Editor’s Note
by Editor(s)

Camp began early this year and ended late. As we go to press, it has been three weeks since camp officially ended and we still have a couple of folks staying on. Those who came early arrived to find lists thrust into their hands: some were put in charge of grocery shopping for our first weekend at the Alpen Acres (3 meals for 80 people), others were running to the printer to make copies of material for both the yourth and adult programs, men were delegated to set up chairs for our meetings and build campfires, and even the children were weeding at the motel and cleaning the pool.

When Elliot Coatney’s welcome sign was unfurled and folks gathered the first night to eat supper, catch up with old friends and greet new ones, we had truly experienced a week of life in a large family in which all did their jobs with a spirit of cooperation and fun. Of course, Christ cooperates with Christ and has a good time doing it!

After camp many people stayed on, both children and adults, and camp really never stopped. Problems that had surfaced could be handled in depth, as various folks, in groups or one on one, freely shared their hearts and received the experience, strength and hope of others in return. Some made decisions about what they believe for the first time, and others saw changes God was calling them (Himself as them) to make in their lives.

The young folks had a glorious time and loved being together, yet had time to help each other with the problems of being a teenager heading into adulthood or a child becoming a young adult. And we all joined together for some excursions, such as our abortive attempt to see the Hickory Crawdads baseball team in a downpour only to end up, forty of us, singing humns in the parking lot of Chi Chi’s. We later made it to a sunny game and enjoyed explaining "double plays" and "ground rule doubles" to our British and Irish friends.

We were thrilled with the maturity in so many—not that people have progressed or "gotten better," but have had their awareness of their true calling expanded. Norman used to talk to us about "children, young men and fathers." This year there was evidence that more folks are seeing they are laid down sacrificial life for others, fathers who have "known Him who is from the beginning." We truly missed those of you who were not able to be with us and eagerly look forward to being with you another time, hopefully soon. To those who came, love and heartfelt thanks from your Boone family. It was great!