Camping on the Cheap

An Experimental Campground

Looking for inexpensive fun over Memorial Day weekend, some friends decided to host our own campout rather than pay $60 at the local campground we usually go to. None of us were sure if this idea would flourish as our new plan for the summer. Would we blow a fuse or could we make it through a 4 day weekend going primitive style camping (no electricity or water hookup)? It was simply an experiment born of financial necessity.

Three nights at our experimental campground turned out to be a lot of fun. We all arrived around dusk on Friday and sat up 3 campers and 2 large tents. The RV awnings and tent porches opened toward our social gathering spot-the campfire--reminding me of the old Conestoga wagons circling together. The weather was perfect, neither too cold nor too hot. The bugs hadn't yet figured out camping season had begun. God was smiling on our weekend, and for good reason.

Pressed Down but Not Destroyed

As we sat around the campfire sharing and laughing, we discussed the recession and our financial hardships with the price of gas going up to nearly $4.00 per gallon during the last week or so. Pastor Chad was not there, nor was our friend Dottie, a financial advisor, but their influence was. Since most of us know each other from church, Pastor Chad's sermon about tithing 11 weeks prior was still a hot topic. Two of the seven families represented had just consulted with Dottie about budgeting and living fiscally responsibly. While the sermon and consultation may have brought conviction due to the scriptural exhortation presented, it's amazing to me how God takes care of his children. We are all burdened by the economy, but we're also all blessed by this family of believers and the fellowship herein. The anointing and holy ease of the weekend were reminders that God holds us. Even in hardship, we are blessed.

Campfire Chats

Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (KJV). The friendship and trust shared around the campfire revived us for the work week to come. We unloaded our burdens by chatting about our day-to-day experiences. We shared tips for how to save money and we laughed about our favorite commercials and movie lines. The kids played with each other and were having so much fun that the meltdowns and feuds were few and far between. One of the twins even said, "This is the best campground I've ever been to." His mother later said it was the only campground he'd ever been to, but for a ten-year old, the fishing, four-wheeling, and frankfurters could easily become a way of life.

In addition, we sat up our own outdoor theater and since we were in a remote area, we could be as loud and as late as we wanted. It wasn't the recreation, though, that made it special. It was the fellowship. Whenever we were hungry, everyone pitched in and without much forethought and menu-planning, we had a feast every day! I was reminded of the fish and loaves story when I took the leftover food home that we didn't even get around to opening because there was such surplus.

Blessed Beyond the Curse

The recreation and food are great, but the best part of the campout, past and present and without exception, is the roasting that goes on, and I'm not talking about on the end of the roasting stick. Maybe it was just because "John Tom" hosted this event, but he took his share of roasting this weekend. We definitely missed Melissa, who always has a zinger ready and prepared. I personally missed Pastor Chad because it's fun to watch him participate, but at the same time watch what he says to be sure it's received well. It's just a side of Christianity that I don't think everyone gets to see, but I wish they could. This is the family of Christ, sharing and "breaking bread" together, supporting each other. We are facing hardship and even persecution (by Satan) in our congregation, but you wouldn't know it on the campgrounds. And if you're ever in need of blessing, but don't know where to go or how to get connected, look us up. We are simply human, but our Father, Savior, and Comforter definitely take care of us. We are blessed.