Earlier this spring I had the opportunity to attend a memorial service for Hilary Bertsche, a long-time friend and Builder of Camp Friedenswald. While his active volunteer days had ended by the time I arrived at camp in 2014, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his stories from earlier years and appreciated his sincere interest in what was happening at camp today. He was a true encourager and believed in the impact camp has on peoples’ lives, in part, I believe, because he knew the impact on his own life. 

Throughout the course of the memorial service and in the sharing that followed, camp was woven throughout the stories — weeks of volunteering in the winter between harvest and planting; shared meals around the table; and genuine welcome and hospitality freely given, even as it was being received. They were stories rooted in relationship – with the land, other people, and with God. A good number of camp staff from the 1990s were present at the service and spoke to the gift that Hilary, and his wife Gladys, were to their lives and to the life of Friedenswald. These relationships were nurtured and sustained until the very end of Hilary’s life. 

As I reflected on the day, I was struck by the relationship between the former camp staff and the Bertsches. It was one of reciprocity, mutual respect, service, and care. The camp staff of 30 years ago fostered a community that made space for Hilary and Gladys to enter in and to share their unique gifts, skills, and energy in service of camp’s mission. And, at the same time, Hilary and Gladys enriched and enlivened the camp community. 

I wonder at the ways this type of relationship and community is being lived out and nurtured today. I think of the meals shared around the lunch table with staff and volunteers, and of the ways that staff provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers to contribute their skills and in ways that contribute to Camp’s thriving. Camp would not be what it is without the gifts that volunteers, our Builders, share each year. 

Whether volunteer, staff, or camper, the peaceful woods is shaped by those who offer their gifts in service to something bigger than themselves. In all times, but perhaps particularly in this time, this feels like no small thing. 

So I give thanks: for the lives of Hilary and Gladys Bertsche and for the lives of countless other volunteers who have contributed their time and energy in service of Camp’s mission. AND for the staff who, for the past 75 years, have formed relationships with this place and its people. Thanks be to God!