Fun-filled day camp to be held

One of my fondest youth memories was seeing the night sky for the first time. I grew up on Long Island, about 50 miles east of New York City. Our night skies allowed only the brightestof stars to shine through the glare of night and light pollution. This memory takes me to upstate New York. Our pastor took us on a night hike to a huge meadow. Our pastor told us to turn off our flashlights, close our eyes, and lie down on our backs. Then we were told to open our eyes and we all became silent. The night sky was brilliant with stars of all intensity levels. I remember lying in the cool grass while constellations and the Milky Way were pointed out. I was enthralled by the vastness and beauty of the vision in front of me. This was holy space.This was holy time. In that moment, God the Creator became alive for and to me. There in the silence, as the beauty of God?s creative skies arched over us, my faith deepened.

This holy experience took place because my parents saw the value in allowing me to attendchurch camp. Through the years of my youth I attended Camp Koinonia, a Lutheran camp in upstate New York. To this day, I treasure the memories made on that mountain. I felt and knew that Jesus loved me amid the laughter, the bunkbed whisperings, canoe trips, prayer walks, fireside cookouts, silly songs, crafts, and the bonding with friends! Through the experience of attending a Christian camp, my faith flourished in our living God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Camp Koinonia is where the nudging of becoming a pastor began for me.

Immanuel Lutheran Church (1226 E. Washington, Washington) and Camp EWALU are offering a fun filled, exhilarating day camp experience for children. Energetic camp counselors from Camp EWALU, Strawberry Point, will be leading a weeklong, daycamp at Immanuel Lutheran. Children, who will be entering first-to-sixth grade in September, will dive into ?watery? Bible stories that shower them with awareness of God?s love for them - especially the lifegiving grace God gives us through Jesus Christ. The theme for this day camp experience is ?The Water of Life? reminding us of the promise found in Isaiah 43:2 ?When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.?

Immanuel?s day camp will be held Monday, June 26 ? Friday, June 30. Parents, you are themost important people in the formation of your children?s faith. Let Immanuel help you either: get your children on the path to faith formation or help you to continue deepening the faith of your children. Register your child(ren) for a week of celebrating God?s steadfast love and commitment to us. At EWALU day camp, children may hear the beginning nudge into a life of pastoral ministry. Call Immanuel Lutheran, 653-3950, to register or to receive more information about creating a life-long, holy memory.