There's this little pot of gold if you read through the employee handbook - this little gift that feels a whole lot like a treasure - this little paragraph which states that all salaried employees may take one week to attend an EMCC family camp of their choosing without having the time count against their holidays.

Did you get that?

Essentially, I get paid to go camping.

I think they view it as a time of spiritual rest and rejuvenation.  

Until two years ago this little paragraph was only for the pastors but then it was amended because, darn it, admin staff deserve a Sabbath too!

  

On the first day, as we sat on those terrible wooden pews in the century old tabernacle upon those grounds that look the same as when I was eight years old, I tilted my head back to look up at the old beams and the cracks where the sun slipped through and said to my son beside me, "I love this place. It makes me feel young."

I grew up on those grounds.  Attending Stayner Camp as a child, a teen, and now an adult.  I've fallen in love there.  I found independence there. I've had my heart broken there.  I found truth. And joy. And built forever memories that weep to the surface anytime I smell a pine tree.

There is no obligation. Family Camp is first about family. Anything else is up to you. 

I spent hours reading while the children ran wild - coming back to the cabin when the bell rang marking meals. We attended evening chapels and slept past nine most mornings, cheered through the three on three soccer tournament, were entertained by a juggling comedian and a talent show, went crawfishin' in the river, ate too much ice cream, and balanced along the railroad tracks. The pace was slow and the spirit was light and even things like boiling water for washing the dishes or making instant coffee made me feel content and thankful.

Five days and four nights was all we had. I would have doubled it if I could have. 

{Come back tomorrow - I'll be sharing my packing list and menu for anyone looking for a little help as they get ready to head out on their own family camp adventure!}