Even though our summer camp season is over and we’ve highlighted our staffs’ favorite places, there are still several wonderful spots that weren’t chosen. But they are somebody’s favorite! To conclude the summer, we’ll keep showcasing the rest of Camp Mount Luther’s top spots. If you’ve been to camp, can you recall any memories from these spots? If you haven’t had the fortune to explore camp’s beauty, use your imagination… and come for a visit!
Just behind Pine Village, tucked in the trees, lie two Adirondack shelters. Built in 1991 during a work day (talk about a work day!), the wooden structures have seen many an overnight and bible study. Campers enjoy overnights there, cozy and protected and yet still close to nature in the three-sided buildings.
Although large, they’re unassuming, blending in with the trees as brush creeps around the threshold. Built of wood, the ‘Dacks, as they’re nicknamed, are humble yet useful structures. They aren’t flashy. There’s no view, no altar, no towering trunk, no fanfare. And yet, when you walk by them, they seem to call you to come rest a while.
Have you ever read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein? If you haven’t: spoiler alert. At the end of the book, the “boy” (now an old man), has used up all of his beloved tree for his life’s exploits. All that’s left of her is a stump. But that’s all the old man needs at the end of his life—a place to sit and rest. And so, he sits on the stump, reunited with his tree in a redemptive way.
Going to the ‘Dacks is sort of like going back to the old tree stump. Here are Silverstein’s words from the last two pages, rewritten for the ‘Dacks:
“I don’t need very much now,” said the camper, “Just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”
“Well,” said the ‘Dacks, straightening themselves up as much as they could, “well, an old lean-to is good for sitting and resting. Come, camper, sit down. Sit down and rest.”
And the camper did. And the ‘Dacks were happy.
Adapted from the work of Shel Silverstein.
Next time you’re at camp, think of the humble ‘Dacks. If you’re feeling tired, they just might be the restful place you need. They aren’t fancy. They’ve been well loved. But they’re still strong and ready to serve.