Balm for the soul

A reflection from parishioner and mother Kate Gardiner whose family attended Chapel Rock Camp in Prescott, Arizona this past week.

Returning to Chapel Rock this week, 22 years after my last stint as a counselor, has been a wonderful gift. Our family recently relocated back to Arizona from Florida, so being able to bring my own kiddos up to the camp that meant so much to me has been a real treat.

There have been a few changes—fancier buildings and the stars are a bit dimmer at night from the build up around Prescott—but the love of God, nature, and grilled cheese sandwiches is still very much intact.

The ABC program for K-2nd graders is a real blessing to both camper and parent. Kids get to jump into being an independent camper most of the day while seeing their parent at meals and campfire/chapel at night. It’s the perfect balance.

I’ve loved hanging out with other parents for grown-up conversation while watching our kids have fun from afar. I’m grateful for the “un-plugged” time. Case in point: I’m writing this reflection while in my camping hammock which hangs from a couple of scrub oak outside my cabin. It’s siesta time and 75 degrees. This sure beats summer in Tucson!

My other older camper is here for Children’s Camp. He waves on occasion from across the dining hall in between belly laughs with his cabin mates, so I’m pretty sure he’s having a great time, too.

While ABC camp is done for the year, there are still spots available for Chapel Rock’s other camp sessions this summer, including Family Camp and Adult Camp—just in case all of this sounds like a lot of fun and something you want to do with your children. Camp is the balm for the soul we all need right now.

Click here to visit Chapel Rock’s website to get more information and to register for the best experience summer has to offer.