Sundays at Chosatonga are a sacred day. After a high octane week of daring climbs, challenging rapids, steep trails, and swift berms, rest is the first ingredient to a magical sunday. As Jesus tells us in Matthew, the Sabbath, a day of rest, is made for man. To kick off that rest, we refresh campers and staff by waking slowly and soaking up some extra shut eye. And if that doesn’t excite you, then the smell of the dining hall will. At 9:00 AM the doors of the dining hall open for one of the most coveted items in all of Chosatonga: Sunday donuts! The whole day is one of community and camaraderie, which promptly starts as donuts are served while campers gather around the piano listening to one another play, games of chess commence on the porch, and counselors quietly practice their chapel speeches and songs.
After a hot start, campers head to their cabins to clean up their space – an impressive feat well incentivized by the chance to visit the famous Dolly’s Icecream. When the bell rings, everyone heads down to the archery field where we gather for cabin pictures, then start our time of reflection with a silent hike up to the outdoor chapel.
On the way to our Green Cathedral, campers are asked to contemplate their week: what they’ve accomplished, where they can grow, new or rekindled friendships, and anything else that fills their heart while taking a few minutes of silence. Once at the chapel, everyone is warmly greeted by members of the Chapel Committee with a handshake and a tune like “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” or “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”. Through Scripture, skits, song, and reflections from both counselors and Directors, we lean into the Gospel before concluding together with the Our Father.
After chapel, we share a large family style lunch – the kind of Sunday supper that leaves you full and maybe a little sleepy. As we finish lunch, the afternoon offers two different paths for nourishment. For our Catholic campers and anyone who would like to attend, we offer the opportunity to gather for Mass on Kahdalea’s campus. For everyone else – rest hour provides a quiet space to recharge. Whether through Liturgy or a catnap everyone is well rested and ready for the afternoon. By midafternoon, excitement begins to bubble. All the Chosmen climb into vans and start their journey to a surprise location for Friendship Council. Once at Friendship Council you’re guaranteed to find something just your speed: football, ultimate frisbee, chess, spikeball, soccer, hammocking in the shade, a good book, guitar jam sessions, and just about anything else fun or relaxing.
After dinner cooked on the grill, all the Chosmen load up and head to a scenic overlook. Here we tell stories of victories and trials of the week, sharing with each other lessons learned from our trips and experiences. This is one of the most special times of the week. I’m always moved when a camper who is typically shy or crowd averse, stands up to share a lesson learned from their week on the trail. It’s frequently the smallest moments that many glance over which have a profound impact on someone around us. Whether rappelling down waterfalls or spending your first night under the stars, adventure looks a little different for each of us. And that’s what makes it special. Friendship Council gives all of us a space to see that growth isn’t one dimensional and linear – it’s different for everyone, and someone around you is probably feeling exactly what you are.
After being inspired by trip reports and stories, counselors line up to announce what trips they’re leading, often acted out by hilarious and happily ridiculous skits. After a song to close us out, campers group up based on what trip they are interested in for the upcoming week. Here they get all the relevant information for the week so they can prepare accordingly and be ready to tackle a new week of adventure and challenge.
Sundays aren’t just a break from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday camp life: Sundays are the fuel that keeps us going throughout the exhilarating, yet challenging adventures we pursue. By focusing on rest, worship, and deep connection, our adventures cease to be about the destination. Through the rhythm of Sunday, we find the persistence, confidence, and teamwork that go far beyond our activity skill levels and teach us what adventure is truly about. Sundays are our why.