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.
Serving Everyone, a Mixed History: A reflection by Peter Graber
Our family relationships were mostly with other local families and our childhood friendships were with the children in our “neighborhood.” Our Mennonite friends were people we saw in church or once a year at camp in the summer. It also meant that most of our friends were African-American.
Save the date: Announcing 2026 summer program schedule
As the summer season wraps up, we’re already looking forward to what 2025 will bring. Mark your calendars and save the date!