Tradition

In this postmodern generation it might seem like all of the moorings have come loose and we are floating freely into who knows where?

Now, as one who is friendly to postmodern philosphy, I am not afraid of change. I like it. At the same time, losing a sense of history is a serious mistake. We must not neglect the past as we venture into the future.

This is what I love about FPYC. As we go forward, we look back as well. There are signs of the past all over camp, and yet there are signs of progress as well.

One of the best ways to connect to the past is to maintain traditions. There are some great traditions at camp. The hike, crazy campfire, appreciation dinner, skit night, morning devo etc. These things connect us to the past, keep us grounded as we live in a world the seems to be coming undone.

What is your favorite camp tradition?

Camp Is Conversation

If there is one great thing about being with camp people it is the conversations that happen. Now, certainly camp is nature and fun and getting away, and of course it is freedom from the technology that so binds us (like right now). Yes, it's all that, but what would camp be without the conversations?

Think about the best conversation you have ever had at camp. Maybe the conversation occurred while gazing at stars or the Northern Lights. Could be it happened on the hike, trying to pass the time. Maybe you went deep during a Bible class. Lots of conversations happen at meals or during late night games.

Camp, my friends, is conversations.

Camp Dinner

Here's LeRoy, taking joy in the annual camp dinner and auction. From one generation to the next generation, the joys of camp are recalled, reaffirmed, are retold as this late Fall tradition
has come to us once again.

I have word that over $11,000 were raised from donations made during this exciting annual event. The food was great, the auctioneer was hilarious as usual, and the people were generous.

Now we look forward to the holidays, to Snow Days, and then to something very special this summer. There will be an all camp reunion. More to come on this event.

The Legend of Grizzly Ogren

If you are familiar with Flaming Pine Youth Camp, the you know Al Ogren. He was instrumental in founding the camp back in the 1970's along with some other visionaries. What many people do not know is that Al has a twin. Yes, it is true. Here is a picture recently released from the super secret Flaming Pine vault. It looks like Al Ogren playng guitar. It is not.

Folks, this is one of only three known pictures of Grizzly Ogren. Grizzly, Al's twin, filled in for Al one year while Al had some emergency duties as a school principal he had to attend to over the summer. Back in those days there were not a pool of camp directors from which to choose like we have today, so Al had to call on his competent, yet reluctant brother, Grizzly.

Before they could come to an agreemnt, there was a debtate betwee Al and Grizzly. Al asked Grizzly to shave his beard and thin out his hair. Al figured that since they were twins, no one would even know Al was gone. Grizzly, being the more principled of the two (though he himself was not a principal), refused. "If I am going to direct camp," said Grizzly, "I am going to direct it as Grizzly, not my little brother." Grizzly did precede Al in birth by a mere 13 seconds, but just enough to give him big brother status. Al, sometimes a little embarrassed at his brother for all of his facial hair and eating habits John the Baptist, was afraid that the camp might crumlbe under Grizzly's leadership, but Al was in a bind, so he gave in and let Grizzly direct as Grizzly.

The family camp session in which Grizzly Ogren directed was wonderful. There were actually some people who did not believe Grizzly was Al's twin, but was Al playing a joke one everyone. In fact, to this day many will deny the existence of Grizzly Ogren. Those of usmwho were there, those of us who know - we believe.

If anyone remembers Grizzly Ogren, feel free to comment.

Camp Dinner in Paris

The annual camp dinner is round the corner. Saturday, to be exact. It is also an auction. Bring your fat wallet adn get ready to bid, bid, bid.

Word on the street is that the dinner will include this tasty dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu. The theme will be Paris. This gourmet dinner will get you in the buying mood.

I'll be taking pictures at the dinner for the blog.

At the name of Jesus...

At the name of Jesus, every tree will bow.

OK, that was a little twist on scripture. These trees are fallen giants near the assembly of the giants near Thistle Dew Lake on the hike. These enormous trees are amazing. I recall first seeing these trees as a child. I was awestruck. I remember looking up and wondering what it would be like to be up that high.

And then one time at teen camp, we did the night hike. We left at dusk with our flashlights and water canteens - and faith in our leader. When we arrived at the assembly of the giants, we made a campfire and had a devotional. It was one of those beautiful experiences. Exciting, moving, and a little dangerous. Well, it probably wasn't all that dangerous, but it did feel that way.

When the devo was over, we put out the fire, but hung around a while. As the fire went out, the darkness of the night closed in. Then someone got the idea to shoot the beam of their flashlight up into the giant trees. Then everyone with a flashlight did the same. The beams of light shooting up through the lingering campfire smoke into the trees was beautiful. Somehow, it took us.

Sometimes when God wants to be a God of wonders, it's next to impossible to resist.

I thank God for wonders.