camping is not optional

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:: past events

We're working towards archiving these events more fully, but until then here's a brief description of past ^camping is not optional events:

Summer 2007: Cameron, ON

We returned to Russet House Farm in 2007 for a week of impromptu gatherings, lake swimming, field trips, sing-a-longs and other great community activities. By the end of the week, we may have managed to sing every Bob Dylan song ever recorded.

Summer 2006: Practicing Resurrection
Cameron, Ontario

Beginning in January 2006, *cino folks collaborated with the folks at Russet House to plan Practicing Resurrection, a conference for people of all ages who wanted to learn more about how everyday life can be a reflection of one's deepest convictions. From August 7-13, approximately 110 individuals participated, spanning one year old to eighty-something, including about 25 children age 15 and younger. Through trips to a local community shared agriculture farm and an Amish farm; communal weeding and toilet maintenance and cooking; campfires surrounded with stories and songs and breathing in the air of late summer in Canadian Shield country to a background of meteor showers and a full moon and the howls of coyotes—every participant was surprised by a sense of belonging and renewal. From children who just wanted to run through the woods in packs to music-lovers who wanted to tap their feet to a joyful noise, dreamers' dreams came true. Informal camping during the week built up to formal weekend workshops, crowned with celebration in a communal meal, a late-night musical jam session and Sunday morning worship with communion.

Summer 2004: Illinois

This summer provided the opportunity for a less formal gathering in the context of the annual Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois. Several ^camping folks gathered on one of the quieter lanes of the Jesus People USA facility that attracts 30,000 people—from first-timer teens to middle aged Cornerstone veterans—every July for a three-day event. It was certainly interesting to see the variety of people who make the pilgrimage, as well as the variety of musical acts that grace several stages throughout the weekend. We heard everything from amateur heavy metal to sophisticated rock and roll. Perhaps it wasn't the most relaxing gathering, but it certainly was an interesting experience.

Summer 2003: West Virginia

How did we ever find that place? This summer, we gathered an hour’s drive off the paved road in the middle of the Appalachians at the Middle Mountain Cabins. For a mere $35 a night, the group site was equipped with two historic cabins, a muddy pond, plenty of firewood, lots of rain and a connection to a good hiking trail. Combined with the good company, beer and the tasty camp food we dragged into the woods with us, it was a lovely weekend.

Summer 2002: Michigan

Another weekend with lots of rain—this time in a crowded campground near Silver Lake in Michigan. Though most seemed to prefer a greater degree of solitude (provided it's combined with real showers), the group that gathered here still found companionship and joy hiking the dunes, sharing meals and swimming in the crystal waters of the lake.

Summer 2001: Pennsylvania

The inaugural camping event took place before *cino was even an official organization at Ohiopyle State Park in south central Pennsylvania. This event was particularly intense, gathering a group of folks who were all wrestling in various ways with life after college. Canoeing and rock sliding complemented campfire conversations—and an organization was born to further the sense of community that developed there.

camping is not optional