Being Presbyterian

Growing Together at Geddie – One Plants, another waters. . . .

“Hands up if church camping has been a significant part of your life.” That request was made at a gathering of most of the clerks of our church’s presbyteries and synods, who gather every two years, usually in Mississauga, to discuss matters of concern particularly as they relate to the courts of the church.

Hands went up all around the room. Mine included.

Are there any statistics that indicate a strong relationship between church camping and leadership in the church in later years? I don’t know, but neither have I any doubt that such a link exists.

Camp songs, the buddy system for swimming, Bible study in the shade of a tree, raising your hand to call for silence, Johnny Appleseed and other mealtime singing to bless God for the food, instant friendships, birds running down the beach or whirling or hovering overhead, sometimes the beginnings of romance – all of these stay with campers long after they have grown up and perhaps left camping behind. Though many return as teens and adults in leadership roles.

Often it is at camp that people learn church can have strong elements of fun, that laughter and the gospel can cheerfully co-exist, and that care for the environment is very much a central concern for followers of Jesus.

My church camping experience was in Manitoba (as a very young child) and at Glen Mhor in Ontario when it was on Lake Simcoe. But moving to Nova Scotia in the early ‘90s brought me close to an enormously enthusiastic crowd of staff, campers and alumni of Camp Geddie. And of course close, also, to the fine and growing camping facility on the Northumberland Strait near Merogimish. With sunsets that take your breath away. And the salty smell of the sea.

More than one person has called Geddie “a thin place,” a phrase from Celtic Christianity
where it seems heaven and earth are very close.

The most recent development at Geddie is the purchase of more than 40 acres, including a very well-kept “mature” house. The land is waterfront and borders the existing camp property, allowing for expansion of activities and also a measure of security for the young lives enjoying the camp. That same security might not be there if the property had been bought, say, by a developer for a trailer park or a campground.

When the property came up for sale there was a flurry of activity involving the Camp Geddie Committee and various members of the Synod of the Atlantic Provinces.

“How much do they want for it?”

“Can we raise the money?”

“Will people be willing to donate?”

And so on.

The property is mostly paid for and members of the Growing Together Committee are optimistic about the rest.

The camp has a few detractors, some in presbyteries that do not use the facility or have their own camps, for which they want and need financial support. But there may well be individuals, AMS groups and others from those presbyteries who see the value of an excellent Synod camp and want to contribute to the campaign.

And Geddie certainly has its fans, to the point that in recent years the camp has, reluctantly, had to turn people away because of too many applications and not enough room. The Growing Together campaign is designed to begin expanding the camp and its programmes so that such disappointments stop.

The 2008 summer season included Family Camp, a wonderful Leadership-in-Training (LIT) programme for future camp (and church) leaders, and various camps for children and youth.

Summertime has averaged more than 600 children and young people, more than half of whom are from other branches of the church, or with no church affiliation so far in their lives. Geddie has a reputation for trustworthiness – and fun – beyond any Presbyterian boundaries. And for some, it will be the first step into the world of the gospel of God’s love.

And that’s just the summertime.

The rest of the year various groups and organizations use the facilities, with church events generally under the direction of the camp’s Agape sub-committee. Agape (pronounced AH-GUH-pay) is one of the Greek words for love, specifically the love that is displayed in actions rather than feelings. Seasonal events (Advent and Lent), retreats for prayer and reflections, music, worship and educational events are all part of the menu.

John Bell of Scotland’s Iona Community led an event at the camp in mid-February, his second visit to the Synod. Other gatherings in recent years include a Presbyterian Mens’ Conference, Cursillo, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, L’Arche, St. Francis Xavier University Chaplaincy, and various congregational groups. Whew! Does Geddie meet a need? Of course.

The seeds we plant today will help the growth for tomorrow. One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase (cf. 1 Cor 3:6).

And you will find rest. . . .

The most recent project at Geddie is the development of a small retreat centre for church leaders – clergy and lay. The Smith House came with the recently-purchased property and is available for Presbyterian and ecumenical guests at very reasonable cost.
It’s a place to get away, relax, read, pray, walk and reflect. While not specifically in response to the February issue of the Record’s article on clergy stress, organizers are aware of people’s need for Sabbath time. Some may use it as a time for self-directed study.

The property features a charming storey and a half rural home, two bedrooms each with a queen-sized bed, one bathroom, large living-dining room, study, eat-in kitchen with pantry, dishes and utensils, a beautiful backyard, radio, TV and DVD player. Sheets and towels are provided.

People need to bring their own food, toiletries, books, CDs and DVDs, if wanted, though not pets since other users may have allergies. There’s no smoking in the building. A $100.00 refundable damage deposit is required when booking. The house is available for any period from one overnight stay to two weeks.

It’s part of the Camp Geddie property, and initial funding is being provided by the Experimental Fund of our denomination.

Priority is given to leaders within the Synod of the Atlantic Provinces, but it is also open to other Presbyterians throughout Canada and to ecumenical partners.

Anyone wishing to inquire or book the facility may contact the Director at 902-926-2632 or smithhouse@campgeddie.ca.

Glenn Cooper recently retired as minister of St. Andrew’s Church, Westville NS, Clerk of Synod, and host of a syndicated Sunday radio programme called The Hymn Book. Information on the camp and the Smith House is at campgeddie.ca