This spring, I along with twenty some other women enjoyed a weekend retreat at Camp Edgewood, one of the several camps operated by the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.  This year was the 25th  anniversary of the women’s retreat, originally begun by a pastor of Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Ontario, for its women’s group, the ELW.  Now the retreat is a separately organized event, with invitations extended to  members of other Lutheran churches.

We enjoyed early morning walks up to the cliffs and a look around up there.  Our Bible Study leader,  Pastor Tanya from Mount Zion, led us to consider nature and how wind, water, and spirit are conveyed in the Bible. Our weekend included worship, study, social time— including the Saturday evening game of Pictionary— a craft time and plenty of good food.

The camp in Eden Mills, Ontario, offers summer camps for children, confirmation camps, youth and congregational council retreats as well as its environmental program led by the camp director, Fred Ludolph, closely tied with the neighbouring community of Eden Mills in its environmental approach.

Camp Edgewood is located only a short drive from Rockwood, Ontario, where we used to take the campers for walks to see the caves and waterfalls. The camp has evolved since I was a camp counselor and even more since my daughters attended confirmation camp. We’ve been at camp for a congregational picnic too.

There are always tasks and upgrades to be done at the camp. Some of the cabins have been replaced with newer facilities; washrooms have been upgraded. Recently at a men’s work weekend, work was done on the nurse’s cabin, installing a new vanity. I understand that Cedar Lodge, shown above, will be undergoing changes too.

The camp will mark its 65th anniversary later this year in October. I’m sure there are some special events being planned for the celebration. It’s a place to build relationships with others and with God and a place to honour and enjoy nature.

Take a look at the photos on the Edgewood site. Go  check it out.  Maybe I’ll see you there sometime.