Grace Point Summer Camps

Meet the staff!

2011-07-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Grace Point Summer Camp Staff
Back row, from left: Parker Bailes (Boys' Cabin Leader), Alex Parkinson (Outdoors Assistant), Joey Courtney (Assistant Director), Taylor Bartz (Counselor), Parker Cantelou (Outdoors Director), Alex Haralson (Camp Program Director)

Front row, from left: Sarah Bailey (Arts & Crafts Director), Gabi Caballero (Girls' Cabin leader), Zak Bathe (Lifeguard)

Camp 4

2011-07-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

2011-06-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Session 1 - Harry Potter Hullabaloo

2011-06-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Campers seemed apprehensive about the new staff at first. But soon after, the campers warmed up and welcomed us like family. It was great to hear, "this was the best week of camp!" from several campers. From swamping to lazy Wednesday with Saturday morning cartoons, it was hard to top each day from the last.

Karina fishing with live worms!

Slytherin and Ravenclaw partake in a grueling match of quidditch.

After a hike up the trail, Nick attempts to start a fire with one match.

With a little bit of help from the Parkers, Bailey and Leia were shooting like champs by the end of the week.

Rebecca and the rest of the campers under the limbo stick.

Jessica and Matt hang on for a wild ride on the tube.

Members of Ravenclaw gather around the bonfire to conclude the night.

Welcome to Camp!

2011-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

The 2011 season of Grace Point Camps has begun!

We kicked off the summer on June 2 with Family Camp, a session for rising 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade children with their parents. It was a beautiful weekend, and an experience full of first-time campers here at Grace Point!

Our theme this year is "Where His Feet Pass," and is interpreted by a different Spiritual Director each week. For Family Camp, the Spiritual Director was the Rev. Rob Travis, Church of the Ascension, Knoxville.

Thanks to all who attended, and to all who helped make Family Camp an exciting start to the new camp year!

Fr. Rob leads a reflection with the children using images of seeds.

Sam and his father Brad talk about a story in the Bible.

Juliana draws a picture while the Rev. Peggy Blanchard looks on.

Camper Zach looks at the BCP with counselor Parker.

Ross and grandmother Suzanne read from the BCP during morning program.

Camper Eva chats with Fr. Rob during morning program.

William and his father James hang out in the chapel.

Camper Bo removes arrows from a target on the archery range.

Counselor Alex teaches camper Charlie how to use a bow and arrow.

Camper Cecilia prepares a shirt for tie-dye..

Camper Emma shows off her tie-dye shirt.

Meet the neighbors.

2011-04-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Things are buzzing around Grace Point as we get closer to the start of camp season. All the signs of winter's dormancy are gone, and everything is plush and green.

We've had some new neighbors move in recently: a pair of Osprey are now nesting atop a tree on The Point. I strolled down there this afternoon to introduce myself, which stirred up Mama Osprey. She was quite talkative. Though I am not fluent in Osprey, I'm pretty sure I couldn't reprint on this blog what she was saying to me. This is, after all, a family show. I stayed long enough to snap a couple of frames and was on my way.

These beautiful birds have made Grace Point home... another reminder of what makes this place so marvelous. Time spent out here is time spent in a place the city cannot offer. It's a place abundant with wildlife and devoid of noisy city streets. It's a place sprawling with forest and shoreline and noticeably lacking in storefronts and sidewalks. It is, simply put, a peaceful little patch of Creation.

I hope that you (or your children) will come and spend some time with us this summer, to experience the wonders of Grace Point... and to meet the new neighbors.

Spring 2011

2011-03-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Though clear signs of winter still abound at Grace Point, the arrival of spring has bursts of color pushing through the greys and browns. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and leaves are beginning to bud on the trees.

Yes, spring is here... and that means that summer can't be far behind! It's time to sign up for summer camp at Grace Point! Planning is well under way for the 2011 camp season, and it will be here before we know it.

Our theme this year is "Where His Feet Pass" and is inspired by a line from the Eleanor Farjeon hymn "Morning Has Broken". This summer, we will explore images of The Garden and The Wilderness as ideas of the challenges we face in our everyday lives.

