Before we leave the idyllic days of summer behind, it is worthwhile to look back on one of the season’s iconic moments - summer camp. A week when children spend time with their peers, playing games, and enjoying the great outdoors. A group of 35 young people from Good Shepherd, ranging from middle to high schoolers, attended Camp Tomah Shinga the second week in June doing just that. The enthusiasm with which Reese and Davin speak of their week at camp suggests they experienced more than an average summer camp.
Camp Tomah Shinga is located in a wooded area just outside of Junction City, Kansas, and serves the churches of the Central States Synod. They provide the prerequisite camp activities: canoeing on the river which is a short five-minute hike from camp, two ropes courses, archery, and a water day with slip-and-slide kickball. Activities are offered both morning and afternoon, and after dinner there are games for everyone in camp. Capture the flag was a favorite of both Reese and Davin.
Davin and Reese were also both enthusiastic about the counselors. Reese says, “The leaders had a deep connection to Tomah Shinga. They wanted to be there to share that with [us].” Davin, too, appreciated the “helpful and funny” counselors as well as the fun games, but declares that Tomah Shinga has “great food, which is the most important part.” The privilege of going first to get food in the mess hall was earned through answering trivia questions correctly about the counselors or camp.
Tomah Shinga, however, offers something more than other camps. The most important feature of Tomah Shinga is not the river that runs through it, the ropes courses, or even the great food. Camp Tomah Shinga helps children experience Christ through God’s Word. Campers open their day, even before breakfast, with Bible study. Another hour mid-morning is devoted to applying God’s Word to their personal stories. During the week, campers keep journals and also collect “stuff” to put in boxes to help tell these stories. And each day ends with worship. In a momentous final evening of camp, the entire group hikes up a mountain for a huge campfire. Campers carry a rock that they have painted during the week to leave on the rock cross located at the top of the hill, knowing the paint will wash off when it rains. There are stories, songs, s’mores, closing worship, and an enthusiastic shouting of the Lord’s Prayer. Finally, campers spend the night sleeping outdoors under the stars. What better way to connect to the majesty of God’s creation!
In the middle of Camp Tomah Shinga there is a three-dimensional prayer pole. Every time the campers walk by, they place their hand on it and say a prayer. If they walk by in a group, one child touches the pole and others touch the shoulders of the person offering a prayer. Campers practice not only sharing their lives with God but sharing their faith with one another. It is easy to understand why Reese and Davin were quick to say, given a chance, they would 100% go back to Camp Tomah Shinga.
It is through the generosity of the members of Good Shepherd that we have been able to make camp affordable for all families, ensuring every child has the opportunity for this experience. This summer we were able to make 35 of our young people’s dream of going to camp a reality. It is with grateful hearts that the young people of Good Shepherd, especially Reese and Davin, say “Thank you!” for your support.
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