This article was submitted to our diocese by the Very Rev. Karl Burns, Church of our Savior, John’s Island, SC.

What was the best thing you did this summer?
I’ve got my answer locked in: Grand Camp with my nine-year-old grandson, Lewis!

Over the years, I’ve spent many summers at camps and retreats, but this one? This one topped them all. We laughed, played, prayed, and made memories that will last far beyond our time at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simons Island, Georgia. It wasn’t just the highlight of my summer—it was a heart-filling adventure that brought Lewis and me closer to each other and to God.

In so many ways, Grand Camp is a sacred space. For four days, Lewis set aside Legos, video games, and Taekwondo, while I stepped away from preaching, pastoral care, and yard work. Together, we turned our hearts toward Jesus. We studied Bible stories, memorized scripture, built a simple circuit to light a bulb, and prayed using a bag of Skittles—and yes, we ate them too!

Grand Camp is sacred because it fosters meaningful connections with other grandparents. I loved getting to know fellow grandparents from across the country, hearing their hopes for their children and grandchildren, and praying with them throughout the week. Lewis, too, bonded with the other kids. It was such a blessing to watch them encourage each other in faith and grow in their love for the Lord.

But Grand Camp isn’t only sacred—it’s also a wonderfully silly place! Water balloons, relay races, and square dancing, helped us all experience faith with childlike joy. My personal favorite? Shaving cream wiffle ball. Turns out, a handful of shaving cream and a high-five are great ways to make foamy friends!

While there were many planned activities, Lewis and I especially enjoyed the unstructured afternoons—swimming in the pool, exploring the beach, and walking the pier on St. Simons Island. Squirt gun battles, boogie board surfing, and seaside strolls were all memory-making moments. But my favorite time? Our evening devotionals. Though we were tired and ready for bed, our devotional guide helped us open up about our faith and our lives.

On our third night, Lewis asked me, “Papa, when did you give your life to Jesus?”  He was amazed to hear that I was not much older than he was.  I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have asked that question before Grand Camp. 

And Lewis’s favorite moment? I asked him. The Sunday after we returned, he stood in front of the congregation at Our Saviour and shared that his favorite moment was the last night—when his Papa gave him a blessing.

We had spent about thirty minutes sitting on a bench overlooking the intercoastal waterway. I told him how much I love him, how much he means to me, how deeply God loves him, and how God will guide and strengthen him.

His response? “I love you, Papa.”

That was it—I was undone. My heart was full, and my soul rejoiced. Lewis reaffirmed his faith and commitment, and we walked hand in hand back to the chapel. Along the way, we somehow ended up talking about shaving cream going up our noses during wiffle ball.

I told you—Grand Camp is a sacred space, but it’s also a silly space!

We’re already looking forward to next summer’s Grand Camp (June 15–19, 2026). Lewis and I have even convinced his little sister and Mimi to join us! He wanted me to tell you something too:

“Tell them it’ll be the best thing they will do all summer.”

Amen, Lewis. Amen.