COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:Camp Fox will always be alive in our hearts

What do I think of the decision not to sign an agreement that would have renewed the Glendale YMCA’s lease at Camp Fox? The question has been asked, (Sept. 8) and I am called to answer. But first, a brief introduction.

I am a Christian, a Camp Fox camper of six years, and I served as a counselor in 2000 and 2005. I currently reside in Misawa, Japan, with my husband who is a United States Air Force pilot.

Since hearing the latest news about the Glendale YMCA’s refusal to sign the agreement, and the Conservancy’s refusal to extend the deadline again, I’ve been thinking a lot about where God’s plan is in all of this (“Glendale YMCA to lose Camp Fox lease,” Sept. 8). Though initially saddened, of course, I wonder if there are unseen blessings to be found in this recent turn of events.

As far as I’m concerned, Camp Fox is holy ground. It’s God’s place. I suppose the argument could be made that the rest of the world is too, and that we shouldn’t neglect the wholeness of His creation by hanging all our faith on this one little island beach — but I get the feeling He’s taken a particularly special interest in what goes on at Buttonshell Cove.

And if this is the case, then why does it seem that He has forsaken camp in its greatest time of need? Perhaps it is not He, but us — or more specifically the Glendale YMCA — that has ceased to hold as a supreme priority, God’s work that is done through this program.

Now this is not meant as a condemnation of the Glendale YMCA — the organization is responsible to its membership and entitled to promote and pursue whatever programs it sees fit. However — and though I have been very removed from the events that have transpired over the last months and years and I have a limited basis of understanding — my observations of the Y’s actions indicate that it no longer has either the capacity or interest to give Camp Fox programs the focus and priority I believe God requires.

John Thomas, Glendale YMCA’s chief executive, was quoted in a recent article saying, he is committed to kids in this community and keeping camping strong for kids.

No criticism can be made of Thomas’ intentions — seeking to serve the needs of the community is an admirable endeavor, and I pray God blesses all his efforts to meet those needs.

The history of my personal faith is inextricably intertwined with my experiences in that place, with the leaders who come in the spirit of true service, and with the campers through whom I have seen God’s love and truth, as both a teen and an adult.

So to answer the question, I think the decision was honest, and the Conservancy’s response realistic. If the Glendale Y was fully committed to Camp Fox, they would have signed in a heartbeat no matter what the cost — or perhaps not allowed the disrepair to occur in the first place. Of course if there is a role for the Y’s continued involvement, by all means they should fill it, but it is best if their commitments lie elsewhere, that they allow others more willing and capable to step in and take the lead.

My prayer now is that those that do step in recognize the opportunity and responsibility of maintaining and organizing this camp. The history and long-standing traditions of Camp Fox are powerful — and should not be forgotten or watered down. There are thousands of lives that have been touched, shaped and healed on the quiet shores of Catalina — and thousands more that await the same chance.

The charge now lie to us — those individuals faithful to Camp Fox (whether you have been there, or even heard of it before or not) and God’s plans for it, whatever those may be. If we have the courage for it, perhaps the answer is to take up our own banner and form a nonprofit organization to compete for independent management of camp. Or if there is an existing organization with the heart and resources to take the challenge of preserving an amazing tradition, I pray they would hear and answer the call.

However, the one and only thing we can all do with certainty is bring home the spirit of this camp we so cherish. Let our lives be a living testament to the God of Buttonshell Beach — the one and true God who is everywhere and always. We can never really lose camp, so long as we keep it alive in our hearts — and in the face of recent challenges, this is the greatest test of our so-called commitment.

If we can no longer bring the world to camp (but even if we do “save” camp) bring Camp Fox and the love you knew there to the world.

Whether as a memorial, or ongoing celebration, that is God’s ultimate purpose for allowing each of us our experiences there in the first place.