Optimist’s Roundtable
By Martha Sykes
As I am writing this column, I am reflecting on my last week as a volunteer at our United Methodist Church Camp for Special Needs adults, which has been held at Greene Hills camp in Alexandria, PA. For 25 years, I certainly have built up a great deal of treasured memories. I have made a number of friends with other counselors and staff members. It has been a journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
In 1998, Pastor John Godissart came in to church one Sunday morning and told me he had a challenge for me. He asked me if I would be willing to co-Dean this camp for special needs with him and I said let me pray about that. And I did and now here I am realizing how time flies, but also that God can take someone like me and give me opportunities to share His love with some really enthusiastic and lovable people. These campers, by the way were aged anywhere from 18 to 72, have touched so many hearts with their willingness to sing as loud as they could, listen to us preach and share Bible stories, but most of all, bless our lives with their excitement to come to camp every year.
From the minute we arrive at camp, these campers are so busy enjoying the freedom of roaming around the cabins, participating in games, attending worship services, dancing, singing, fishing, hiking, swimming or doing crafts. They have loved the campfire stories and prayer times. One of the favorite events at camp is our talent show where they were able to share whatever they love to do even if it just telling a joke. This last year was one of the best as one of our campers performed sign language to the song, “How Beautiful” which brought a lot of tears to our group and another one played his accordion with so much excitement to “I’ll Fly Away” which is his favorite song.
The memories I have are priceless and will be a treasure forever. Over the years, one of our Down’s Syndrome campers portrayed Jesus carrying His cross and being crucified while Pastor John read the Bible story, and that memory will be forever etched in my mind. It was so dramatic that all of us had tears in our eyes! Hearing stories like one camper telling us that he was in prison at one time and the only item he had was a Bible sure touched our hearts. He knew so much about Jesus!There are countless moments that add up to 25 years of hugs, smiles, and tears that will be remembered always.
On our last night of camp, we always form a circle and join hands to sing “Friends are Friends are Friends Forever” by Michael W. Smith.
The words, ”In the Father’s hands we know that a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends” were bittersweet this year, but as I drove home this last time, I was thanking God for the beautiful weather, a wonderful week, but most of all for choosing me to be part of such a wonderful journey.
