We love the fond memories of Still Waters camps that we are often reminded of from past campers. One sister even wrote a fitting poem to describe one of her memorable experiences at Still Waters, and we couldn't agree with her more. We hope you enjoy her poem as much as we did, even though we had to look up the meaning of a few words: )
Dear Young Foundations,
While reflecting upon the fond memories of last year’s Still Water’s Camps, I was inspired to write this poem. It is about the times when we campers get to sing to each other from the two sides of the lake. I got to do it for the first time last August camp and it was at night- which made it ALL the more fun. Most all of us youth find that amazingly fun; and hopefully, everyone else will find it as humorous as I do. But the last verse seems to clinch the poem without any joking around. We ALL look forward to that day!
I hope it blesses you with a smile, and the courage to keep dealing with us campers who tend to be a “handful”.
The Lord Richly bless you all!
Sister Laurisa
Between the Camps
In a land of waters still,
Sit two camps atop two hills.
And in each camp stand two tents;
In each tent ladies and gents.
From time to time the two camps mingle,
Ladies and Gents no longer single,
Nourished from plate and pulpit both
They strengthen and grow by Word quoth.
By day they play, in evening pray
And before to their bunks return to lay
A song erupts from the campfire ring
by Brothers Will and "G", they're led to sing.
Though joy abounds there is longing too,
For between the camps a water blue
And tranquil, vast, and great--
The refreshing, baptizing Still Waters lake.
Kadesh and Ramoth stand by the gate,
Guarding the camp from evil's hate;
But the lake like a mountain bars the way
To Bezer and Hebron where the sisters lay.
After each bonfire, longing looks cast-
Over shoulder, into darkness fade the figures that pass
By that long winding path around the lake
Brothers and sister to their bunks haste make.
But some nights this parting is not taken in stride,
The campers not willing in tents to abide
'Til torches are lit and a joyous mob, running and screaming up the hill,
Pell-mell over and down to the sill
Of the shore, brightly lit by the full of the moon
Their noise so untamed like that of the loon.
Giggling and laughter, shouting and light,
Calls to the brothers echo out in the night.
Can you hear us, Oh brothers! Come sing to us, please!
These moments apart feel to us an eternity!
And then from across that lake, black and still
A shout! And a light! A deep-chested trill
Of wide-eyed soldiers pouring from bunks
Baritone Woops! and howls like monks.
Their locations revealed by the torches bright
Lining the shore on that warm pleasant night.
Brothers, how do you feel?! the high chorus rang
Positive report from both lake shores came.
The love of Jesus is SO wonderful! declared by lights along the shore.
From this time forth and forevermore!
Though waters, like death, may separate
Hearts beat as one and songs elate
The Voice carries o'er from shore to shore
The Day will come, we'll part no more!