07/14/2022
This is why I love my job at All God's Children Camp! This is why we do what we do. This is why everyone who attends gets hooked. But don't take it from me, check this out from one of our amazing retired clergy!
July 13, 2022
Dear Fellow Clergy and Laity,
Sixteen years ago I began serving as a minister in residence at Westview on the James. I am not a camper, nor am I an outdoor person. Still, I felt God leading me to work with campers and their mentors. My life and ministry has been vastly enriched by the many experiences during 5 summers with West View. Along the way, I was approached by Beth Christian to see if I would consider serving as a chaplain at an All God’s Children Camp (AGCC). I said yes and that year was the largest camp attendance in the history of AGCC. It rocked me to my core with the numbers of kids whose parents are incarcerated. The campers ranged in age from 7 to teens; and just like any kid were challenged by this strange and wonderful environment. Truthfully, it greatly challenged me, but the best thing I took away from this experience was the young mentors whose lives had been changed because of AGCC. They had come as 7 year old campers and through their experience and relationships they had built with their mentors returned to make a difference in the lives of new campers.
This past June, immediately following Annual Conference, I returned to AGCC. There were a number changes which had been implemented since my first experience. Most importantly, the number of campers is now limited to 20 per camp session and the camp took place at Camp Chanco on the James in Surry. I am still not a camper, I am still not an outdoor person, I hate bugs, and I am allergic to trees and grass!!
This session of AGCC was so amazing. The setting of Camp Chanco along the James River is breathtaking with its immaculate campus setting and wooded paths where the campers and mentors cabins are located. The staff at the camp bent over backwards to meet our every need and request. The food was well prepared, healthy and delicious. Every effort was made to accommodate those on special diets – gluten free, vegetarian, vegan included. Mornings were devoted to opening devotions; Bible class; Crafts and “Harmony.” Harmony is led by a mediator from the Richmond School district who works with the campers on emotions; feelings and proper ways to express both. His presence to the camp is invaluable.
Afternoons are devoted to camp activities led by Camp Chanco staff. They include: archery, boating, tubing, paddle board, ropes course, and a zip line! I have been challenged to try the zip line in August when I return as chaplain. Yes! I am going back! I still am not a camper, not an outdoor person, and hate the bugs and heat. Hudson and I will be there! Every night following supper is “love on Hudson” time when I remove his service vest.
We need you to become mentors to these campers. You will make a difference in their life and in doing so will be making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. You will be changing lives one young camper at a time. We need you! I am selling tickets for a ringside seat to watch me on the zip line!!
AGCC is being held at Camp Occohannock, July 24-29 and at Camp Chanco August 14-19. Check out the conference website: www.vaumc.org/agcc/ or visit our page at All God’s Children Camp for more information. As always, you can email the directors at any time at [email protected].
See you in August!!!
Rev. Tizzy von Trapp Walker
ALL GOD’S CHILDREN CAMP June 19-24,2022 Camp Chanco on the James (Richmond area) July 24-29, 2022 Occohannock on the Bay (Eastern Shore area) August 14-19, 2022 Camp Chanco on the James (Richmond area) Register Now About Us What is All God’s Children Camp? As a ministry ...
