This week, at Baptist Park summer camp in Mapleton, Maine, we are having senior high week. Actually, we have two camps running simultaneously. We have Mission Aviation Camp, where 11 teenagers are learning about the history and current use of aviation by missionaries. They spend every day at the local airport, where they actually get to fly every day that the weather permits. The second camp is a more traditional high school camp complete with swimming, rock climbing, zip line, crafts, sports and more. We have only 15 teens for this camp, but sometimes smaller is better.
Due to the small size of the 'base' camp, we were able to schedule a visit to an area nursing home in the city of Caribou. Our worship leader taught the campers a few old hymns that the folks would recognize. The arts and crafts lady (who is also my wife, Sue) had the kids all make gifts for the residents, and I worked with them on what to expect and how to interact with the elderly.
The visit was today, and both the teens and the senior citizens had a great morning. We started with an illusion in which a stuffed animal bunny appears to turn into a live bunny, our family pet, Jeremiah. Then Dan got out his guitar and lead the campers in several hymns. Many of the residents joined in the singing. I followed with my three ball juggling routine to Mahalia Jackson's "When the Saints Go Marching In". Lauren, a 16 year old CIT, then juggled rings, clubs and machetes to the amazement of the audience. Then three siblings: a senior counselor, a CIT and a camper, sang three a Capella songs with beautiful harmonies. Finally, I ended the performance part of the visit with one last illusion about God's provision and care.
The ministry there was really only starting, though. After this, the campers handed out the crafts they had made and the visiting began. The room was full of smiling faces. One 16 year old boy came back to camp very excited that he and a friend had prayed together with an elderly man. A 14 year old girl was gushing about the man her told her she had "a beautiful name for a beautiful girl". Some got to visit residents who were former neighbors or congregation members. Everyone got to pet Jeremiah, the rabbit. A counselor with the same name was introducing himself as "Jeremiah, but not the rabbit". At 11:15, after several 'just one more hugs', we headed back to camp, but not before the activities person told us she'd like us to bring in another group before the summer is over. I hope we can.