Snow carpeted the ground for both High School and Jr High Winter Camps at Camp Friedenswald this January, providing a magical snow-scape in which to explore “Sacred Connections.” In these days when much around us can feel less than magical – indeed, when much feels like it is becoming unhinged and disconnected – our theme of “Sacred Connections with ourselves, others, nature, and God” provided a meaningful framework from which to see, name, and celebrate the Holy mystery that perpetually connects us to ourselves, to each other, to the world around us, and ultimately, to God. These connections, though not often visible to the naked eye, give our lives meaning and the assurance that we are not alone. On the contrary, we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves; something beautiful and ever-growing; something holy.

With the help of 35 enthusiastic volunteers (many of them college-aged past and future Summer Staff), insightful camp pastors (Sarah Werner and Clayton Gladish), and willing sponsors, these sacred connections explored at winter camps provided hope – and some respite, renewal, and refreshment in the peaceful woods – for well over 220 participants. This refreshment was nurtured through lots of activity: exuberant tubing down the tube run, leisurely sauntering through the woods with friends, lively and harmonious singing of songs rooted in love, energetic playing of life-sized Dutch Blitz, grateful dining together with tasty food, energetic engagement in “Winter Survival” and other games, and creative design through the paper-craft known as quilling. These were but a sampling of energetic ways that winter campers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff celebrated the sacred connections that make up our lives.

And there were also the more subtle ways these “sacred connections” were nurtured: the conversations long into the night, the quiet walk back to the cabin led by the light of the crisp and clear star-lit sky, the lingering youth group conversations, the sitting with friends around the fireplace drinking hot cocoa, the soulful singing of “Lean on Me” with the college-student volunteers, the repetitive taking of deep breaths, breathing in the essence of the peaceful woods. 

These “sacred connections” are, in some very real ways, the presence of the Holy, the presence of Love in our lives: love in relation to ourselves, in relation to each other, in relation to the world around us, and in relation to God. And so numerous times each weekend we joined together singing the prayer otherwise known as the song, “Seeds”, honoring the Love that connects us all, praying for love to cover us, to sustain us, to cause us to expand these “sacred connections” for the sake of the world around us.

These seeds we have sown in our hearts and in our bones

Cover them with your love.

Use our hands, use our feet, to sow your love and your peace,

Cover us, cover us, cover us with love.