Camp Nawakwa - Yearbook (Biglerville, PA)

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I 1 Dedication Forkher tireless efforts, her constant devotzon, her qnzet efficzency, ana' her Chrzstzan example We lovzngly dedzcate the 1953 NA WAKWAN to J FANNE CRNER

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Thoughts During an Opening Hillside It was time to climb the ascending trail to spend another summer eve- ning hour upon the high grass covered vesper hill. ,As we walked slowly up the trail I thought of the past yearf and of the numerous times this experience had flashed through my memory and of how I had looked for- ward to this moment. We were approaching the opening at the edge of the woodsg the voices of the choir could be heard singing I-Iark, the Vesper Hymn Is Steal- ing, beckoning us onward and upward. With a shortness of breath, butwith a calmness in our hearts we reached the top of the hill and sat on the highest tier. After a few moments shared with God we began to look around us while we waited for the others to arrive. The world below seemed hushed and still--the world above, con- trolled by an unseen power. As we sang Lead On, 0 King Eternal I thought of oh so many things -of other summers such as this--of old acquaintances and treasured friendships made here-of those unable to be with us this summer-and of the glorious experience of another week at Nawakwa. N Above us were the snow-white clouds floating by across the great, un- moved ceiestial blueg and the mingled red and gold and violet hue of sunset was spreading its beauty through thesky. Certainly, there could be no doubt in one7s mind as they viewed this picturesque scene that here God revealed the sweetness ot His Will. Pastor Deitz returned to his seat after giving us an inspiring messageg and the cnoir began to sing Day Is Dying in the West. As I listened to their voices my ,thoughts were with those who were unable to be with us but were sharing. our experience in their hearts. Q Excerpt froma letter by Jeanne Orner.

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By most standards twenty-five years is not a long time. Yet it is long for a summer camp. It is long enough for some of you to have parents who were themselves campers in the days when Nawakwa was young. Gur twenty-fifth season passed with appro- priate observances amid many evi'dences of vigor, life and growth. Actually it is difficult this year to think back because we are thinking and planning so furiously for the future. Last year hundreds of your friends were turned away be- cause Camp Nawakwa did not have room to accommodate them. In August the Board voted unanimously to build a new camp unit for the 1954 season. The plan is to build a largely independent camp unit on the hill behind the farm house. Next summer we hope to have accommodations-cabins, dining hall, class rooms, assembly space-for eighty-eight campers and the necessary staff. The eventual size of the camp is planned for 110. These new facilities will be used exclusively for the juniors. This change will free spaces in the main camp for older age groups. Will it be Camp Nawakwa? A smaller camp will make possible some experimenta- tion in program and adjustments in procedures. The aim, however, is to duplicate in every respect the essential features and fundamental values which have created the life and spirit we know. Morning Watch, Upper Temple, and the Fourfold Life will all be there. Twenty-five years ago Nawakwa was built physically. Then through the years it matured, developed stability, learned to do a job which you campers and our churches have increasingly accepted. Now we are building again-perforce-to meet new needs. We shall have heavy financial obligations for a time. If we continue, however, to make this camp-old and new-a place of Christian training and experience, there will be no doubt about either God's blessing or the church's support. I am glad to be able to tell you that in 1954 there will be room not only for you but also for your friends who last year wanted to come but couldn't. God bless you as you follow Christ's way through this coming year. REGINALD W. DEITZ.