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By Lauren Bell, Calvary UMC Youth Group
In June, youth from Calvary UMC in Harrisburg went on a four-day woodsy retreat to Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center in Weikert, Pa. Previously, we would use trips to Wesley Forest as an escape from parents and school or as an opportunity to connect with nature, build friendships, and be closer to God.
This past winter, Wesley Forest experienced a terrible storm which uprooted trees and left the camp in disarray. To ensure the safety of the summer campers and restore Wesley Forest to its former glory, we spent our retreat time helping to clean up and learning the importance of caring for the Earth.
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Among the many jobs we completed were extensive yard work around Penns Creek Lodge, removing tree branches and other foliage from paths, and planting flowers around the entrance sign. We ensured that summer campers had clean facilities, like bathhouses and the craft cabin, and safe trails to explore the camp and experience the beauty of nature that surrounds them.
We worked together on large projects helping build teamwork and strong connections with one another. When everyone relied on one another to accomplish a goal, friendship and understanding blossomed, and inside jokes abounded.
All this hard work could not have been accomplished without the different skills found within each youth. From one’s knowledge of landscaping, to another’s understanding of gardening, as well as compassion, hard work, high energy, and an obsession with a leaf blower, job after job was completed beyond expectations.
You may be wondering, “All this hard work seems exhausting and unfair for the kids”. Well, we found time to enjoy some fun, playing 9-square, spoons, gaga ball, and other games, as well as Bible study and, oh yeah, even a trip into town for ice cream!
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Every challenge, obstacle, or job was completed and overcome through hard work and determination from the youth and loving donations from friends, family, and other members of our church. The youth can honestly say that they had a blast and are looking forward to when they can do it all again.
Calvary’s youth would like to thank Volunteers In Mission (VIM) for helping to organize the trip and the projects. And another thank you to the staff at Wesley Forest for hosting us. We’ll be back in the spring!
