camp or campy?

So, how long has it been since you went to camp? When you were eight? Never? Well, for me it has been a long time (I won't give the year!). And I must admit the idea of going to camp feels a little campy. You know, not chic, cool or sophisticated. Not what we're into. But, maybe we should rethink this camp thing.

Camp is a place where it doesn't matter how hot you look. This is especially good (and comforting) after a day on the lake, or after your third morning in a row of bed head. At camp your clothes don't matter at all (or as much) because you basically live in your swimming suit, shorts, t-shirt and sweatshirt. By the end, these items are so nasty they are relegated to mow-the-lawn-attire or are (more likely) begging to be burned.

And shoes. Shoes at camp are more about function than status. That is, unless you really want to be wearing those new Sketchers when your buddies throw you in the lake, or you spent all your summer job money on one bag and of pair of strappy Jimmy Choo's and you want everyone to see you with them--by the campfire.


lutherwood is just a click away

Another thing about camp is that it's totally okay to have fun there and not think: what would a cool person be doing right now? The more whimsy the better (bring on the silly songs and seconds on hot dogs; college will come soon enough). Speaking of food: only at camp are "smores" both an exotic dessert and a total food group (grains, dairy, fats...).

Camp is also a time to break away from the various routines of life--school, work, etc--and take a deep breath. Our lives are super busy (I don't have to tell you) so it's really easy to lose sight of the important things: God, friends, family, neighbors, creation, enjoyment.

At camp you get to have a beak from technology, and this means not just TV and computers, but (sigh) even your cell phones. This may not sound like fun, but there is life outside of technology. It's waiting just beyond your iPhone. As much as I, personally, can't imagine life in the modern world without a cell phone, I've also found it much easier to hear from God and enjoy nature when I'm not giving my thumbs a constant workout...

So, maybe you're not convinced. Camp might be in your rear view mirror, only to reappear years and years from now when you have kids of your own. That's cool. You've got work, sports practices, just plain other stuff to do and I get that. But here's an idea. What if we planned a weekend together at camp. We could attend Camp Lutherwood's "Join Hands Day" on Saturday, May 3, and then stay the night free of charge until Sunday afternoon. It's just an idea. Think about it.