I remember the old days of camp meeting—the smell of sawdust and canvas, the singing, the preaching, the stories. I remember visits from celebrities like Eric B. Hare, Charles Brooks, and H.M.S. Richards Sr. I remember connecting with family and friends, discovering new links to my spiritual heritage. These were opportunities for spiritual renewal, commitments to service, and decisions for baptism.

Although I was unable to attend summer camp as a child or youth, I have served as camp pastor for many years and as camp director in the Dakotas. Upon my return to the Lake Union, I experienced the joy of being camp pastor once again at Camp Au Sable. It included the greatest joy of all—baptizing one of the campers in Lake Shellenbarger on Sabbath.

I hope you are inspired by this summer camp and camp meeting issue. Join me in making plans to be a part of both ministries this summer.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Herald editor