LYNCHBURG, Va.—It’s official. July 2012 is on record as the hottest month in the country since recordkeeping began in 1895, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sweltering temperatures combined with intense storms that plunged thousands into darkness presented challenges for camps and summer mission activities that are in full-swing this time of year.
A rare system of thunderstorms known as a derecho ravaged the Mid-Atlantic region on June 29. Especially hard hit by the severe storm was the Lynchburg, Va. area, where several groups and a large number of CentriKid campers were on campus at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center.
A Slip ‘n Slide was a popular at Crossroads Camp as campers stayed cool. On the slide is Amy Smith of Cool Spring Baptist Church, directly behind her are Rebekah McQuigg of Rocks Baptist in Pamplin, Sarah Weaver of Calvary Baptist in Rocky Mount, N.C., and Melissa Marchand from the Virginia Tech BCM.
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A tractor trailer that overturned on U.S. 501 near Eagle Eyrie stranded a group staying at the Hoover Center who had gone into Lynchburg for the evening. They spent the night at the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Department until the wreckage and downed trees could be removed.
Fortunately the campus at Eagle Eyrie sustained little damage, says Nathan White, director of communications and marketing. The immediate need was the removal of several trees blocking roads. There was light damage to one lodge and debris, but overall the campus was spared.
The storm did result in the loss of electricity and phone service at Eagle Eyrie for seven days. A week of CentriKid camp had to be cancelled, but many campers scheduled to attend that week were able to come the following week.
Food service was a challenge, says White, adding that despite the soaring heat, George Saunders and his food service crew grilled out and served meals at the picnic pavilion so guests didn’t go hungry. With the length of the outage, there was loss of frozen and refrigerated food items.
During the week without electricity, the staff still reported each day. The maintenance and housekeeping staff cut grass and cleaned lodges. Office staff relied extensively on cell phones, says White. Director Rod Miller was in touch with other retreat groups affected by the storm and staff made final preparations for the Missions Connection Celebration, not only hosted but planned by Eagle Eyrie staff this year.
Due to the extreme heat coolers of bottled water were provided for campers to make sure everyone stayed hydrated, says White. And free time at the pool was more popular than ever.
Plenty of water and frequent breaks were necessary for students working on outdoor projects at Impact Virginia this summer.
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“It’s been a great summer at Eagle Eyrie with attendance up for all camps,” White admits. An unexpected visitor spotted several times by security guards and early morning joggers was a small black bear who left a paw print on a Jacuzzi cover at the Hoover Center. Guests were asked to keep trash in their lodges, but the bear kept its distance until later captured by Lynchburg Animal Control and released into a national land, more than 100 miles away.
Reuben Todd, director of Crossroads Camp and Conference Center in Lowesville, Va., says the higher elevation of the camp typically means more relief from the summer heat. But it didn’t allow them to escape a week without electricity. The Friday night storm came during its closing program. Without power they were not able to take calls from concerned parents, but campers left the next day with no problem.
A week of camp was cancelled and counselors were sent home until power was restored. As evidenced by a photo placed on its Facebook page, counselors had a great time eating from tubs of ice cream and some took it home with them.
Around 450 campers enjoyed the activities and tracks offered at Crossroads this year. Todd says ample water was provided and schedules were altered at times because of the heat. Water games, including a 120’ long Slip ‘n Slide, were very popular with campers trying to keep cool.
Located along the Piankatank River in Hartfield, Va., Piankatank Camp and Conference Center never lost power for more than a few minutes, says director Steve Gourley. “It worked out to where most of our storms were at night and we didn’t have to cancel any daytime activities due to weather.”
It’s not unusual for campouts to be cancelled when storms are forecast, says Gourley, and on one occasion when that happened this year, campers enjoyed worship with the praise band from Bridge Port Church in Gloucester, Va., and 15 campers made professions of faith.
In addition to about 740 campers, Piankatank also had a few unexpected visitors. Gourley says campers were delighted to find a pod of dolphins swimming around their sailboats in Stamper’s Bay, just off the shores of the camp.
Impact Virginia teams providing home repair and renovation for the needy at four camps this year had a hot job.
“The biggest issue was making sure students took frequent breaks and got lots of water,” says Glenn Maddox, mission events and development coordinator for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board’s glocal missions team. Once projects have been selected, he says, participants pitched in to complete outdoor tasks—even those involving being on a roof.
Storms did interrupt power to the Chesterfield camp on the last night. And an approaching storm at the Appomattox camp one afternoon necessitated a quick change of plans as dinner was moved from an outside tent.
Approximately 750 youth and adults were involved in Impact this summer. Maddox says 26 students who are interested in keeping the excitement from camp year-round were identified as PHREAKS (People Having Radical Excitement About Kingdom Stuff). The group will share ideas and experiences in their communities and work toward developing a missional lifestyle.
All in all, neither heat or storms nor lack of electricity prevented participants from enjoying a great mission experience during an unusually hot summer.
Barbara Francis (bfrancis@religiousherald.org) is on the staff of the Religous Herald.