Not much on earth can beat it: an early sunrise through the morning fog, the wail of a distant loon, and the historic lodge, with boards and boulders weathered by decades of little feet and hands, as the centerpiece of every picture and memory. The sights, sounds, and feelings elicited by immersion in God’s perfect creation—Camp Lawroweld.

Each year in early June, a small group of young people arrives in Weld from all corners of New England and beyond. When the staff come home to camp, it’s a special time. In a matter of hours, friends are reunited, and a new staff family forms to support the ministry of camp for the summer.

Staff highlights of the summer include meeting and serving campers, a special theme song written by Peter Flores, time spent on the docks and in the water, incredible weather for the majority of the camp sessions, many moose sightings, staff beach day, and finally, Sabbath evenings to close each camp session.

Young campers began each morning in typical camp fashion with an early wake-up, flag raising, and a new component dubbed “morning huddle,” which brought cabins together to learn about the fruits of the Spirit, share testimonies, and pray together to start each day.

Camp Director Trevor Schlisner was encouraged by the spiritual atmosphere that was evident throughout the summer. There were three baptisms and twenty-eight decisions for Bible study and future baptism. Spending focused time “Looking Up” to God this summer allowed those who were a part of the journey—whether for a day, a week, or the entire summer—to have an opportunity for a changed perspective or trajectory in life.