As I approached the two girls sitting on the steps of the dorm, I could see they were deep in conversation.  I knew the one young person.  She was a part of our 2005 E.Y.E. delegation from the Diocese of Eastern Michigan.  The other young person was unfamiliar to me.  After being invited to join the two, I listened as our delegate shared her anxiety over a situation with her roomate that made her uncomfortable.  As I listened, I learned that the other youth was a trained Peer Minister who was one of a group of twelve or so young people serving the youth attending the Episcopal Youth Event.  I was really impressed with the Peer Minister who had become aware that our delegate needed someone to listen.  The Peer Minister didn’t speak for our delegate at all.  She just offered companionship and support and friendship.  The conversation between the three of us was quiet and calm.  I was grateful in that moment that our delegate had received the care of this generous peer.  I had been wrapped up in handling the demands around another delegate’s health care and preparations to head home the following day.  I was able to hear and respond to our worried delegate because she had received the support of the Peer Minister assigned to our dorm.

We will be offering Peer Ministry Training this summer at Camp Chickagami during Sr. High Camp.  Young people will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills in such areas as “saying hello” and “welcoming a stranger” and “listening to understand” and “gift naming”.  Peer ministry program time will occur during morning sessions and in brief evening gatherings.  Sr. High campers will also experience all the other favorite camp activities as well including swimming, crafts, hikes to Lake Huron, boating, and new this year, ARCHERY and TUBING.

Greg Forsyth and Regina White, two former J2A Leaders at St. Christopher’s, Grand Blanc, will lead the program along with Karen and Brian Ouellette, two former camp staffers at Gordonwood.  A team of counselors from the Camp Chick staff will also participate in the program.  All staffers are very much looking forward to hanging out for the week with campers at Sr. High.  It’s not too late to register for camp this summer!  Go to http://www.campchickagami.org for a registration form and brochure.

Kris Forsyth
Secretary to the Camp Chickagami Board