Reflections from St. A's
Parish Retreat Weekend,
October, 2002
By Jasmine Miller, young person
This weekend to me, meant becoming closer to friends, family and God. Everywhere you went, there were friends to talk to, even if the only friend there was God. It was lots of fun staying up at night with friends, going on hikes, swimming (even if the water was cold!!). At the family retreat, the only bad thing that could happen is if you forgot a towel or something like that. If you ever want to get away from all the noise of the big city, then come to Camp Stevens next year. Once you come, you can't wait to come back!
By Zack Edwards, young person
At Camp Stevens, we sang songs and went swimming. At the pool, there is a diving board and you have a great time. The food is very good and they cook it, it is not store bought. There is a church service that is on the last day and it can be really good. You have lots of people around you. People go on hikes and to mines for fun. You could play lawn games like football and frisbies and there is a basketball court. There is a rope course next to a 100 foot rock climbing wall.
You sleep in a cabin-like place with cozy beds and it is warm. There are lights over the bed so you can read.
By Sarah Gardner, adult
What a wonderful 48 hours! Camp Stevens, to me, is a beautiful, peaceful place where I can spend "unhurried" time with people from St. A's, some of the most interesting people I've met since moving to L.A. in 1989.
My family and work life usually leaves me little time for my St. A's "family" on any day other than Sunday. It's a pleasure to spend time just hanging out, hiking, eating good food and yes, even sharing an 8-person van on the drive down with folks from church! Oh and yes, it's the only time I get to worship outdoors in the glorious sunshine.
By Anthony Jondreau, young person
One of my favorite things about Camp Stevens was doing the blindfolded walk. One person had to wear a blindfold while their partner had to guide them. I also liked doing the rock climbing wall. We were attached to a harness and we climbed a 20-30 foot wall. Another thing I liked about Camp Stevens was making a new friend, Gordon. He was alone and I asked him if he wanted to play and now he's a pretty good friend.
By Alice Callahan, young person
My favorite parts of the weekend were swimming, visiting the Indian village, the tree house, and eating all together in the dining room. I became friends with Julia and also had fun with the counselor, Eva.
By Martha Crawford-Leon, adult
My weekend retreat to Camp Stevens was a time away for renewal, to leave the city environment, to commune with God in nature, and to build community with members of St. A's.
As a relatively new arrival to St. A's, I felt the warmth of fellowship with my fellow campers and enjoyed snatches of conversation and interaction with children as well as adults. The nature hike was a great time for casual conversation and observing the woods and meadows. Hartshorn led us adults in a relationship exercise that allowed us to share with each other "who we are" and get to know each other in broader and deeper levels.
The food was most delicious - not heavy - but light and seemed to encourage movement, physical and mental. The gardens (vegetable and flowers) were a treat to explore … and the "garden guardian", Sarah the Cat - helped me be grateful for my feline companions who are having a break from me for a weekend.
Now I return to Venice renewed in mind, body, and spirit. A time away heals the weary body, the clogged mind, and the soul that relishes a spiritual community.
Copyright © 2002 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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