During the weekend of May 5th, Mechuwana hosted its last Senior High Rally event of the year. This rally, which is part of a year-round program with roots that date back more than 100 years, was an incredible celebration of both a year’s worth of ministry and also celebration of the 2019 Senior Class. The weekend was filled with a collection of fun and unique activities over the course of a two-day period.
My wife Amy and I, the youth rally leaders, along with guidance of Norm Thombs, Mechuwana’s Camp Director, were determined to make this event a fun and special one for all to remember.
My wife Amy and I, the youth rally leaders, along with guidance of Norm Thombs, Mechuwana’s Camp Director, were determined to make this event a fun and special one for all to remember.
On Saturday, the kids awoke to a weekend’s worth of activities, which were all to their surprise. Their first activity was an offsite adventure where the group went on a morning hike to the peak of Mt. Pisgah. Afterwards, the group went and made a special visit with the Ives family at their nearby family camp across Lower Narrows Pond. At the Ives’ camp, the group got to hear and learn about the history of Mechuwana and the importance of relationships, those particularly made while at camp.
In an effort to keep all activities on schedule, the group then made the surprise trip down to southern Maine where they all participated in team-building activities at the Brunswick Escape Room, followed by ice cream and a special visit to L.L. Bean down in Freeport.
In an effort to keep all activities on schedule, the group then made the surprise trip down to southern Maine where they all participated in team-building activities at the Brunswick Escape Room, followed by ice cream and a special visit to L.L. Bean down in Freeport.
Meanwhile back at camp, select adults worked hard to decorate and set up a beautiful luminary display for our evening worship service at our beloved lakeside chapel – Grove Chapel. Upon the group’s arrival back at camp, a pizza party awaited them along with one of their activities – “Feet On Bunk” – or as we like to call it at camp, “FOB!”
After the kids got a chance to rest following a long and busy day, the group gathered and made their way down to Grove, not knowing what was waiting for them.
After the kids got a chance to rest following a long and busy day, the group gathered and made their way down to Grove, not knowing what was waiting for them.
The weather was perfect – it was a beautiful dusk sky transitioning to night, allowing our luminary of candles to help shine and guide their path. The worship service was powerful, filled with readings, singing, and a very special Communion service led by retired Pastor Ruth Merriam, from the Wayne United Methodist Church. Oh, and the loons made sure to attend our service by singing out their seasonal calls. As I said during my invitation for communion, “The loons are letting you know they are here and ready for you all to return to camp this summer...” For anyone who has been to Mechuwana before, we know that the loons are a sacred part to the sights and sounds of the summer camp experience.
After the conclusion of the worship service, our seniors, all of whom had their own individual candles lit during the service, led the rest of the group down the camp road where they used their combined flames to ignite our evening campfire in the Lodge. At this time, our adult leaders partook in the annual tradition of recognizing our graduating seniors. In the time, many shared personal testaments and stories, and presented each senior their own special UMC pin. This time is most sacred as it presents youth the opportunity to openly share about their experiences at camp and exemplify the value of their connections and the relationships they share with each other.
After the conclusion of the worship service, our seniors, all of whom had their own individual candles lit during the service, led the rest of the group down the camp road where they used their combined flames to ignite our evening campfire in the Lodge. At this time, our adult leaders partook in the annual tradition of recognizing our graduating seniors. In the time, many shared personal testaments and stories, and presented each senior their own special UMC pin. This time is most sacred as it presents youth the opportunity to openly share about their experiences at camp and exemplify the value of their connections and the relationships they share with each other.
As the event came to a close, the group shared in one last special activity on Sunday after breakfast (and getting to sleep in!) where they participated in a 10-year capsule, which was buried in a secret spot on camp property. This time capsule will hold not only as a special token of remembrance of the weekend they all shared together, but also as an exploration of where they all hope and wish to be 10 years down the road.
Mechuwana wants to say a special thanks to all of the adults who helped put on this event, many of whom have grown up through this program. The work they do makes such an incredible impact on the lives of our young people. We are all thankful and empowered by you all. As Norm said it best to close the weekend, “It is now time for you all to go out and continue be the leaders we know and need you to be in this world.”
To learn more about our Mechuwana Youth Rally program visit: www.mechuwana.org/youth-events.html
—Mike Griswold
Mechuwana wants to say a special thanks to all of the adults who helped put on this event, many of whom have grown up through this program. The work they do makes such an incredible impact on the lives of our young people. We are all thankful and empowered by you all. As Norm said it best to close the weekend, “It is now time for you all to go out and continue be the leaders we know and need you to be in this world.”
To learn more about our Mechuwana Youth Rally program visit: www.mechuwana.org/youth-events.html
—Mike Griswold
Kelsey Kennedy, Senior, Testimonial
Being a part of this program has been one of the best things in my high school career. I have become a better leader from learning essential skills through Youth Council. I am also more organized and better at planning, which are skills that will help me all throughout my life. Camp means a lot to me personally, but being a part of this program where everyone shares that, makes the connections stronger. I want to thank the people within the program and Camp Mechuwana for making it home for everyone who attends. It’s a special place that many of us couldn’t live without.
Being a part of this program has been one of the best things in my high school career. I have become a better leader from learning essential skills through Youth Council. I am also more organized and better at planning, which are skills that will help me all throughout my life. Camp means a lot to me personally, but being a part of this program where everyone shares that, makes the connections stronger. I want to thank the people within the program and Camp Mechuwana for making it home for everyone who attends. It’s a special place that many of us couldn’t live without.
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