This Summer at Grace Point Camp

The first year of summer camps at Grace Point are underway. There are also opportunities for all (children & adults) who don't plan to attend a week-long camp.

The invitation is to one and all -- to individuals, families, parishes and organizations. “Come down to the river to pray -- and play.”

The river is the Tennessee, specifically Watts Bar Lake at the Diocesan Camp and Retreat Center, Grace Point. Episcopalians from all over the diocese are invited to discover the wonders and be re-created in mind, body and spirit.

One of the best ways to enjoy this new endeavor is to participate in summer camp. As of the May 15 deadline, 85 campers had signed on for five sessions of camp at Grace Point. There are sessions for grades 1 through newly graduated high schoolers with plenty of swimming, boating, crafts, fishing, food, music and prayer for all.

Each week of camp has a director and volunteers to help with all aspects of fun. There is still a place for a musician, preferably a guitarist, and for a crafts person. Anyone interested should contact the Rev. Stephen Askew or Patricia patricia@etdiocese.net.

The Rev. Hugh Jones, Chair of the Grace Point Board of Managers, said, “The Board of Managers and the Executive Director are very pleased with the response to the first summer camping season at Grace Point. Children and adults will be coming from every part of East Tennessee to have fun in the place that has already become the ‘living room’ of our Diocese. While there, they will also be nurtured and nourished, formed and transformed, as the people of God in an environment like none other. Thanks be to God for Grace Point!”

For those of you who are not in the summer camp frame of mind (or age), the program coordinators of Grace Point have something special in store. Remember last year’s day camps for parishes in the diocese? the swimming, the boating, the fishing, the games, the crafts, the food and the worship?

Well, this event is not a repeat. It is an all-new, fun-filled Diocesan Day at Grace Point dubbed a “Mid Summer Day’s Do” There will be activities from 1 p.m. until dusk with a Eucharist followed by a catered dinner.

It will contain all the best from last year’s day camps with new ideas springing up daily. Full plans are not yet complete, but the day is set. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 13.

Everyone in the diocese is invited. Sign up with your parish to reserve a place (and a meal).

Keep in mind that these are not the only opportunities for using the facilities at Grace Point. If you have a group or a family who would enjoy a day of relaxation, or if you just want to go fishing, contact the executive director, the Rev. Bo Lewis, for availability of facilities. He can be reached through Diocesan offices llazlo@etdiocese.net.

See photos of Grace Point and read more about the Camp and Retreat Center.