Pastor's Note

CAMPS AND CLINICS
June 17th, 2007

I was talking to various (younger) members of the parish, asking them how they are going to spend their summer. I was amazed at how many will be going to summer camps or other programs called ‘clinics.’
There was a time when going to summer camp meant going to a woods or lake where there was recreation, crafts, and summer camp counselors. Boy and Girl Scouts, along with various church-sponsored groups, held these camps for many kids, especially those who lived in the cities.
Now many camps are focused on sports and are just as likely to be held on a college campus. Some camps are day camps and the kids simply attend each day; others include overnight accommodations.
Besides sports, there are camps for mathematics or other academic courses, not to mention the annual band camps and cheerleading camps.
I’m not sure why some of these programs are called ‘clinics’ instead of camps. But, then, I’m not sure why many are even called camps. It certainly has given a new definition to ‘camp.’
These can be very good experiences and many kids have fun learning some basic skills. It seems that setting aside a week for some intensive drills is a valid way to learn. Meanwhile, however, practice in that field, whether it be computer or basketball, has to continue to take place after the week of camp is over. It has to be a regular part of life for someone to get good at it.
The same is true for spirituality. Having an intense experience is good, but then comes the daily practice, which is what we all need to remain close to the Lord.