Epiphany Children’s Camp: Salt and Light

“Stay Salty!” was the call heard all around Camp Stevens during the second annual Epiphany Children’s Camp in January.

God calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world in Matthew 5. These verses guided our 3-day camp for 36 children grades 3rd-5th and 10 devoted chaperones, all choosing to spend the long MLK weekend at their diocese camp.

On Saturday, we dug into the study of salt as a camp and in small groups. Everyone had the opportunity to dye their own bag of salt while reflecting on how they could be the salt of the earth in their community, churches, and schools. We continued this reflection while learning the art of archery, forming homemade pretzels, and crafting resistance art pieces with watercolors and salt. Saturday night brought games, singing our favorite camp songs (Banana Slug!), and bonding with our roommates over whispered candlelight conversations.

Sunday morning began our study of light. We discussed light’s value in the world and the many colors of light exhibited around us. Everyone crafted a beaded safety pin that represented the unique pattern of colors they shine in the world. They also began crafting a variety of beaded friendship pins to exchange with each other. As we hiked on different trails and played in the Treehouse, we reflected on how the light shone through the trees, on the meadow, across the mountains, and sparkled upon fool’s gold found along the way. We spent time with camp’s animals, lost teeth, played endless games of GaGa Ball, and warmed up by the fireplace with homemade hot teas. Sunday evening welcomed a taco dinner and the most beautiful Eucharist with Canon Gwynn, Father Isaiah, and an interactive homily with Charlette. The children served as acolytes, ushers, readers, intercessors, and a joyful camp band. The day was brought to a happy conclusion with an energetic glowstick-folk-dancing party that led to bright glowstick room decor, and more whispered conversations in the night.

As camp came to a close on Monday morning, we filled our bellies with too many pancakes and hiked to our closing program at the outdoor chapel to the song “We are Marching in the Light of God.” There, we were reminded of our call to be salty while combining our dyed salt into large pillar vases and our call to be the light of the world through a friendship circle pin exchange. Camp ended all too soon with the arrival of parents, plans for future playdates, and many hugs goodbye. Together, we all left saltier and brighter.

“Stay Salty!” Our response to this call during camp and to the conclusion of another transformative weekend could only be a response of “Be Bright!”