Paradise Point
Summer 2006 Review

“ 525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year in the life? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee, in miles of laughter?” This is the beginning score in the Broadway hit and movie, RENT. Its words and melody run through my head as I sit at my computer looking out over a still, fall morning on Payette Lake. How do we measure a season at Paradise Point?

Chapel of the Holy Spirit
Facts and figures often lead the way to charting success or failure. There are also the qualitative statements, “this was the best summer of my life, I have never had so much fun, the staff was awesome, the campers rocked, the weather was glorious and sun-filled, and best yet, the presence of a loving God surrounded me.” For my records, I have chosen the word, ABUNDANCE to measure the summer season. Yes, Paradise Point 2006 was filled to abundance, our cup runneth over.

Isn’t it interesting that early last spring, The Messenger reported a great need for help at Paradise Point? The season was soon to begin and there was too much to do. Then it all changed course like a speeding train with an urgent destination. The staff was chosen from a large field of applicants, and long time camp favorite, Mike Green signed on to “help in any way he could.” Broken docks and decks, leaning trees and dishwasher repairs didn’t stop the eager opening camp workers, as they completed all the tasks as well as installing new heaters and the last door in the Foote Hall. Many thanks to Camp Board members, Graeme Galbraith and Garre Biladeau (and his brother, Glenn)
Camp applications were pouring into the office and the precious lease camp spots were filled. Bogus Basin’s past food service manager, James Collins wanted to try “church camp,” and with James and Matt Lonsdale as his assistant we were under way with filled bellies and a polished and professional dining hall and food service.
Kitchen staff

From the first day of Beginner’s Camp the sun began to shine and now some 90 days later it’s still beaming. Beginner campers with the guidance of Mary Harbert, spiritual formation counselor, made yummy molasses bread for the Host…. enough for all the youth camps to come. Marilyn Butler led the young campers in a dramatization of Jesus feeding the five thousand. (Matt 14:13-21)
We all ate and were satisfied and as the campers collected the leftovers, there were twelve full baskets extra! Abundance
And this was just the beginning. Past counselors, Stephen King, Dusty Crim, and Sergey Mukhanaw arrived just in time to “volunteer” as counselors for two over-sized youth camps. A naturalist program led by Chris Rompala, Americorps, and Alex Kroll, EMT, ran parallel to the existing camp program. BLM naturalist, Larry Ridenhour brought his great horned owl for campers to observe. Recycling and food waste (ORT) became central to our caring for creation. A north beach was uncovered as campers joyfully pried away deadfall to create a white glistening shorefront for camp visitors. Two lovingly used sunfish and four kayaks added to the enjoyment and instruction on the waterfront. Flannery Coats & Jane Parker

Changes to staff leadership and selection also brought plentiful gifts. A young adult team directed the campers program infusing a sense of laughter and enthusiasm that bubbled throughout each day. Flannery Coats, a recent University of Portland graduate and a past camper and counselor, took the helm and her accomplishments were extraordinary.

Paul Hemker became an integral part of our facility staff, giving to all of us a rare level of joy and wonder. Paul also learned that he could live and thrive away from his supportive parents while contributing significantly to Paradise Point. He wears his “green staff shirt” with pride and a smile.

Ian Bogert joined us as a youth volunteer bringing his own sunfish and teaching staff, adults and campers about sailing techniques.
Bishop Harry kept coming back. First seen, he was lying on the Rec Hall floor playing “after-hours” games with Junior High campers. On his last visit, he led the crew of Sue Heffner and Graeme Galbraith paneling the west wall of the Rec Hall. Other clergy visitors and volunteers included Jennifer Anttonen, Marilyn Butler, David Wettstein, Rich Demarest, Shawn Carty, Rick Harvey, Bill Brown, Shelley Platt and Karen Hunter. Our young Episcopalian campers knew they were supported and loved by their church leaders. The growing relationships were of immeasurable importance to the campers.
Under the leadership of Ed Lonsdale, the physical plant saw many changes. Ed, with the help of interested staff designed, planned and built to completion a memorial cabin that sits at the bottom of the stairs to the Chapel. Funded by Mickey and Denny Densley, this memorial is a holy space; a place to reflect and pray for those friends and family whose ashes are spread on The Point. The Foote Rec Hall is near completion after 50 years! Doors, windows, heat, siding, paneling, and a new roof (this month) combine to make this large hall a welcoming structure. Hooray to all who have donated time, talent and money. The platform for the new Yurt (placed on the south rim accessible to the plowed road for winter use) is complete. With luck, it will be ready for occupancy by Christmas.
Beyond the remarkable number of campers, staff, volunteers, clergy and friends and even beyond the exemplary program and structural additions, at Paradise Point we felt an abundance of love and acceptance. “God loves all of us, all of the time,” (Marilyn Butler) and in the receiving of this love, there was abundance here.