O.K., maybe that’s arguable. But Chapel Point at the Y-Camp northwest of Boone, Iowa, has been providing inspiration to our columnist and generations of others.
I am so happy you wrote about this Chuck. The Boone Y-camp is the single most important spiritual place in my life, and has shaped me as a human on so many levels.
Camp Hertko Hollow is a camp for kids with diabetes that rents the Des Moines Y-Camp for two weeks every summer. I have been attending this camp since I was 7 years old and continue to volunteer each year. Driving into that valley is a moment I look forward to every year. My fiancé is now the Program Manager of Hertko Hollow, having attended the camp since he was 6 and living with diabetes himself. Two women whom I met at y-camp are my bridesmaids when we marry in September.
My dearest friends and I have called camp as a whole “the closest place to heaven on earth.” There is a profound peace that fills my soul each time I step onto that grass. I learned to love unconditionally at that camp. I felt accepted and part of a community for my entire life because of that camp. It has shaped how I maintain relationships, how I see other humans, and how I saw myself. Y-camp is the single most fundamental part of me, and I love it more than any place on earth.
Truly Heaven on Earth and my most consequential life experience: camper ('54-'58), counselor ('63-'65), all in the Marlow and Fran Cowan era; intermittent Board member and supporter ever since. Camp went co-ed in time for all three of our kids to attend; third generation grandkids now attend annually.
And Charles, you should see the view from the top of the flagpole at Chapel Point--in summer, '65 I was appointed to shinny up and replace the rope pully.
Great piece Chuck on this Good Friday. Brings to mind a visit I made decades ago to St. Donatus in Jackson County where there is an outdoor Way of the Cross. I did a story for the Iowa REC News where I was editor at the time. Here is a link to a more recent article about that lovely annual ritual. https://50mmimages.wordpress.com/2015/06/14/st-donatus-and-the-outdoor-way-of-the-cross/
I have a place like this near Excelsior Springs, MO. Directed lots of camps there during my undergrad days. "This is My Father's World" was my mother's favorite hymn; we sang it at her memorial service. The author was a Presbyterian minister, and there were originally 16 stanzas of the poem.
Thank you for writing this wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I am thankful that I get to read these substacks. I had missed your writing. It is important to have these stories told.
It’s been decades since I’ve been there, but the hilltop at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp near Story City will always be holy ground to me. And of course, the Dubuque area is a veritable lodestone of sites emitting sacred spiritual energy. Thanks for bringing that concept, “holy ground,” to the forefront in this most Holy Week. Blessed Good Friday, blessed Easter Vigil and Happy Easter. He is risen indeed!
I am so happy you wrote about this Chuck. The Boone Y-camp is the single most important spiritual place in my life, and has shaped me as a human on so many levels.
Camp Hertko Hollow is a camp for kids with diabetes that rents the Des Moines Y-Camp for two weeks every summer. I have been attending this camp since I was 7 years old and continue to volunteer each year. Driving into that valley is a moment I look forward to every year. My fiancé is now the Program Manager of Hertko Hollow, having attended the camp since he was 6 and living with diabetes himself. Two women whom I met at y-camp are my bridesmaids when we marry in September.
My dearest friends and I have called camp as a whole “the closest place to heaven on earth.” There is a profound peace that fills my soul each time I step onto that grass. I learned to love unconditionally at that camp. I felt accepted and part of a community for my entire life because of that camp. It has shaped how I maintain relationships, how I see other humans, and how I saw myself. Y-camp is the single most fundamental part of me, and I love it more than any place on earth.
Truly Heaven on Earth and my most consequential life experience: camper ('54-'58), counselor ('63-'65), all in the Marlow and Fran Cowan era; intermittent Board member and supporter ever since. Camp went co-ed in time for all three of our kids to attend; third generation grandkids now attend annually.
And Charles, you should see the view from the top of the flagpole at Chapel Point--in summer, '65 I was appointed to shinny up and replace the rope pully.
Thank you for this piece.
The Boone Y Camp is a special place. Thomas and I were Family Campers. Ray Pugh was an outstanding leader in so many ways.
Great piece Chuck on this Good Friday. Brings to mind a visit I made decades ago to St. Donatus in Jackson County where there is an outdoor Way of the Cross. I did a story for the Iowa REC News where I was editor at the time. Here is a link to a more recent article about that lovely annual ritual. https://50mmimages.wordpress.com/2015/06/14/st-donatus-and-the-outdoor-way-of-the-cross/
I have a place like this near Excelsior Springs, MO. Directed lots of camps there during my undergrad days. "This is My Father's World" was my mother's favorite hymn; we sang it at her memorial service. The author was a Presbyterian minister, and there were originally 16 stanzas of the poem.
Thank you for writing this wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I am thankful that I get to read these substacks. I had missed your writing. It is important to have these stories told.
Wow, that was great!!
I had never heard of Chapel Point. Now I want to visit it! Thanks for this great story!
It’s been decades since I’ve been there, but the hilltop at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp near Story City will always be holy ground to me. And of course, the Dubuque area is a veritable lodestone of sites emitting sacred spiritual energy. Thanks for bringing that concept, “holy ground,” to the forefront in this most Holy Week. Blessed Good Friday, blessed Easter Vigil and Happy Easter. He is risen indeed!