News from Camp Galilee

News from Camp Galilee by Chelsea Arcaris A summer camp experience is unique for each individual, with common threads of joy and adventure. The Galilee Summer of 2014 was just that, a time to explore, challenge ourselves, and laugh. Galilee served 317 people, exceeding previous years and requiring that more space be created for the eager campers. An additional teepee was built on the north side of camp with a gorgeous lakefront view. Campers were ecstatic to have a new camp living experience in the two teepees, named Jeffery and Aspen for their locations among the trees. The number of campers grew from all over the region, but especially from the Las Vegas area. Seventy-one campers, the majority from All Saints and Christ Church, joined in the fun this year. The influx of campers widened the camp’s diversity and created an atmosphere of discovery and understanding. Spirituality is never limited to chapel and the Eucharist at Galilee. Galilee has been said to be a place where the line between the physical world and the spiritual world hang very closely together - where children can explore and grow in their spirituality. Galilee’s theme for 2014 was “Sow What?” which prompted conversations about growing within our community, our world, and ourselves. We planted wildflowers by our outdoor chapel and with them sowed our hopes for humanity. Off-site adventures brought us close to nature and ourselves. As the lake was much lower this year, kayak trips presented a completely new world, discovering the rock formations that had once been under water. One kayaking group was even visited by the elusive "Episco-pirates,” who shared with them their buried treasure of trail mix packed full of Laurie's beloved granola. Some older groups ventured down the South Tahoe Rim Trail for their overnight excursion and found a campsite perfect for games, cooking, and sleeping under the stars. One personal story stands out for me. Our first full day with the youngest campers will remind me why I am here and why Galilee is so important. As we got ready for our big kayak trip, I had one young girl that was more animated than the other campers were. She had never kayaked before and was brimming with excitement for her part in this grand adventure. While others groaned about putting on sunscreen and finding a buddy, she did it all with a huge smile on her face. She could barely contain herself and would burst out with exclamations of joy saying, "This is the best day ever!" and "The water is so beautiful!" Her enthusiasm lit something inside of me. Camp is about exploration and discovery; she not only found a love of kayaking but also a place in nature where she felt happy. As the summer progressed, I tried to emulate her desire to take on every new experience with a big smile on my face and my hands outstretched, hoping to bring others along on this wonderful adventure of summer camp at Galilee! Summer of 2014 at Galilee Episcopal Camp was definitely one for the books! We look forward to seeing many of our campers again next summer, but if you can't wait that long check out both our Winter Camp in February and Leadership Camp in March 2015! We can’t wait to see you there!

CAMP GALILEE CALENDAR

   

Jan 15 - Online Registration Opens Feb 13 – Winter Camp Mar 20 – Youth Leadership Camp Aug 2 – Family Camp

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.galileetahoe.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (775) 749-5546 Mail: PO Box 236, Glenbrook, NV 89413