Karri goes to camp

It’s summer. For a lot of people, summer is about relaxation; it is about new adventures and it is about fun.

Earlier this week, my five-year-old described his first day at day camp as “one of the best days in my world.” On day two, he played so hard he was asleep by 6:30. This morning, he wasn’t quite sure what the day would bring, but he had no doubt it would be fun.

I’m thrilled that this week at camp is going so well, especially since pretty soon it will be time for his first solo venture to CAIRN (Presbyterian Church Camp) for four days and three nights away – “no mums or dads allowed!” His little brother is already chomping at the bit to have his turn.

I always enjoy watching my kids learn and explore and grow. Excitement about camp, however, brings me particular joy given the special place that camp – and in particular, Christian camp – has had in my life. I’ve been blessed by wonderful experiences at a variety of camps: MBC, Kintail, Glen Mhor / CAIRN, and Gracefield. And this summer, I too will have the opportunity for a new camp experience.

From August 9-15, I will be going to Poverty Justice Camp in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Justice Camp is an annual event put on by the Anglican Church of Canada. In years past, themes have included the environment, advocacy, and food. Built on the principles of local leadership, experiential learning, prophetic engagement, diversity in participation, and the expertise of participants, this year’s Justice Camp will be hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It will be organized around the theme of poverty and abundance.

Earlier this year, I participated in two other major events. The Canadian Social Forum brought close to 500 Canadians to Calgary in May to explore how to address poverty. It was there that we launched Dignity for All: the Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada. Then in June there was the KAIROS National Gathering in Waterloo where over 400 Christians, including several international guests, shared in reflections and explorations about global social justice through the lens of the apocalypse. The two events offered rich experiences and learning that have informed my work and my life.

What excites me about Poverty Justice Camp is that I think it has the potential to build on the best elements of the Social Forum and the KAIROS Gathering.

Organizers describe Poverty Justice Camp as, “a six-day intergenerational and interdisciplinary training event which will endeavour to transform, inform, inspire, equip and challenge participants in the realm of poverty eradication and the abundant use of the world's resources.” They go on to say that “Participants will reflect upon the theme of poverty in the light of biblical study and prayer.”

It is the intersection of the emphasis on poverty, the coming together with other Christians, and the spirit of worship and reflection that really has me keyed up. Another central element of Justice Camp that sets it apart from other conferences or workshops is the immersion experience. For three days, I’ll be part of a small group for some up-close and personal learning about urban poverty or marginalization. There will be no “talking heads” just real people sharing their journey with us. How great is that?

Over the next few weeks, I will be thinking more about what to bring to camp and what I hope to get out of it. And while I may not demonstrate my excitement with the same outward enthusiasm and intense energy as my children, I am eager to see what this new experience brings.