Camp WEMO 2017 is in the books, with the only thing remaining from us at Camp Wakonda is a few drops of sweat from the interns trying to fit all the tents back in their respective bags.

What a wonderful week it was, with the weather cooperating throughout the week (except for in the early morning after the senior campout), allowing us to go on the annual canoeing trip on James River along with swimming in the pool and lake and playing slip and slide kickball, which, personally, was my favorite game of the week. The week was filled with learning, laughter, prayer, and discovery, among many other things. Friendships were made and strengthened not only within the youth, but also among the adult volunteers, many of whom sacrificed vacation days from work to take part in this wonderful event. Without the help of the adults, Camp WEMO would not be the fantastic event that it is, and the youth in this diocese are incredibly fortunate to have adults willing to take the time out of their lives to be there for them.

Opening Eucharist with Mother Megan officiating. Supplied image

Opening Eucharist with Mother Megan officiating. Supplied image

Morning Clergy Time with Fr. Frank Sierra. “Having a story to tell is a powerful thing!” Supplied image

Quidditch Supplied image

Archery Supplied image

God has called every one of us to use our abilities to pray, care, and share with all creation His love and word

Each day of the week had a specific topic that conversation revolved around, or started on. Monday’s topic was how God wants to use us in this world. We emphasized that God wants and can use all of us in some way to spread His love, and we challenged everyone to think about ways we can best be examples of God’s love and compassion. Tuesday’s topic was what it means to pray according to God’s will. Conservations revolved around what it means to pray the way God intended, which starts with an unselfish and caring motive. Wednesday’s was how to care for oneself and others according to God’s will. We discussed in our family groups ways to care for others the way God intends and why it is important to first care for oneself, along with some good ways that God has shown us how to do that. Thursday’s topic was sharing and the impact that a person’s story can have on others. This was highlighted by a few of our adults sharing their life experiences and how the church has been a loving and supportive community in their life.

Last but not least, Friday tied together everything we learned and discovered from the week by using the verse:

16…¹⁵ And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

God has called every one of us to use our abilities to pray, care, and share with all creation His love and word. I hope that everyone who was at Camp WEMO 2017 knows that they have the ability to change the world simply by doing those things.

Will Mansfield attends Missouri State University in Springfield, and was one of the 2017 WEMO Youth Summer Interns.