Camp Joy 2002

The Youth Group at Camp Joy: New Faces and Old Friends

Where to begin in describing the Youth Group's Camp Joy trip this year? Well, we could start with what stayed the same: needy Appalachian families and over 160 teenagers from around the region coming together to rebuild homes, and hopefully rebuilding hope in the Christian kindness of strangers, as well; the familiar faces of our group, both current members and alumni, camping out in our traditional spot near the creek; singing "Country Roads" as we made it across state lines past Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; evening pit stops at the local Sheetz convenience store; singing great Methodist songs like "I am a CHRISTIAN" and the "floody-floody" song; campfires with a little added something (you really had to be there); and the comfort of being led by our stalwart Youth Group Director Edwin Hill once again.

But there was also a lot of "new" this year: a new place to eat dinner on the final night (maybe); a soccer match with St. George's youth group, headed by our dear friend and former St. John's seminarian Alison Quin, who brought her church's youth to Camp Joy for the first time with her husband Tim Sharp. And of course there was me, brand new youth director, not sure exactly what to expect but looking forward to the adventure.

Francis Craig and I, the first-timers, really learned the ropes. Get up at 6:15 AM and eat breakfast, leave camp by 7:30 AM to head to one of our three work sites. Work was steady but not overwhelming, especially with the help of others. After a box lunch, we worked until the heat became too much and then headed back for supper hosted at one of the many local churches who support Camp Joy. Evening Vespers were led by a different church group each night, followed by some free time before bed.

This year we helped three families. For Tony Vanarsdale, a friendly young man and a quadriplegic, we built a ramp to ease his access in and out of his home. He shared many tales with us, including how he breeds squirrels, rabbits and deer, but as Chris Bradley noted, "not together." Brenden MacDougal, former Youth Grouper and seven time Camp Joy attendee, was the crucial team leader on this project working with Cynthia Grimes, Ricky Bradley, Emily Gallivan, Chris Bradley, and Charlie Upton. Out in Paw Paw, West Virginia (named for a tree with the scientific name Asimina triloba), not only did we build roof supports and fix leaks, we also removed disintegrating insulation and ceiling drywall, replaced it all and painted. We assured Richard Kessner and his daughter Mary that we would indeed "put it back" when we had to leave work for the day with gaping holes! Kate Nolfi, John Wainwright, Erin MacDougal, Angie Royall-Kahin, Francis Craig, and the alumni Jeremy MacDougal, Vicki Hewitt, and Laura Gutowski all pitched in with Edwin and me on this project. On the final day the Kessners took our picture to post in the local paper as a thank you. Our final project was working with a kind widow who was affectionately known as "princess' mom" after her friendly little dog. What a project! The over-18 crowd, listed above with the addition of Jeff Bradley, Tristan Kessler, Jen Jasckiewicz, tackled this project, involving re-tinning a very high, slanted tin roof while battling wasps (I still have an image of John pulling a "Michael Jordan" to escape a wasp). They also repainted and re-paneled inside and built a more effective gate.

I learned a lot from such work. You learn how much a kind action or word can mean to a stranger. You also learn your own limits. As Cynthia put it, "you can't fix everything, but you can do something." Such rewarding work, but also a lot of fun! Come see the pictures we have posted on the bulletin board in the West Avenue lobby or ask a youth grouper for more info.

This year's trip wouldn't have been possible without some very special, and committed people. Jim Bradley was absolutely essential to our success. He deserves whatever praise you can give him! He made all of our pre-camp site visits, coordinated projects and ordering materials, and provided crucial advice. Likewise, Brenden MacDougal was a key figure. He and his brother Jeremy were our resident construction pros. And finally, the man himself, Edwin "Edwina" Hill. After moving to Florida, buying a beloved jet ski, and going through some major life transitions, he came right back up here to lead us to Camp Joy. How can we express such feelings of gratitude and love? I guess by saying that Edwin is and always will be a part of our family and is in our hearts. Come and visit soon, Edwin! (especially around Camp Joy time!)

I'll leave you with the quote we used to conclude our Vespers service this year, written by John Wesley, an Anglican who founded Methodism:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.

Nicole Hillman, Youth Director