“Lorvens, what would you think about working at Timber Ridge Camp this summer?” This seed planted in Lorvens Pubien’s mind by his academy dean didn’t lie dormant for long. “I didn’t have any plans for summer work,” Lorvens recalls. “I hadn’t worked at a camp before, but I had been a camper. I had been to Timber Ridge for a school event, too, so it wasn’t totally new territory. As a junior and serving as Indiana Academy’s Student Association pastor, I had experience planning activities, especially worship and praise services, so I decided to follow up on my dean’s suggestion.”
Now, looking back on nine weeks spent working at Timber Ridge Camp in south-central Indiana, Lorvens is amazed at how much activity and learning he packed into last summer. “I acted in plays, led out in worship and praise, was paintball director, organized and supervised sports activities, taught a ukelele class, and more,” Lorvens recalls. “Probably what stretched and taught me the most, though, was Blind Camp.”
About 50-60 blind campers were the first group to arrive. Instead of welcoming youngsters, Lorvens found himself interacting with campers considerably older than himself. “The blind campers range in age from early 20s to late 60s. I have some experience working with the visually impaired,” Lorvens explains, recalling time spent with his grandfather. “But working with so many blind campers and helping to keep them safe and engaged while enjoying themselves really demanded a lot of attention and creativity.”
Lorvens had to help his campers navigate steep hills and uneven terrain at Camp Timber Ridge. Golf carts provided some assistance, but there wasn’t enough for everyone. Lorvens used clock face numbers as points of reference. “This helps the blind campers with eating, locating things on the table, objects outdoors, or even with directions for walking,” Lorvens explains. “I would say, ‘at 11 o’clock’ or ‘at 5 o’clock’ and that generally worked well.”
One of the challenges Lorvens hadn’t anticipated was getting the blind campers to quiet down and focus on scheduled activities. “Many of these campers come back year after year,” Lorvens explains. “They come from all over the United States and understandably are very excited to reunite with their friends. Often, they just want to talk and catch up!”
Some of the campers have special needs, and Lorvens learned to address those, too. “Some have learning difficulties, ADHD, and similar challenges,” Lorvens notes. “My mother is an educator, and since about age eight, I assisted in her classrooms. I tutor now at Indiana Academy, so both of those roles helped me in assisting my campers. I also learned how useful calming devices can be.”
Two Old Testament verses particularly speak to Lorvens. “These verses continue to help me this year as a senior and president of the Student Association at Indiana Academy,” Lorvens explains. “Joshua 1:9 says, ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ And Jeremiah 29:11 offers great assurance.”
Lorvens holds this hope for all his campers: “May they remember that these promises are theirs to claim as well.”
Beverly Matiko is a retired English and Communication professor. She enjoys continuing to interact with students and others through her writing.