Music, Arts, and so much more...

Apologies to the 3 people who actually read this thing for my recent absence- the last few weeks have been all about getting ready for and attending Music and Arts Week at Camp Sumatanga. I started out going to MAW as a camper (1997-2000), then as a CIT/youth counselor (2001-2004), Nurse's Assistant/Intern (2005-2006), and finally as Camp Nurse (2007-2010). It's actually very difficult to explain exactly what something is when it has so many different dimensions, but MAW is essentially a week focused on growing closer to God through music (choir, handbells, guitar, etc) and art (crafts, drama, banners, photography, etc), but also through recreation, devotions, small groups, hiking, and several other activities. The campers (children and youth divisions) follow a schedule each day which includes several choir rehearsals, sectionals (youth)/theory (children), 2 classes of choice, free time, morning watch/vespers, and an evening activity (games, scavenger hunts, movie, swimming, talent show) and the week ends Friday night with a concert showcasing the music learned through the week from their respective clinician (one local, one national). Our theme this year was Day by Day: Christ was fully human, fully divine, and we spent the week studying Christ's birth, youth, teaching, crucifixion, and resurrection. So many of the people at MAW are people that I ONLY see at MAW so every year is not only a wonderful reunion and chance to catch up, but also a continuation of a very special shared part of our spiritual journey. See, something I've failed to mention so far is that Sumatanga is in Gallant, Alabama... in the woods... at the foot of a mountain... right- no cell service... and VERY limited internet access. Personally, I think this is fantastic! I can honestly say that I love the idea of turning off my phone for a solid week and being away from the stresses of the rest of the world. It's a chance to re-center on what is truly important without getting bogged down in technology and worldly demands.
The past few years have been tough on MAW and Camp Sumatanga- camper numbers dropped and Sumatanga almost closed last year due to financial issues. Thankfully, I can happily report that our numbers were up this year and that Sumatanga is no longer in danger! We held a children's choir festival earlier this year and several participants joined us at MAW as new campers and staff members, and Teresa and Jenn did a fabulous job of recruiting new churches! If anyone reading this knows anyone who might be interested in MAW 2011, PLEASE let me know- I'd be happy to get them some info!

The photo montage slide show is currently under construction to include Friday's concert, so that will be posted as soon as possible (along with the commercial currently being edited!), but for now, here are some of my favorite pics from the week!


Camp Sumatanga lodge


Youth opening prayer


Children's Vespers drama


Youth at the chapel after hiking up the mountain


Children's Vespers- group on the rock


Elizabeth leading Beiber fans in a hall sing-a-long


Camper weirdness


Counselor weirdness


Staff/counselor late-night fun with photoshop!


Children's drama- The Giving Tree- amazing...


Kids enjoying Janet's Harry story- a camp classic!


Girls' hall picture before the concert!


Visit from Peter and Amanda!


Children- "Let's Celebrate!"


Youth girls belt it out


Youth showing some clinician love


Children's Counselors and Staff


Me and the wonderful children's Mean... I mean Dean :) Love you, Jenn!


Will and me- amazing how we see each other more during a normal week than at camp (he works with the youth and sleeps in Eva (staff hut) and I spend more time treating kids so I sleep on the girls' hall).

Finally, everytime I leave Sumatanga I think of a certain Bebo Norman song. "Walk Down This Mountain" is about the difficulty of leaving any mountain-top experience for a return to the Real World, which a) hasn't stopped since you've been away and b) hasn't had the amazing mind/heart-changing experiences you have had. I leave you now with the lyrics...

It's a better place
Standing high upon this mountain
I've seen your face
Full of the light that only this height can show
Blistered hand is what you you've given
But you've been given all you'll ever need
To know

Chorus:
So walk down this mountain
With your heart held high
Follow in the footsteps of your maker
With this love that's gone before you
And these people at your side
If you offer up your broken cup
You will taste the meaning of this life
Hey hey

Well it's a common ground
And I see you're all still standing
But just look around and you'll find
The very face of God
He's walking down into the distance
He's walking down to where the masses are

We're standing in a place of peace
And this is how the world should be
How the world should be
(Walk down this mountain with your heart held high)
How the world should be
(Walk down this mountain with you heart held high)
How the world should be
(Walk down this mountain with your heart held high)
How the world should be