The Rev. 'Bo' Lewis Goes to Camp

by Pam Doty, Editor
His first experience with Episcopal camp programs was in 1951 and he has been associated with Episcopal camping every year since save one (he visited his parents in South America). So said the Rev. Albert “Bo” Lewis, new director for the Diocesan Camp and Retreat Center on Watts Bar Lake near Kingston.

Resigning after ten years as rector of Church of the Resurrection, Loudon, Lewis is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of the people of this diocese through the Camp and Retreat Center.

He has been involved in directing camps and training camp staff for many years and the experience has been a source of great satisfaction. He has worked with Special Needs camps in Louisiana and Mississippi, broadening the horizons of children in foster care and on probation.

With a Youth Corps camp he took eight boys for a one day trip deep sea fishing. The boys had never been out of Baton Rouge. They were jabbering away until they caught a glimpse of the ocean -- then there was silence. Lewis asked, ‘Haven’t you ever seen the ocean on TV?’ One boy answered, holding his hands out about fifteen inches apart, ‘Yeah, but the TVs only this big!’

Lewis said he learned two important things on that trip: when your sight is so restricted, you’re unable to have a vision; and it’s necessary to plant seeds of hope.

Lewis' vision of the Camp and Retreat Center is one of intergenerational connections, of large numbers of adults and young people being involved in programs together. He sees Camp Billy Johnson, a completely volunteer program to provide camp experience for inner city kids, as a model of what the Diocese of East Tennessee can do in the way of outreach to special needs groups.

The response to the six days of “Down By the Riverside” day camp held at the property this summer has increased Bo’s enthusiasm for the Center.

He said, “We had a wonderful response. Over 600 people representing thirty churches in the Diocese attended during those six days. It was beyond our wildest expectations.

“The most common response to seeing the property was ‘Well, I read about it, but I didn’t expect this!’ It’s hard to believe until you see it.”

Each session of day camp offered opportunities for swimming, boating, hiking, sailing, touring the area, doing arts and crafts and worshiping on the point.

According to Lewis, even the ospreys and great blue herons cooperated, showing up at prime times to impress participants with the indigenous wildlife.

Lewis said, “A really touching moment was Bishop Sanders celebrating the Eucharist at one of the sessions. It was the culmination of his dream of a camp and conference center for the Diocese of East Tennessee.”

Developing the property and programs is the next item on Bo’s agenda. Lewis and members of the Camp and Retreat Center Board are meeting with architect Kent Cooper on September fourteen to begin discussions on future development. Having said that, Lewis added that limited use of the property is possible now. Day meetings and some overnight camping is possible within limits until septic systems are developed.

Already groups are using the existing facilities. The Youth Action Council, Cursillo groups, Bishop and Council and individual churches have visited already. The Senior High Retreat participants will be coming in September to do some clean up around the property and then to play awhile.

Individuals and families, and even non-Episcopal groups can use the facilities by checking with Lewis.

Right now, the Diocese has tents for twenty people to camp. Available for use are four canoes, one kayak, one small sailboat, one powered runabout, one powered fishing boat, a concrete launching ramp and some fishing gear.

The swimming pool is being maintained for use through the end of September although groups planning to swim need to bring a certified lifeguard.

Hiking trails, two kitchens, eight full bathrooms, meeting space and a public golf course within five miles are some of the amenities already on site. The center is not yet licensed to sell food, but groups can bring food or have food catered.

Presently, the most immediate needs for the camp and retreat center are pots, pans, linens and utensils for the kitchen; canoes, sailboats, kayaks and a pontoon boat. Bo will be glad to speak with potential donors.

The Rev. Bo Lewis is married and has four children and eleven grandchildren. He is anticipating great things for the Camp and Retreat Center and he is available to talk about it just nearly any time.

To use the facilities -- for groups, churches, individuals or families -- contact Lewis by eMail: camp@etdiocese.net or phone: 865.458.4829 or 865.521.2900 for information and suggested donations.