

Have you ever considered giving a week of 'your' time to God's service at Camp, but felt you were inadequate to serve in this field? Aren't you really saying to God then, that you do not trust Him, that He cannot work through you, that He can't use you? ('O, ye of little faith?)

Have you ever considered giving up a week of 'your' holidays, but felt the week at the cottage was hard to give up? ('But seek ye first the kingdom of God') God is present at Camp, I know for I have met Him and seen Him work through the lives of many a camper. God promises that if -we put Him first, He will pour out His blessings and rewards upon us. Praise God, His promise is true.

Please, prayerfully consider, and set aside a week in 1979, now. Trust God, pray and He will be your counselor at Camp. Once you have invested a week working for Him, you can never be the same person again. You will have a closer walk with God .... but only if you will listen, obey and acknowledge Him in all the things that happen at Camp.

The staff this past season has worked with vigor and enthusiasm, practically 24 hours of every day. Praise God. Many of them performed their duties with real sincerely and unselfish dedication, and never seemed too tired to lend a helping hand to the counselors. Others, too, were engaged in activities above and beyond the call of duty. I praise God for having assembled such an enthusiastic group of young people to assist Uncle John (Drost) at Camp this past summer.

A typical day of activities for the counselor could be as follows: Rise and Shine around 7 A.M. for the popular polar bear swim (BRRRRR!). Just prior to breakfast attendance at the counselors' meeting, a brief period of devotions with the guest chaplain and the staff's outline of the day's activities ahead. After breakfast, the morning program unfolds under the capable direction of

Rev. John Drost and free time follows till lunch at noon. F.O.B.- time follows lunch (ask any camper the meaning of this), followed by a two-hour afternoon program, consisting of special interest groups, sports activities, scavenger hunt, and the mini-olympics. Then there are two hours of free time prior to supper, then vespers and more free time after supper. The special evening programs prepared by the staff commence at 7.30 P.M. and could include a Paul Bunyan Nite, a jamboree nite, a staff stunt nite and the Pioneer Church Worship Service.

The Bible studies revolved around the life of Abram, in particular the pioneer aspect of Abram venturing into unknown territory after hearing and accepting God's call. Camp taught us that all counselors as Christian Pioneers can trust God for the plan of our life, just as Abram did centuries ago, e.g. the move to Canaan, his son Isaac, and nephew Lot).

When the campers wash up for the night, the counselors have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee together with the kitchen staff and the chaplain. Cabin devotion, prepared by the visiting chaplain, is the last item on the agenda and lights are out by 10 P-M. Unexpected 'bonuses' such as (a) a frog in bed, (b) counselors being dumped into the pool fully dressed, (c) cornflakes in your sleeping bag, or (d) a mysterious rock ticking away at your window at night, are common occurrances, but the glee in the eyes of the participating campers makes it all so worthwhile.

The campers' participation at Bible studies, Cabin Devotions and circle prayers are an inspiration to the counselors and just a few of the precious rewards taken home on Saturday mornings.

Parents, do not let your son or daughter miss the wonderful Camp Shalom experience in the years to come. Our own church camp is here, and in my opinion, it is an important area of church growth which your child ought not to miss. They will remember it for the rest of their lives.

In closing, I quote from the Shalom News of August 1, 1978, ,In the olden days the Church was so much more involved in the needs of the people, a function that has gradually been taken over by the State. At Camp Shalom we are still carrying out the old practice in a small way with volunteers and volunteer gifts.... Let's keep it up. It gives the Gospel additional meaning in the life of God's people."

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