There’s something about camp! Maybe it’s the smell; a cross between fresh air, mildew, nature and dirty socks. Maybe it’s the constant sound of kids at play. Or maybe it’s the singing. There’s a lot of singing! But there is one thing I do know for sure; camp, especially Lutheridge, is the best place on Earth. This is where I see, feel and hear God the best. The Holy Spirit is moving. It’s a community like no other. Last week Pastor Drew, Mark Glaeser and several others came here for Music week. There was even more singing that week! And this week Pastor Matt, Caroline and myself are here with our middle school youth who are participating in the Confirmation camp called Kairos. Bringing middle schoolers to camp is amazing. The weeks starts with them totally in middle school mode; arms crossed, looking like they are way too cool to be here and trying to participate as little as possible. That’s really the middle school way of doing almost everything. But the most important thing you need to know about this middle school mode is that you never, never let an adult leader know that anything they are doing is fun in any sort of way. They are not going to have fun, and they’ll roll their eyes if you try to make them. But like I said, Lutheridge is the best place on Earth, and amazing things happen here. Transformation happens and it’s real. The Holy Spirit fills the camp and God is at work. These hard shells melt away. These teenagers are transformed in a way that only camp can. These eye rolling, strange creatures known as teenagers become smiling, singing, Christ-loving campers. Not only do our teenagers change, but community is formed. These kids that don’t want to talk to anyone that they haven’t known since kindergarten become a community. They come to camp maybe only knowing one or two other kids and they mesh into a group of fun-loving, running around laughing, friends. God does amazing things at camp. That is why it is the best place on Earth. God works in the lives of more than just teenagers at camp. The Holy Spirit is at work throughout our world and lives. The Holy Spirit works to break down shells that we put up in our lives and form community. Where has the Holy Spirit worked in your life to open you up to God at work? Where has God formed community in your life that was transformational? What is “camp” for you? 2 Corinthians 3:18 New Living Translation (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. Prayer: God of transformation, Let your Spirit move. Transform hearts and bring these teenagers closer to you. Thank you for outdoor ministry. Continue to make amazing things happen at camp! AMEN