Friday Five: Summer Camp

Mother Laura wants to know about summer camp - which, I admit, is not one of my favorite topics. But I'm stuck in the middle of a funeral sermon at the moment and I need to do something else for awhile, so even though I'm not big on camp (or camping), I'll give it a shot.

1. Did you go to sleep away camp, or day camp, as a child? Wish you could? Or sometimes wish you hadn't?

Just went one year, to a vaguely-Christian-but-more-focus-on-horses camp. It was okay. I don't really like horses - more specifically, I don't like riding them. They scare me. I did have fun with friends, though.

2. How about camping out? Dream vacation, nightmare, or somewhere in between?

My idea of camping = Motel 6. Enough said.

3. Have you ever worked as a camp counselor, or been to a camp for your denomination for either work or pleasure?

I would have been a horrible camp counselor when I was the right age to do that, because I was much too shy. My first congregation was only 15 miles from our local denominational camp, however, and I grew to really love camp after nine years of working closely with the staff there. I did lots of teaching, spent a fair amount of time during all seasons at camp, and really enjoyed it. Definitely a turning point for me - now I understand why people are so enthusiastic about summer camp.

4. Most dramatic memory of camp, or camping out?

I had to pee in the woods. Again - enough said.

5. What is your favorite camp song or songs? Bonus points if you link to a recording or video.

My favorite is called "Blessed Be the Lord our God of Israel." I you-tubed this, but all I got was a few videos on the rapture and several options involving the 1967 6-day war. So, no video. But sing along if you know it!

Blessed be the Lord our God of Israel
from everlasting (where?) to everlasting (oh!)
Blessed the the Lord our God of Israel
from everlasting (where?) to everlasting (oh!)
And all God's people say Amen (AMEN!)
And all God's people say Amen (AMEN!)
And all God's peple say A-meh-eh-eh-en...Praise the Lord!
Woop woop (here we go here we go)
Woop woop (one more time)
Woop woop (yeah)