Please visit our website at www.gracepointcamp.org to download camper registration information. If you've not been to Grace Point Camps before, please take a look through this blog to see what happened last summer. If you have been here before, please mark your calendars now for camp!

And remember: money should never be a reason to miss summer camp! Scholarship applications are on the website alongside the registration forms.

Summer Session - Christmas in July!

2010-07-15T07:55:00.001-07:00

It started when the campers arrived at breakfast yesterday morning. The stockings were duct-taped by the chimney with care, and there was evidence that Saint Nick had possibly been there.

And so we were off on a magical, winter-land adventure in the blazing heat of summer. Santa returned for breakfast to deliver toys for all the campers (read: their own name tags, which had been swiped from them the night before).

In the spirit of the season, campers baked Christmas cookies, and made their own glitter-filled works of Christmas art.

Campers also made popcorn garland and decorated the tree by the fireplace.

Theme days are a tradition here at Grace Point Camps. It's not uncommon to come to a camp session and experience Pirate Day, or Backwards Day, or Harry Potter Day. This session's "Christmas In July" went by fast, but was full of fun and adventure.

So, merry Christmas to all, and to all a good 162 shopping days until the real thing...

Session 5 Photo Round-up

2010-07-06T09:21:00.001-07:00

The ministry of Session 5 is twofold: to enhance the relationships of parents and their children by offering a weekend focused on shared time and experiences in the summer camp setting, and to engage campers at a young age and build up their comfort levels so that they are excited and prepared to enter Session 4.

Session 5 Snapshot

2010-07-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

Camper Noah landed a bass fishing from the shore.

Session 4 Comes and Goes...

2010-07-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Session 4 was packed to the brim with all Grace Point had to offer. We began our session with an opening Eucharist, led by co-Director, husband, and Priest at St. Francis in Norris, Rev. Joseph Minarik. Immediately following the Eucharist, we dove into all the activities. In addition to our kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, gardening, swimming, singing and eating... we also enjoyed a lot of laughter, especially as they slid down the soapy slide. God always tends to provide us with a surprise of some sort. This year, it was the blazing shooting star we witnessed at The Point. And, yes, it was literally blazing!

We had, as part of our morning worship program, segments on Bread. Our theme for Grace Point Summer Camp this year is ‘Eat this Bread’. We reviewed some of the spiritual implications, as it relates to the Biblical times, and connected those times with what that means to us today. We even had a bird we named ‘Manna’ to join us for some of those sessions. (At our Closing Eucharist, we had the bread the children had made the day before for Communion.)

As a mother of three who regularly attend this camp, this week’s Session Director, and a Grace Point Board of Manager’s Member, I am filled with joy. Joy from these children, who filled my week with laughter and a week of visiting with God in nature, and happiness they illuminate into the world.

In His name,
Sonya Minarik, Session 4 Director

Archery

2010-06-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular events here at Grace Point Summer Camp is Archery. From the moment campers arrive they begin asking when they will have the opportunity to show off their archery skills, or at least try it out. The challenge of advancing to a more sophisticated and difficult bow is all the campers can talk about and we are excited to watch them progress. Helping them achieve success in the archery range is very rewarding. This week in particular has been especially rewarding because many of the campers have little to no archery experience and we are able to introduce them to this exciting activity. Learning how to hold the bow, notch the arrow, shoot straight, aim and properly collect the arrows helps the campers develop their hand-eye coordination and increases their self-esteem. One of our favorite times during archery is when a camper is trying to advance a bow, by getting all six arrows on the target, and has one arrow left to move on to the next bow. All the campers wait silently in anticipation and cheer as the shooter hits the target for the sixth time. The extreme joy and self-satisfaction on the camper's face is priceless and something everyone should experience. The archery range is a place for exploring different gifts and talents and for building self-esteem that will last for a lifetime. We have really enjoyed working in the archery program this summer and enabling campers to have a safe and fun experience with archery.

