BARABOO — As I rock my newborn baby boy to sleep, gazing at his delightfully squishy face, I can’t help but reflect on all the incredible ways God has brought me to this point in my life.
In so many ways, it all goes back to Camp Gray.
Camp became family
As a young camper, camp nurtured my love for community and the outdoors. Every summer for one much-anticipated week, my cabin group became my family.
From the entertaining campfires to the riveting games of CTF (Capture the Flag), I had set my roots into the Camp Gray family. Though I sincerely doubt I ever scored a point, I vividly shared in my team’s victory (or defeat).
Seeds of faith planted
In my teen years, camp helped me know and love Christ and his Church. It was so impactful to have counselors who truly loved God. Nowhere else did I see this openness of faith. Those seeds of faith, and the familial connection, stuck with me.
During college, I was blessed to return to camp as a staff member. My three summers on staff helped me grow in my call to holiness, in both prayer and service to others.
Friends really do become family: camp introduced me to my husband Luke. After meeting on the staff in 2008, we began our life together in 2011.
Even today, I can trace some of the smallest moments of my day back to camp: the lullaby I sang to my toddler at bed time, the points I racked up on my biff scorecard (go ask your counselor), and the oh-so familiar white pines that I see out my living room window.
My gratitude for the gift of camp is without measure. Of course, it all began with those early years as a settler in the cabin, Vinnies. That special opportunity started it all, a gift I hope to share with my children one day.
Sharing the joy
In the meantime, though, that desire to share the joy of camp can be met through the camper scholarship fund.
In true camp fashion, giving to this fund is an experience in itself. On March 15, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cross Plains will host the fifth annual Camp Gray Benefit Dinner. This event, as it grows every year, has become essentially a family reunion: former and present staff, long time camp families, generous benefactors, and others unite for an evening of celebration. Through this event, camp has given over $25,000 in aid every year, and this year is no exception.
For all of Camp Gray’s campers — past, present, and future — this scholarship fund enriches the camp experience and ensures the attendance of campers in need of financial aid.
With its rich soil of faith and family, camp’s family tree will continue to reach others. I know that as my family tree grows, camp will always hold a special place among its branches.
For more information or to register for the dinner, visit www.campgray.com/benefitdinner Please register by Monday, March 10.
Meredith Meinholz is a former Camp Gray camper and staff alumna.