A Prayer for Camp Communities

The lake splashed softly against the rocky shore outside the green cabin walls as I took in the news that another camp far away was experiencing great fear and devastation. Hands against my stomach, I double-checked the locations of my children. Our week of family camp was coming to an end. Everything had been fine for us, but the news about Camp Mystic was hitting close to home. As the weekend unspooled, the degree of separation that I experienced with those who knew someone at Camp Mystic was closer than I could have imagined. Although several states away, the sorrow of sudden loss was deeply felt by many of us. 

Going to camp is often about embracing nature and experiencing the wild. Yet, for all human attempts to tame, understand, or predict nature, it remains wildly beyond our understanding. Camp is learning how it can be fun. When we drop our children off at summer camp, there is always some uncertainty, but 99% of the time, our fears are unfounded and unrealized. We know that the staff are trained for emergencies, and we trust that all will be well. Behind the scenes, I know the contingency plans for emergencies (the most likely one in our state being a wildfire). Behind the scenes, I, the camp administrator, and the camp directors take all the necessary precautions, and to date, we have never needed to use the emergency plan. Sadly for Camp Mystic, all the preparation in the world could not prevent tragedy.

In the past few weeks, the drop-off has felt just a bit more tender. We have seen parents hugging their kids a little tighter, doing a few double checks on safety precautions. Staff are going the extra mile to provide reassurance and practice calm in the midst of chaos. Nobody thinks the worst will happen, but the anxiety lives in our minds nevertheless. So, for all of us — parents, staff, and campers — I have a prayer.

Oh God, who speaks in the stillness, help us to weather the storms, literal and figurative, emotional and mental. Grant that we may be safe from all harm, and cared for in danger. Bless the souls of children everywhere, that they may be reminded that they are beloved children of you. Soothe the sorrowing hearts of parents who make hard choices with brave faces. Lift the burdens of all staff, young and old, who carry the charge of young children in the wild. Protect the joy of children whose faith often serves as a lesson to many adults. And may the souls of all who have died find peace in your everlasting lovingkindness. Amen