Passionate Spirituality

Author Louisa May Alcott once remarked, “A house needs a grandma in it.” Dave Jarvis, director of Rainbow Trail Lutheran (ELCA) Camp, might phrase this sentiment somewhat differently and suggest that “a camp needs grandparents in it.” The week of June 20, Don and Alpha Wuertz—grandparents of 11—helped meet that need for about 120 campers at RTLC.

Gorgeously set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Southern Colorado, Rainbow Trail offers a year-round retreat center and Christian summer camp. At the suggestion of a fellow Bethlehem member earlier this year, Don and Alpha looked into this volunteer opportunity and decided to fit a week of camp into their summer schedule.

Initially they weren’t quite sure what their roles were, but they soon realized their natural instincts as seasoned grandparents were all they needed. Listening and smiling, comforting and being available, loving and teaching are what grandparents do best, and no doubt the Wuertzes arrived well equipped to be camp grandparents.

Two groups of first through third graders each spent a partial week at the camp, while fourth through sixth graders camped the entire week. There’s no downtime at Rainbow Trail, beginning with the morning watch at 6:50 AM, continuing with devotions and “God Time” at 7:30 AM, then breakfast at 8:00 AM and on through to “lights out” in the cabin villages. In addition to much Bible study, activities included archery, crafts, hiking, and a variety of games. Campers are also expected to take their turn at KP (kitchen duty), which the Wuertzes said most assumed cheerfully.

Don and Alpha raved about the camp staff and counselors, many of whom had once been RT campers themselves and return year after year. With anywhere from a minimum of one year of college to completed degrees, counselors exhibit endless energy, demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, and pump up their clientele. Counselors truly “pour it out,” remarked Alpha, and “the kids love it.” Don compared their passion as servants of God to that of World Cup goal celebrants.

RTLC embraces the philosophy that “God claims us, Christ transforms us, and the Holy Spirit sends us for faithful service.” During the week, campers heard repeatedly and witnessed firsthand that God’s love leads us to serve others. Each camper is given a bracelet featuring the message “A servant is love” at the beginning of their stay, and each is encouraged to give away the bracelet to someone caught in the act of being a loving servant.

The week as camp grandparents proved undeniably physically demanding for Don and Alpha. Yet the couple, whose faith in young people was renewed, agree that they will likely volunteer again. On behalf of Bethlehem, thank you for your service and generosity of time and talent. For more information about Rainbow Trail, go to www.rainbowtrail.org/ home.html.