Posted by Becky Foust and Liz Embler

Chef Frank Appreciation Day

2010-06-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the ministry of our Camp Chef Frank. Frank brings a joyful heart and amazing sense of humor to a job that is extremely demanding. He keeps the campers and staff going by providing wonderful meals, interjected with bursts of laughter. As part of our "backwards Day" (we have Compline in the morning and eat breakfast for dinner, with other odd moves) we held our Frank Appreciation Day. In the Art Barn, Abby had all of the campers make thank you cards for Frank. Our Lifeguard Dustin, composed an original prayer, pictured below, which has been read at each meal. Becky, Liz, and Sonya made cupcakes for the Frank, the staff, and campers. And nurse Lani and Liz have fixed French Toast for our Breakfast, (really dinner). As you can see, however, Frank has not allowed Lani to cook without his interjections. We love Frank dearly. Thanks be to God for blessing us with such a wonderful chef, friend, and minister. Thank you Frank.

posted by Mac Brown

2010-06-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well Session IV has begun. We enrolled 23 campers yesterday and have hit the ground running. After the obligatory name games and swim test, we were treated to one of Chef Frank's amazing Lasagna dinners. We are blessed to have Sonya and Fr. Joe Minarik+, with their entire family, as our session directors and camp chaplain. Our evening began with a celebration of Holy Eucharist, a fitting beginning to our journey together this week, and concluded our evening with some stories around the camp fire. Of course, it would not be camp at Grace Point if we did not begin and end each day with Good Morning/Good Night God. We have a packed day ahead of us, so I can't write much more.

posted by Mac Brown

Session 3 Draws to an End

2010-06-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

As I sit here on the front porch of the commons, reflecting on this past week, I am struck by some blessings that God has provided. We are extremely fortunate to have this place known as Grace Point. His Grace abounds here. Our group of rising 5th and 6th graders showed me that the future of our diocese is in good hands. They are a loving, compassionate bunch; who are able to dance between their imagination and the real world. I am once again reminded of God's presence in His Creation, and I would like to share some images that illuminated that fact.

Reflection of the Week Session 2

2010-06-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

"God has kissed you and said, 'Tag! You're it!'"
- The Rev. John Mark Wiggers

Camper Quote Session 2

2010-06-25T06:05:00.001-07:00

"I think Grace Point rocks because of the amazing food and the activities we do... and the worship services and the counselors are amazing!"
- Rachael, Session 2

Session 3 on the Water

2010-06-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the girls all went on a kayak trip to the eagle’s nest. We started out near the back of our cove and went out and to the left. We paddled in and out of a few small coves and inlets. Eventually we ended up at the eagle’s nest where we were lucky enough to see a bald eagle take off from a low branch near the water. On our way back to camp we stopped in a small cove near camp to see what we could find. We saw a river otter, two dear, a great blue heron, a green heron, an osprey, and some fish. We all made it back, 10 kids, 4 staff, and 2 JC’s. On Wednesday the boys went on their kayak trip past the eagle’s nest. Once again we started from the back of our cove, went out and headed left towards the nest. We took the same route as the girls, paddling in and out of small coves and inlets. While we were approaching the eagle’s nest we saw two bald eagles sitting on a low branch, take off near the water not far in front of us. We continued on and saw another bald eagle high above us on the hill. We turned a small bend, and right in front of us a huge juvenile eagle sat perched only yards from our boats. It saw us and flew to the next tree. We paddled right underneath its tree and it flew a little further once again. We continued to do this until we finally stopped under a tree that it was sitting in. It was only a few yards away when it spread its large wings and flew back up the hill.

posted by Mac Brown

Camp Shorts: Tye Dye

2010-06-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

For best results, press "Play" then "Pause" and wait for the progress bar at the bottom to fill up.

Weekly Reflection: Session 1

2010-06-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

"Every culture in the world has its bread. For some, it's bread like we're used to. For others, it's rice... or it may be manioc... or pulverized seaweed. It is their most basic food. No matter what their bread is... it is that one thing that they cannot live without."
- The Rev. Peggy Blanchard

Quote of the Week: Session 1

2010-06-20T07:03:00.001-07:00

"Camp was one of the best things that could have possibly happened to me. It stopped me from dwelling on things of the past and gave me many, many, many laughs."
- Matt, Session 1

Grace is Better

2010-06-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

After 9 short months in the Diocese of East Tennessee I am finally visiting Grace Point. I am blessed to be serving as the chaplain of camp session 2 with a delightful staff, and some interesting 8th and 9th graders. I am also blessed to be sharing this time with my wife and two sons. The beauty of the surroundings, and the spirit of the community have been refreshing for us.

