The only thing I requested for our trip home to Michigan was the timing. I wanted it to coincide with the week of the camp so that I could take the kids for a visit. Throughout my childhood and for the majority of my adulthood, Sae Jong Camp was a part of my life. This year on visiting day, many of the people who founded the camp some 37 years ago were being honored. These were people of my parents’ generation – their friends – who were the leaders of camp when I was a child. Many of their older children were my counselors. Proving that what’s old is new again, Doug, who was the director when I was a camper, is now the director again after a 20+ year hiatus. During that time, he’s been present at camp, providing guidance and bringing his twins since they were 4 years old (they’re now 16!).
Also amazing was seeing all of my old counselors and friends, who are now sending their own children to camp. I counted about 17 second generation campers. One mother I met had an adopted sister who who attended the camp and she now had an adopted daughter who was a camper (so cool). It was also so gratifying to see so many of my old campers who are now the leaders and counselors of camp. It wasn’t until after I left camp that it became important and real to me that I would want to send my own children to camp one day. In a few years, they’ll be old enough to attend and I’m so thankful to all of those who have kept camp going and thriving!Despite the rainy weather, Camp Westminster and Higgins Lake were as beautiful as ever. To spend even a few hours there with my family was awesome. I know we’ll be back there soon, hopefully with a camper or two in tow. I can’t wait.
