Having never heard of Camp Friedenswald in my growing up years, it has been quite exciting to become part of this history.
Speaking for Herself: The Autobiographical Writings of Anna K. Juhnke
I remember that first year not having a dining hall. Cooking was done in one of the cabins, and we ate on benches made from boards over cinder blocks under a tarp, while rain water rushed under our feet.
Six Generations and Counting: Gundys and Camp Friedenswald by Jeff Gundy
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.