Reflections on the 2007
Camp Hope Experience
“Weeping may linger for the night, But Joy comes with the morning” -- Psalm 30:5
By Jane Merritt
Camp Hope Coordinator and Volunteer
This summer at Camp Hope, thanks to the generous support of many individuals, parishes, the Diocese of East Carolina, and the Episcopal Church, 55 children with incarcerated parents gathered at Camp Bob, Kanuga, for a special camping experience. The children came from many parts of North Carolina and were gathered at several pickup points along the I-40 corridor.
On the second day of camp, Scottie Barnes, the founder of Forgiven Ministry, spoke to the children about her childhood, growing up with a father who spent most of his life in prison. She spoke to the children’s hearts and they were visibly moved. Even the chaplain shared that his father had been incarcerated when he was only four. He had kept the pain inside for many years, and he found release through hearing Scottie’s testimony.
The children realized that they were not alone. Each child was struggling with the same situation, and this realization allowed them to share their pain. The worship time throughout the week was very special and the nightly prayer sessions in the various cabins allowed the children to give their hurts and fears to God.
During the day, the campers were kept busy with the usual camp activities – swimming, crafts, music, drama, archery, challenge course team building, cook-outs, camp-outs, nature trails, canoeing and hiking – and yes, the adult volunteers did their best to keep pace! It was a fun-filled, exhausting week.
One of the highlights of the week was the presentation of 60 hand-made quilts by the Holy Comforters quilting guild from the western part of the State. Each camper was allowed to choose a quilt to take home. Their faces expressed the excitement and joy these quilts brought them. Some of the quilters came to hand out the quilts to the campers. Some were moved to tears to see the recipients of their labors of love.
The closing Eucharist on the last night of camp was a time I will never forget. Instead of a homily, the celebrant invited people to share from their hearts. The testimonies from counselors, campers and volunteers were moving, but what took us all by surprise was the wailing that could be heard as one child after another broke down and sobbed uncontrollably.
It was as though the Hand of God moved over the place, allowing the children, counselors and volunteers to reach out to one another in Christ’s love to comfort and console each other. The wailing and crying out to God that could be heard allowed the hidden pain felt by the children to be released and then for healing to take place. By the time the children came up to receive communion, a peace had fallen over the place. Light from the floodlit cross was reflected on their tear-stained upturned faces. Later that night as I tiptoed through one of the girl’s dormitories, I was overcome with the beauty of seeing 14 girls sleeping peacefully on their bunk beds under their newly acquired quilts.
The next morning at breakfast, there was joy and laughter as the children anticipated returning home, this time with uplifted hearts. On the bus home, one small boy remarked to me, “Miss Jane, I saw you crying last night too!” It was as though I now belonged to their group through the shedding of tears. It was a camping experience I will never forget. Thanks be to God!
