Article July 23, 2007 Issue

CAMP E-PI-PHA-NY

God provides what we need, when we need it, where we need it—especially when we get our thoughts calm and listen.

BY J. TODD HERZER

When I was a senior in high school, I began developing close friendships with peers who shared my own religious beliefs. While I had a lot of great friends in my school, I was discovering how much fun I could have when there was no pressure to try stuff like drinking and drugs, which some of my school friends were getting into.

As I got to know my new friends, I learned that there were summer camps for Christian Scientists, and that many of these friends were having exciting adventures at camp—rafting, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing. They were also developing deep friendships with other young Christian Scientists, and that sounded great to me.

When summer approached, I really wanted to go to camp. But the one that most interested me was located several states away, and the tuition and travel expenses were beyond my family's budget. After all, there were four kids in my family, and my folks couldn't do the same for my brother and two sisters. But I really wanted to go!