Published in the April/May 2008 edition of Michigan In Touch

If you ask most people to describe their favorite part of summer, you would likely hear a variety of stores related to the beach, family vacations, or visiting friends and relatives. However, ask this same question of anyone who has been involved with Special Friends Camp over the past 30 years and you would hear a very different story.

In 1978, the Michigan District began to support an already existing camp for people with disabilities. Special Friends Camp was started by a lady known to all as Mary Lou. The camp started with the intention of providing people with various cognitive disabilities the opportunity to have fun and socialize in a Christian setting. Campers were given the opportunity to grow and learn through daily Bible study and song sessions, as well as various outdoor activities such as swimming and horseback riding. Mary Lou also wanted to offer caregivers the chance to take a break. For many caregivers, this was the only time off they had all year.

When Mary Lou was no longer able to continue directing Special Friends Camp, Dennis Pieper took over as director. For the past 15 years, the Pieper family has been involved in running the camp, which takes place at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton. It has grown from approximately 25 campers to almost 50 campers last year.

Special Friends Camp is staffed by volunteers (counselors) whose ages range from 16 to 50. The volunteers spend one week each summer helping adults with disabilities grow in their faith during the daily Bible study and music time. In addition, the counselors encourage all the campers to have fun and experience new things. These new activities could include trying the camp’s zip line, riding a horse, shooting a bow and arrow, having a water fight at the beach, performing at the annual talent show, or simply making a new friend. The counselors are “on call” 24 hours a day for the entire time that the campers are at the camp. They are prepared to help the campers enjoy themselves and grow in any way possible. At the end of the week, all the volunteers are mentally and physically exhausted.

So why do so many volunteers continue to come back, year after year? As one of the volunteer counselors for the past 15 years, I can tell you the answer is simple. Even though we are mentally and physically fatigued, almost every volunteer leaves Camp Copneconic feeling spiritually renewed. The most obvious place where this renewal happens is during “Jesus Time”. During this time, the campers often worship the way most Christians strive to- with complete acceptance and gratitude to Jesus for the sacrifice he made for us. Participating in this worship alone would be enough to allow most people to feel spiritually renewed. However, the most touching moments generally occur outside of “Jesus Time”. For example, the way one camper conquers his fear of horses every year by singing the Doxology at the top of his lungs throughout the entire guided ride. Or the explosion of cheers from the crowd after each and every act of the talent show. Even the way the campers will give each other a high-five for simple acts of kindness, such as holding the door for someone, or handing someone a tray at lunch.

Campers return to Special Friends Camp year after year because they want to see old friends, make new friends, try new activities, and simply relax and have fun. Caregivers continue to send their loved ones to the camp because, in addition to seeing them have a great time, they gain a much deserved rest. They can relax knowing that the campers are in a safe and fun environment. But the counselors return each year because it is the time of year that they see faith as it is meant to be – completely willing to accept what God has given us, entirely thankful to God for every blessing no matter how small, and shared with every person around us.