As part of the camp program the campers had an opportunity to ask questions about the faith. I volunteered to respond. The kids asked some great questions about angels, scripture, other religions, and there was one asked to the side regarding the possibility of parallel universes.

I was reminded that it is o.k. not to have all the answers. In fact, I made a point of reminding the students that God won't love us more if we know everything, or always have an answer. God loves us simply because God wants to. That is grace.

I know that I have felt that love of God this week at Grace Point. The beauty of the earth, and the community of faithful young people is much better than knowing all the answers.

John Mark Wiggers
Rector
St. James, Knoxville

Down to the River to Pray

2010-06-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

The sky was clear with just a few scattered, puffy clouds. Everyone loaded up on the pontoon boat to cross the main channel and then load onto canoes and kayaks for a mid-morning excursion. Sack lunches were packed for the trip, along with plenty of sunscreen.

Our trip took us around Long Island, which sits in the middle of Watts Bar Lake just in front of the Point. ("You mean we're paddling to New York?" asked one camper, with a bit of sarcasm.) The island provides a safe place to paddle around away from the main traffic of the lake.

The lake is a great place to be. It was a hot day... and by hot, I do mean that one could have fried an egg on the pavement. This has been a particularly brutal summer week, with heat warnings and an index of well over 100º. So, we provide plenty of water breaks and move most activities to the shade... or the water.

A quick excursion around to the other side of the island found the group in a small cove and knee-deep water, at which point we settled in for a sack lunch: sandwiches, carrots, apples, and chips. And, of course, plenty of water.

After lunch, everyone pushed their boats to the shoreline to enjoy a little splashing around in the shallows of the cove. It was a welcome relief from the heat.

Joining us on the journey were the Rev. John Mark Wiggers, our chaplain this session, and his family.

Just before we loaded back up to return to the pontoon boat, John Mark gathered everyone around in the river for a short, mid-day devotional.

It's times like this that our location here at Grace Point really shines. We are able to gather for worship in the most unusual places, and on a daily basis.

We returned just as a storm was rolling in on the horizon. Our 2-hour siesta that followed started just in time for the skies to open up above us. Storms aside, it was another great day here at Session 2. We're wrapping up our last full day today, and the campers go home tomorrow morning.

From the Art Barn

2010-06-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

by Abby Burgin, Arts & Crafts

Hello all! I have had a wonderful Session 2 so far, and I do believe the campers have too! The theme in the Art Barn this summer is art made from recycled materials.

Yesterday (Sunday) in the Art Barn, the campers and I broke recycled plates, tiles, and other crazy things we had in the Art Barn to make their mosaic stepping stones. They look great! Tomorrow I think I will seal them, so the stones will be weather proof.

Then today (Monday), we made candles out of granulated wax. The campers made colorful stripes in their empty baby food jars that held the granulated wax. Also, some campers started their “stained glass” lantern that is made from tissue paper glued on to baby food jars. We plan to use these lanterns later on this session for a candle lit Eucharist celebration.

Also today, after a nice, quiet siesta, the campers made their tie dye shirts. I cannot report on how they look, but I’m sure they will be spectacular considering tie dye is impossible to mess up! After tie dye, we hiked to the pool for a nice swim.

The day is coming to an end with a campfire and another trip to the pool for a night swim. We are all excited about tomorrow’s canoe trip and wonderful “Eat This Bread” program that Sam and Brittany have created. More from the Art Barn later!

Session 2 Begins!

2010-06-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

After a couple of days off, the staff members returned to prepare for our second camp session. Campers arrived yesterday afternoon.

As is life at summer camp, and in most everything, things seldom go exactly according to plan. It's summer, and it's East Tennessee. The threat of "scattered thunderstorms" looms daily around here, and though the sun may be out, it may still be raining and thundering. So after a quick rearrangement of the opening day schedule, we headed down to the chapel for some games while the thunder storm passed by. Then it was off to the pool for swim tests.

