The calendar might say September, but the weather doesn't care. It still feels like July out there, and that makes me crave the cooler days even more. The changing from summer to fall (if it ever happens) is a pretty sharp pivot at NaCoMe. We move from summer mode into retreat season. But this past weekend, I had one more chance to dive into a bit of summer camp.
A group of former staff put together a reunion at camp. Most of the group were on staff before I got to NaCoMe, so it was fun to hear their stories. They spent time doing the classic camp activities, even cooking dinner over a fire on Saturday. And like any former staff, the group asked a lot about what summer camp looks like today. Of course, our programs have changed and shifted in multiple ways. But in sharing stories and perspectives, it was undeniable that we were all on the same team.
It was great to see this group of people share a love not only for the 'was' but also for the 'is' of NaCoMe. Summer staff are key stakeholders in the mission and ministry of camp. Connecting the dots between their time at camp and today was both energizing and humbling. I'm energized because we all had the sense that we're moving forward in this ministry. I think we were all humbled because we realized that we are just small pieces in the long story of this place.
-Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director