August Eliot Highlights—being Present in the realness of the moment
There were so many highlights to August Eliot in 2023 that I want to share with you that went beyond the outbreak of Covid 19 at camp. This camp was an example of what happens when 222 campers get together and face adverse times and come through with shining colours!
Our speaker, the Rev. Mykal Slack, was thoroughly engaging when presenting his program At the Water's Edge: Staying Present for the Realness of the Moment. Rev. Mykal is a speaker, trainer, worship leader, community minister and congregational life coordinator in Unitarian Universalist, Christian, and other faith settings. Throughout the week, it was evident that he lives out his ministry and calling to nurture spaces where people can 1) connect in ways that heal, not harm; 2) talk about and re-imagine church life that truly honors our differences; and 3) make sustainable changes that are an outgrowth of spiritual practice, deep listening, and active engagement in community.
Here are some of the comments that campers had about his presentation:
Loved the daily simple one-word message—surrender, acceptance, disruption. Loved that Michael brought his daughter, and both just fit right in.
Mykal Slack was personal, funny, comfortable with potentially discomforting ideas. He knew the UU culture, but more importantly, he believed in UU theology. He was proud of our beliefs and saw them as a salvific.
One of the most precious moments I had was watching Mykal’s daughter sing at the Talent Show on Thursday evening!
Our son and father duo of Deans, Paul Kempler and John Bishop, brought a sense of practicality and fun to the festivities of the week. The practice of pairing a young adult with a seasoned Dean is just one of the ways that we help Elioteers grow into the fullness of who they are at camp. The deans were challenged with an outbreak of Covid and worked hard to use our policies as guidelines while at the same time keeping in mind the realities of camp life. Their flexibility and thoughtful approach to events were part of the many ways that allowed us to still enjoy many of the aspects of camp.
11% of our campers came down with Covid 19 during camp. Nonetheless, the response to the Covid outbreak was successful in mitigating the spread of the virus within the camp. Campers were able to stay and participate in some aspects of camp. Family members of campers who tested positive were not forced to leave. Deans Paul and John were assisted with the excellent support of our First Aid Coordinator, Colin Goggin, representatives from the First Aid Committee, and campers who came forward to be of assistance. A special shout-out for the tremendous help given by Bryony Munns, a public health nurse who generously shared her expertise in dealing with Covid outbreaks.
The AV crew were put to hard work as plans shifted and changed to holding many of our beloved activities outside. Worship, the Peace Concert, and even one scheduled moonstruck, as well as the dance all happened outside; electric tea lights helped to create an ambiance that was truly magical! The Craft Corner made an appearance again in Rhododendron where it was transformed into a place where people had close to eight different crafts to choose from to learn how to do. Crafts ranged from crochet to sun-prints to watercolour paintings. There were close to 135 people who took advantage of this space during camp. Pickleball was also a huge hit at camp, particularly once people discovered that there are four modern, readily available courts (pickleball only) at the Seabeck Community Center—a short walk through the woods.
What joy it has been to connect again at August Eliot!
–Samaya Oakley, Board Representative