Despite the rain delay it was a glorious first day of camp. "Do You Love Your Neighbor?" lasted quite a while, followed by a few other large group games. And we were still able to make it up to the pool for a while before dinner.

Our session directors this week are Brittany Keehan and Sam Hughes. Both were on staff last year, and offered to take a session this year. It's exciting to have them here in the roles of session directors. They have taken the shell of the summer theme, "Eat This Bread," and developed it in their own way. More on that as the week progresses, but suffice it to say that Sam and Brittany have done an amazing job with the program design.

Session 1 Photo Round-up!

2010-06-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Though it feels like we just started, our first session of camp is about to wrap up. The campers go home tomorrow. Tonight is Frank's famous rib night, and some of the campers are out on the porch right now baking bread for the Celebration of Holy Eucharist that will follow.

We talked yesterday about bread. The campers were asked to list characteristics of bread. Words like "soft" and "fluffy" and "sweet" popped up quickly, and then the list moved to "filling" and "nourishing."

Honing in on the concept of bread as nourishment, the campers noted that nourishment can come in the form of presence, sharing, caring, giving, and welcoming. And so we come to ourselves as bread in the world.

Grace Point is a place to knead the dough. All the ingredients are there, but a little attention to the mix can bring them all together and create something wonderful!

Making candles.

Lifeguard Dustin.

Friendship bracelets.

Art barn.

Picking green beans.

Archers on your marks!

Session 1 Group Photo

2010-06-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

And here we go...

2010-06-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

As I zipped down the hill this morning, I noticed the light fog hanging over Watts Bar Lake and couldn't resist the urge to head down to the point for just a moment. It was a little before 7:00. The glow of the rising sun shone through a cloud over the horizon and cast a near-perfect image over the water.

Camp has begun. The participants of Camp 1 arrived yesterday afternoon, and the weather held out for them to get swim tests out of the way before gathering for some program time in the chapel.

Right now folks are enjoying a sunny morning outside with field games, and in the art barn creating mosaics. Smashing old plates is always fun... especially in the name of art. It's our first full day of camp, and everything seems to be going quite well.

Last night saw a scavenger hunt that led to an enticing award: cookies. A little worship for the end of the day followed, and it didn't take long for the campers to fall asleep. The sign of a successful camp day: they go to be tired, not wired.

In the midst of the fun and games out here this week, the Camp 1 participants are going through training in Peer Ministry. Think of it as "Stephen Ministry" for high-school. When all is said and done, these 18 young people will be called to a ministry of listening, supporting, reaching out to the marginalized, and welcoming the stranger. Some will accept that call, and some may not. But in the end, they will all be equipped with skills to listen and respond.

Youth are one of the Church's most amazing assets. The diversity of personalities this week, the variety of "social circles" from which these campers arrive for camp, demonstrate the beauty of our faith. As Christians, it is our call to welcome all who come, all who seek, all who knock. Watching such an array of personalities, from the athletic folks to the book worms, share in this community, is inspiring. No one questions the community.

We are working here to foster that community as best we can, and to send these young people back out into the world with a new skill of servant ministry. After all, if our young people cannot do it, who can?

2010 Camp Season is Here!

2010-06-03T07:23:00.001-07:00

View from the Point, June 2, 2010, 11:50pm.

It's hard to believe, but our first campers arrive tomorrow!

I headed down to the Point last night around midnight. The sky was mostly clear and the Big Dipper was directly overhead. Everything was quiet, save for the occasional splash of a fish jumping or a frog on the lake shore or a bird calling in the distance. Absent were the sounds of highway traffic, boats, and airplanes. All was calm.

The camp staffers have been here since Sunday, working to prepare the camp facility and the activities for this summer's camp session. The grass is cut. The art barn has been cleaned and organized. The pool has been awakened from its winter sleep. The archery range is ready to go. Trail maintenance is in progress.

And through all of this, I was reminded last night of what Grace Point is and can be in the midst of busy schedules and crowed "to do" lists. This is a place away from our regular, noisy dwelling places. The stars are clearly visible, and their lights are supported by a subtle orchestra in and around the lake.

And so we begin our summer camp season here on Watts Bar Lake. Welcome summer, welcome campers!