Author: CW Spencer

My friend Brian and I have been talking a lot lately about backpacking. Most of that conversation takes place, though, inside our cushy campsites at East Fork State Park. It’s fun to reminisce about former trips, and even make some vague plans for new ones, especially while sitting in our cozy camper chairs, sipping a Keurig-brewed coffee and munching a plate full of assorted fire-grilled meat products. But who really wants to hoist their entire camp onto their backs, hike for who knows how many miles and mountains, and then set it up every night, …

Dad never pressured me, but I know he hoped his son, like him, would become an ordained minister. But it wasn’t meant to be. I did, however, volunteer with Campers for Christ in 1980. Dad’s dream wasn’t totally fulfilled, but he was a man who’d learned to be happy with whatever he got. Campers for Christ still holds church services at two local state parks. When my turn comes up, I lead the singing (iffy, I admit) and do a devotional. It’s been a great experience. Campers are kind folks who always tell me they …