That first evening, as people introduced their families in the auditorium, I found myself doing a rapid count in my head. Grandkids, children, me, my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents—yes, that made six generations of Gundys who have spent happy times at Friedenswald! I couldn’t help but mention that statistic, with due Mennonite humility, as I introduced our group, and I think I’ve repeated that small brag every year since. While many camp families have similar stories, likely not many stretch over quite so many generations, so here’s a brief, incomplete history.
Reflection on a summer among the trees
“The wisdom of trees” permeated the peaceful woods this summer. We learned a lot ABOUT trees! From my spot during our daily “Tree Sit”, perched on the roots of the sugar maple that shades the camp bell at the center of camp, I experienced “the wisdom of trees” week after week; wisdom that drew many of us into a kind of relationship with the trees around us.
Reflecting on the summer in my own words – by Noah Boyer-Edwards
We are faced every day with the question of how and to what extent to incorporate technology into our work and worship. How much is really lost by allowing AI to write an email for us? Should a church maintain a website? A Facebook page? Instagram? I don’t know where we should draw the line, and I don’t think anybody else does either. But I am choosing to focus on gratitude.
A reflection by Levi Moser: A place of care and connection
Moser
As I have reflected on my time working at Camp Friedenswald this summer, I am reminded of the importance of a place like this for learning and growth. As children become less and less connected with nature I think that having spaces that afford children with opportunities to explore nature become more and more important.