In 1992, I spent my summer working at
Camp Taconic in Red Hook, NY. Every year, Rev. Jay Bergers would come to
Eastern Nazarene College and hire 12 students for the summer. Not a fan of interviews, I almost didn't go to mine. My friend, Sarah, said, "How will you know if you are suppose to be there if you don't even go to the interview?" I am so thankful that I went.
The rest of the team knew each other well. As a grad student, I didn't have classes with any of them. I crossed paths with some through the cafeteria, but that was it. Whenever I mentioned who I would be working with, I would hear many wonderful things about each person. Even before I was hired for Camp Taconic, I heard the most about a Jim Druart.
After the team was chosen, we began to meet on a weekly basis to pray and start team building.
(To read about a note Jim sent to me, click here.) I enjoyed those times together and can still picture us laughing through a crowdbreaker and then praying together.
(One time I remember being beside Jim while the team held hands and prayed. I didn't know "what" it was yet, but I knew there was "something" about him.)
When my parents drove me from Moncton to Red Hook in June, there were many hilarious moments along the way like Uncle Donald's attempt to drive from the passenger seat, Dad leaving something behind, Aunt Muriel's moment in the changing room and looking for a rain coat.
When we arrived at the camp, the guys were playing basketball and they came over to help me move into the camp dorm. (To be honest, I remember Tim coming over to help, but Jim said it was all of them!) Months later I heard what Dad said when he saw them. Remembering his camp days with Mom, he said to her, "Looks like it will be a fun summer!" (Oh my goodness, Dad!)
Side note: I'm giggling as I look at my over-sized, tucked in, white shirt with my waist high, jean Polo shorts. I'm sure I had my Tretorn sneakers on with the outfit!
