Camp Pecometh has served of thousands of children and families since 1946, and I am proud to report that, after two weeks this past summer of the twin tornadoes (affectionately nicknamed, or course), Sabrina and Alexia Stafford, the camp still stands and is going strong today.
An Introduction
When my wife and I found out in October 2006 we were going to be blessed with twin girls, we knew two things: that we wanted to raise them up right in the Lord, and that we definitely had to move from our townhome in Annapolis.
We made our home in Chester, MD and visited Kent Island United Methodist Church first in September 2007, but more faithfully attended starting in February 2009. About that time, I kept hearing the name “Pecometh” from those in the church, so a few years later, while a business columnist for a local paper, I finally made a visit to 136 Bookers Wharf Road.
I met the Pecometh team, Bud-d Landing took me on a whirlwind tour of the campus, and I was very impressed.
The Experience
Fast-forward to summer 2014, and my wife and I were looking at where to send our girls this summer for various camps in our area.
They had just turned 7 and we knew they had to get out of the house for a few weeks during the day, or we would all go insane (in a loving family sort of way).
Having been hired as a staff worker in the RRC kitchen and the Dining Hall since October 2013, I knew how special Pecometh was becoming to me and I wanted Sabrina and Alexia to experience the same thing.
So, in two separate weeks this August, they went to day camp (because it would be just wrong for them to go to camp the same week…it just wouldn’t be cool). Led by local lead camp counselor Jamie (more on her later), they had a truly fantastic time.
As every parent knows, there is the question you ask child when you pick them up… “So what did you do today? How was camp?”
As our van was heading back to Kent Island, the responses (and their tiredness) came forth. Both of them told stories of canoeing, hiking, singing, Bible study, time in the pool, new friendships made, etc.
What I particularly enjoyed hearing were the exact same Christian songs I grew up singing…for example, “This is the Day”, “Awesome God”, and many others. I do recall one moment a song that they both had learned in their individual weeks at camp that I had not learned as a kid…they just beamed when they had this bonding moment.
Also, I distinctly remember asking Sabrina , “Do you like your counselor? Do you like Miss Jamie?”
Her response…”No, I don’t like Miss Jamie, I love Miss Jamie.”
That really says it all.
Each day, Jamie met us at our van for drop off with a sign-in sheet and when we picked each girl up, she had her sign-out sheet and a verbal progress report of how the day went.
By the way, Jamie has informed me that she wants to be an elementary education teacher. I’ve also taught in the classroom for a time, (and having a father who was a teacher for 35 years), I think she will do just fine and be an outstanding teacher.
Try It…You’ll Like it
If you’re thinking about sending your child or grandchild to camp next summer, I strongly encourage you to give Pecometh a try, especially if it’s their first time at camp.
We also have overnight mini-camp available for those kids who have completed 1st through 3rd grade.
Personally, I was a bit anxious for them at first, but after the first day, with both Sabrina and Alexia and the reports they gave me, I’m truly glad they went.
My wife and I are already talking about signing them up for a few weeks of day camp each for next summer, As Alexia reminds my wife and I, “I just don’t want to go the same week as sis”…and I’m perfectly OK with that.
You don't have to wait for summer for your kids to try out Pecometh's Day Camp! Following the Queen Anne’s County school calendar, Pecome offers School's Out... We're In, a Day Camp for elementary aged children who need a place to be engaged, have fun, and hang out while their parents are at work. It's a perfect chance for campers to try out camp for a day or two at a time. In fact, that's how Ron tested the waters before he sent his girls to day camp!
Topics: Camp