Anthems sung by the Choir and Drama Camp participants created a joyful atmosphere to begin the day during the Festival Eucharist. Following a buffet lunch, activities included swimming, games, singing, archery and tours of the current facilities and gardens.
The
visitors enjoyed looking at photos and memorabilia from each of the five
decades of Camp Stevens’ history that were on display in Blum Lodge.
Other displays highlighted the current programs and outlined the vision
for the future development of Camp Stevens. There was a Memory Tree where
names and special memories could be added for remembrance. Most of
all, folks delighted in reacquainting with old friends and others from
different eras.
At 3 o'clock
everyone gathered on the lawn for the Anniversary Ceremony. Camp
Founder Rev. Boone Sadler, several past Camp Stevens Board chairs, and
current and former staff spoke about the importance of the camp experience
in their lives and the lives of those who come to camp. Bishop Gethin Hughes
from the Diocese of San Diego spoke about the value of Camp Stevens as
a place of renewal and transformation, and Bishop Chet Talton brought a
special proclamation from the Diocese of 
Los
Angeles. It read, in conclusion. "[We] salute Camp Stevens and its
leadership, giving thanks for providing 'a peaceful place apart' for the
past 50 years and looking forward together to God's blessings to be enjoyed
in the years to come."
Bishop Bob Wolterstorff of San Diego, and directors John Horton and Peter Bergstrom honored Jane Minchinton of St. Paul's in San Diego by establishing two perpetual camperships to counselor training that will be given each year in her name. Jane served on the counselor training staff at Camp Stevens for more than 30 years, working together with the camp staff to incorporate human relations and communication skills into the 10-day counselor training program required for all new counselors.
The day concluded with Eric Lax, son of Founder Rev. Jack Lax, calling on those in attendance to continue the legacy of the past 50 years by generously supporting the new vision for the renovation and enhancement of the facilities.
Could
it really be 50 years? I kept repeating this question as I sat at
the registration table for the Camp Stevens 50th Anniversary Celebration,
on a day so bright and clear that it almost hurt your eyes, even in the
shade. On either side of me sat two friends I had first met, over
40 years ago, at Camp Stevens. A brisk breeze rustled the oak leaves
above us as clusters of visitors checked in. With each arrival came
memories, connections, and tales—all reflections of the wonderful impact
Camp Stevens has made on so many, many lives.
Now adults, even approaching senior citizen status, before me were my cohorts from counselor training camp in the late 50’s. We laughed all over again about the never-to-be-forgotten taste of the camp water, the fresh scent of wet grass in the meadow at dawn, and the meals we ate in the structure (now gone) next to St. Matthew’s Cabin, in the parking lot. And we reflected on all the years in between. On the inside, we felt like children again. A rather miraculous feeling, since last June I had a personal revelation of these many years gone by: the birthday candles on the cake cost more than the cake!
The day of celebration was a day to explore and recollect our camp experiences. I listened as friends walked to the site of the first chapel, down the road past where Nina’s pen was located. I marveled at how creative they were after we revisited A-frames 11 and 13, and looked for our names, still emblazoned on the wooden ceiling. We chuckled at the size of trees today. Trees that years ago were just babies, shorter than we were. Now they tower in the skyline. We noted that there is a greater quantity of oaks, and less mature pine, today.
Most of all we talked about the people that had so enriched our lives in this special place. Wherever we went on August 24, it was the same. It did not matter what decade your memories were from. The songs of the 60’s, revisited in the 80’s and 90’s were still special and heartily sung. The improvements of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s were marveled at, along with the dreams for the future, so beautifully introduced in the celebration video that was playing in the camp library. It was unanimous: the stained glass windows of Blum Lodge were exquisite, the view from Bishop’s Lodge incredible, and the mine was still as dusty, dank, and dirty as our memories led us to believe. We said our goodbyes, exchanging phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
My
heart was singing with thanksgiving for all the wonder and joy that Camp
Stevens has brought to so many lives. We slowly drove away, passing the
remnants of the original camp, where it all began for each of us.
I again felt the anticipation, the excitement, the little bit of anxiety
that was so strong when you dropped your sleeping bag and duffle in the
parking lot, met your counselor, and set off with a group of strangers
who, in a very short time, were to become part of happy memories that last
a life time. Thank you, Camp Stevens.
To view additional
photos of the celebration, staff reunion and photos of the past five decades
please click here.