Hello friend! How are you? If you know me, you know I love camp. I have gone to Camp Mocomi since I was 6 years old, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since. I have loved every bit of camp… hanging out with old and new friends, gathering around the campfire sharing stories and laughter, upholding traditions that are carried out during mail call, experiencing enlightening sermons and meaningful lessons, bonding with family groups, listening to the whippoorwill at night, reveling in the solitude of nature, and meeting Jesus right where you are while growing closer to him. All of those things have been so special throughout my life, shaping my perspectives and building my values. The people who have taught me and who have poured into me during those formative weeks when I was young have truly been life-changing, leaving a lasting impression on my soul and my journey of faith. Recently, I went to camp with our high school students from our youth group, a delightful experience that always brings back warm memories. I follow them around every summer and join them on their trips, helping them create lasting experiences, much like the ones I cherished. Each summer is a renewed opportunity to foster those connections, and I find joy in watching them discover the same passion I have for the camp environment. This year, my team was the black team, and my helper was Brody, a college student from Ozark Christian College. We met twice a day to go over sermons and practice a skit we had to create, infusing creativity and fun into our preparations. We were assigned the parable of the wedding banquet found in Matthew 22: 1-14 and were to transform it into a game show format. After some brainstorming, we chose Meal or No Meal, inspired by Deal or No Deal, and worked hard on the execution. Not sure if anyone in the audience fully understood the lesson, but we put our hearts into it and got it done. However, I have discovered this year that I can’t quite keep up with the boundless energy of the campers like I used to. It’s a humbling realization that makes me reflect not only on the passage of time but also on the incredible growth I’ve experienced through these camping excursions. I will ‘retire’ from volunteering with the students in two years, a decision that stirs mixed emotions within me. As I think about this transition, I realize how deeply embedded I am in the camp’s community and how much I will miss the laughter, the silly games, and the profound discussions that arise late into the evenings. I promised a student a long time ago that I would stay until she graduates, and keeping my word means a lot to me. It will be hard to give it up since I am so invested in their lives, truly care about them, and can see the potential in each one, hoping to inspire them as I was inspired during my own camp experience. I take great pride in offering guidance and support to these budding leaders, watching them cultivate their own paths and embrace their faith with fervor. The relationships I’ve built here are invaluable, and I know they will leave a mark on my heart long after I step away, a testament to the powerful connections forged in this beautiful setting. As I prepare for this upcoming chapter, I hold onto the hope that the lessons learned and the bonds formed will continue to resonate in their lives, much like they have in mine.

Because I love camp, I made a camp theme in my antique booth. I collected vintage items, from rustic camping gear to charming knick-knacks, and added new pieces that fit perfectly to carry out the theme. My inspiration was a cute shop in Saint Charles, Mo called Happy Camper Clothing, which has an incredible selection of cute clothing that truly captures the spirit of adventure and the great outdoors. If you have a chance to go there, do; it is a darling shop filled with treasures that evoke nostalgia and adventure, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the charm of simpler times. I absolutely love all the thermos, paint-by-number pictures, smoky bear items, and the campfire marshmallow tins that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decorations, however, aren’t for sale, as they are the cherished collection of the owner, which gives the space a personal touch, with only the clothes available for purchase, making it a personal haven for any camping enthusiast who visits. Some of the items that are shown in this picture have sold, but I do still have some fun items that would be great additions to a lake house, a screened-in porch, a cozy basement area, or just a general living space. Each piece has its own story, and I believe they can spark joy and inspiration for those who take them home. If you go to my booth, let me know that you visited. I would love to meet you and hear about your own adventures, perhaps sharing some camping tips or stories that celebrate the outdoors as we chat!

Best,

Amy