This past weekend the Children and Families Program hosted another classic Winter Family Overnight at Camp Onas under the care of program staff Kimani Keaton and Crystal Hershey. Except it didn’t feel like winter at all, it felt like the first days of spring!
The energy at Camp Onas was palpable and the weather in the mid-50s. Crystal and I prepared such a full schedule, and then we were reminded that at the end of the day, the priority is fellowship. Our time together made room for tire swinging, basketball and soccer games in the barn, long family walks, porch hangouts, and eating lots of chocolate. Family Worship on Sunday was enriching. We read a story read about listening with all parts of you, to see the interconnectedness in everything and all. Our attention was called to the ratio of children and adults present. A parent reminded us that it is one of the few times where children outnumber adults in meeting for worship, and that ironically, it was one of the more calm worship experiences she’s had. Another parent spoke about meeting for worship with children at his kids’ school and the humbling experience of having kids stand up wishing everyone a good day. He spoke honestly about not creating the same invitation for God. It was a really beautiful weekend. My cheeks are still sore from the giggles, my belly is still full from the food, and my heart is still blooming in joy from the weekend.
– Kimani Keaton, Children and Families Program Facilitator
