The closing of the camping season at Camp Stover is one of my favorite times of the year. With the flow of water in Goose Creek dropping to winter levels and the departure of the Summer birds the silence of camp can be deafening. This when the back 20 nature reserve really becomes magical: the brown, gold and reds of autumn really stand out. The Aspen trees quaking in the wind and their soft rustling sound seem to drown out the rest of the world.
This fall the responsibility of Improvement Chair of our beloved camp and as I wandered this area I was transported back to a time when I walked with my mentors as they laid out their views for the future.
Chauncey Shamberger: A secluded campfire circle where groups could congregate away from the bustle of camp.
Mary Glover: Someplace peaceful to pray and reflect.
Lamar Bollinger: Pathways for contemplative strolls leading to places with benches to, talk and write, in a peaceful settings.
Harold Snavely: Nature sanctuary with a trail system and natural viewing areas for bird and wildlife watching.
Earl McClure: Nurturing seedlings from the native trees to be transplanted around camp as trees are removed, and a fruit orchard for wildlife and camp members.
As I find a log to rest upon under an ancient spruce tree I began to formulate a plan for the future of camp, based on the views of those that have gone before, and those yet to come. My hope is when my son reaches this point in his life he can sit on this stump and ponder, by the grace of God, what I have achieved toward my vision and maybe, just maybe, he will look behind and see myself here and build upon the foundation I hope to leave as my legacy.
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