The days began with reveille and ended with taps. In between, Camp Wawona alumni worshiped, shared memories and reconnected with friends, former conference youth directors and camp staff.
Senior alumni remembered outhouses, washing in pans of ice, and candles for light. Afternoon swims in the very cold stream served as their daily baths. Then there were the 5 a.m. bird-watching excursions with Mr. Tuttle, the prayer bands, good night song, and the unforgettable nightly continuing stories by Eric B. Hare around the campfire.
The Sabbath afternoon testimony and forum, moderated by Dick Osborn, president of Pacific Union College, was especially moving. “This camp altered my life,” shared Jim McMurry, pastor of the Sonora church who committed his life to the service of God at a tree by the river.
“This is my favorite church in the entire world,” says Mel Sundean, summer 2004 camp director. “There is no architect in the world that can build like this.”
“It’s a great Christian witness and the best Christian camp in all the United States,” says Clarence Sloan, whose three children attended and then worked as counselors. “My 8-year-old granddaughter attended for the first time this summer.”
Planned by Henry T. Bergh, former youth director, highlights of the Sept.10-12 weekend included an alumni orchestra, “The Search for Life’s Wonder” drama by 1970s and 1980s staff members, and, of course, singing all those favorite campfire songs.
Five former conference youth directors were on hand—Bergh, John McIntosh, Jim Pimentel, John Loor and Dan Kittle. The most senior alumnus was former staff member Lois Berry, age 102.
Top of the Hill Dedication
Sunday morning, campers gathered at the top of the hill for a symbolic groundbreaking and blessing. Camp Manager Dan Guthrie shared the vision for the future. Because of re-zoning in the mid-1980s, Camp Wawona’s future was uncertain. The National Park Service (NPS) urged a land-swap to help resolve the compliance issue. After many years of negotiations and with the recommendation and support of the NPS and Mariposa County officials, the conference executive committee recently voted to proceed with Camp Wawona’s rebuilding on the existing property.
According to Guthrie, rebuilding is necessary. “Because of current building code requirements, it would cost more to repair and winterize existing buildings than to build new,” he says. Final approval is expected in late fall or early 2005.
Imprinting life-altering experiences that will last into eternity is the heart of Camp Wawona’s ministry. As one alumnus shared, “Don’t let anyone tell you that camp doesn’t make a difference. It made the biggest difference in my life.”
