Celebrating40Years in the Outdoor Classroom - The Chewonki ...

In the middle of the service, we are treated to a skit
based on a story with a theme or parable that we can apply to
life at Chewonki. Earlier skits have included Dr. Seuss’s The
Lorax. Campers are always surprised to learn that this book was
first published in 1971, and saddened to learn that we still
haven’t solved our environmental challenges in the almost 40
years since then. This summer we enjoyed a presentation by
the Jungle cabin of Leo Lionni’s Pezzettino. The moral of this
story is that we all have unique elements to our personality,
elements that are so valuable in a community like Chewonki
and in our larger home communities.
Guides director Jason Chandler considers Sunday Service a
time of peace and calm, away from the bustle of camp life.
“Time slows down, you remember where you are and why and
what lies beyond Chewonki Neck. The words and lessons of
campers and counselors are filled with light and space in that
forested clearing. And the lessons shared there tend to infiltrate
your life outside Chewonki.”
Jason also speaks movingly about one of the greatest gifts he
received last summer. “At the final Sunday Service, I stood up
to give thanks to friends and colleagues and to former campers
of mine who were now counselors. I shared feelings I hadn’t yet
described—fatherly feelings of seeing those you have taught
and counseled grow into themselves and help others in
turn. I had spent the previous three summers
away from Chewonki. On return,
to see my former
campers Matt Weeks, Charlie
Fear, Sam Pelgrift, and Zack Alfonse all
working hard and well as counselors was fulfilling in
unforeseen ways. It was a huge part of my wonderful welcome back
into the Chewonki community.”
Papa Osprey Wiley Robinson recalls a significant turning point
for one of his campers during Sunday Service. “I had a camper this
past summer who made it a point to let us all know that he would
definitely break down during the final Sunday Service because it
reminded him of how much he loved not only Sunday Service but
Chewonki as a whole.” Remember, Ospreys are teenage boys, who
are not known for their introspection!
While I know Sunday Service will probably never rank at the top
of the list of favorite Chewonki activities such as Rocks, dodgeball,
or a cabin trip, I know our campers are often surprised to realize
that some quiet time for reflection is indeed valuable, especially in a
community as busy as ours. Our final Sunday Service is traditionally
held at the Point, at the southern tip of our peninsula. During one
final service, an Osprey took flight over the water within view of the
entire camp. I will never forget the collective “Wow” that was
uttered by our community. It was a symbolic moment as our
campers prepared to take wing and head home.
On Sundays during the school year I try to incorporate a little
Chewonki Sunday Service into my morning. Sometimes I think of a
favorite song such as “Willie’s Song” or “Caledonia.” At other times
I go for a quiet walk to listen to and observe the world around me. I
also try to find a few moments to give thanks for the many blessings
in my life, including my place in the Chewonki community.
It is my hope that our campers will also find time to
connect with the lessons of a Chewonki Sunday
Service throughout their lives, as children or
adults, campers or counselors. ■
Garth Altenburg is the director of
Chewonki Camp for Boys.
JOCK MONTGOMERY