The Salvation Army  Empire State Division

31 July 2015

• “Kids who come to Long Point Camp from a large city always think that Seneca Lake is the ocean. We tell them no, it’s a lake, and they insist ‘close your eyes and listen, it’s the ocean’ because of the sound of the waves, lapping on the shore.”
• “We have 39 international counselors this year, out of 100 staff persons, which is wonderful as they share their culture with the campers. They could be anywhere else in the world, but they are here because they have a good heart and want to minister to kids,” she added.  “We have all learned that ‘across the pond’ there is similarities, and sometimes there are similarities even in our differences.” Flags from all the nations where the counselors are from now hang in the Tabernacle.
• “One young camper spent the entire week speaking with a British accent, as her counselor was from England!”
• “Most of the kids do want to come to camp, there are a lot of activities for them to keep busy and they are not home alone by themselves. The first day and a half of camp is a time of adjustment for some kids who have responsibilities at home for their younger siblings. They are used to being in charge and after a time, their attitude changes and they realize, ‘I can just be a kid and enjoy camp.’”

Camp Program Director Derrick Purvis said in the evening, each camper has a choice of joining a different club – from swimming, boating to basketball and nail polish club which he said was very popular with the girls! One of the counselors is a student at nearby Cornell University and coordinates the science club where the campers are carrying out scientific experiments.

Camp counselor Ty is from England and he related a story about one of his campers who comes from a Rwandan refugee family.  “He is singing all the time, and every song, he incorporates his name into every lyric!  Another camper, when he is walking around the camp, is always talking aloud about food – while walking he’s talking of cheeseburgers and French fries. One night, the other counselor and I heard some noise and when we investigated and found the camper talking in his sleep – about food of course, chicken tacos!”  When the camp sessions are done, Ty will return to England and play semi pro soccer and hopefully, will be recruited for a major league soccer team.

The Salvation Army is blessed with many donors whose contributions help our youth attend a nurturing Christian based camp where they can learn new activities and enjoy nature. We are always grateful!

Tags: Long Point Camp