Throwback Thursday: Temple of the Trees is timeless
So, the story with Temple of the Trees goes that back in the 1930s, the chapel was wooden/log benches. Campers gathered each morning here at the chapel to hear an encouraging message from the Bible and sing songs. Each day, each camper brought a rock with him or herself, and eventually, there were enough that the stone masons could build the stone benches, lectern, etc.
Isn't that a great illustration for camp in general? Over many years, many campers, from many backgrounds, have set foot on this property, loved it, learned in it, felt at home within it, taken something out of it, and moved on. It has stayed the same over the years (Camp Ernst has been on its present property since 1930), yet been changed by the tens of thousands of individuals whose lives IT has changed.
Kids still go to chapel and sing songs and gain encouragement. The benches we sit on today were built by the stones carried by other kids, in another era. There is SUCH rich history and tradition here, yet we add something new to camp each summer. What will you do this summer that could impact kids' lives 80+ years in the future?
Ernstlove,
eli