Foundation 1: "Provide Sacred Places Apart"
A Perspective from Wallowa Lake Camp
by Peggy Lovegren, Director of Wallowa Lake Camp
As Camp Directors, David and I take very seriously our call to be stewards of Wallowa Lake Camp, one of God’s sacred spaces. Why is it necessary to have this space and how do we provide an “intentional place and experiences apart?”
Every day, each of us has lots of help getting in touch with WHY.
In our fast-paced, high-stakes culture, too many people suffer from stress, anxiety and depression; bad news and injustices are consistently in our face and at our fingertips. Suffering from the impact of a troubled world with little time to process any of it, a young woman recently said to me, “there are so many people making bad decisions in the world, it’s hard to have hope anymore” Furthermore, many of our children are physically unhealthy and addicted to technology; many elders feel lonely and ignored; parents no longer feel safe letting their kids “play outside” in their neighborhood or go to school.
Indeed, there are many reasons WHY a sacred place apart is necessary and we are deeply in touch with what they are for us and for our guests.
So HOW do we provide an intentional place and experiences apart?
- By asking participants in our youth camps to refrain using their cell phones! As one high school youth told us, “this is the first time I’ve had a “real conversation” with other youth not looking at their phones” And another youth said “it freed me up to play in the woods!”
- By providing 65 acres of beauty for guests to be in! And quiet time at night! Camps are one of the last places families feel safe to let their children play freely. Research scientists have shown how important it is for humans to play outdoors and be in nature. At camp, God can constantly be seen and heard in creation.
- By limiting light pollution around the camp: for many this visit may be the first time they’ve seen so many stars!
- By offering set-apart sacred spaces for spiritual growth: experiencing the prayer garden, making prayer flags to take home, river and mountain outdoor chapels, campfire circles, facilities for deep, small group conversations… In other words, places people can relax, to refresh, and renew!
- By providing nutritious, delicious, plentiful meals, enjoyed in community.
- By offering spiritual support with “thoughts for the day”, free bibles, staff prayers, a storytelling tepee, and opportunities for fellowship and worship.
- By protecting nature: “No pets”, so guests can be surrounded by abundant wildlife (including young ones born every season!)
- By planting trees, removing invasive weeds, and keeping wild places.
- By constantly making improvements to help guests to have their best experience possible; for example, we added more outlets in the rooms the quilters use so that they can experience better lighting.
- By putting our hearts and souls into offering a deep and meaningful program experience!
Yes, we believe in providing intentional places and experiences apart! Come join us!
UPCOMING EVENTS
| Title |
Dates |
| Leadership & Counselor Training @ Magruder |
4/6/2018 - 4/8/2018 |
| Confirmation Retreat @ |
4/20/2018 - 4/22/2018 |
| Spring Quilts, Craft & More Weekend @ Suttle Lake |
4/26/2018 - 4/29/2018 |
| Scrappin Ya Ya's (Spring) @ Wallowa Lake |
4/26/2018 - 4/29/2018 |
| Spring Breakout Volunteer Weekend @ Latgawa |
4/28/2018 - 4/29/2018 |
View All Events
