When I was a pastor, Easter marked the culmination of busyness and a moment to celebrate not just the resurrection of Jesus but also to look forward to the slower season of summer, when many parishioners traveled and most church programming grinded to a halt.
As you can imagine, working at a summer camp, Easter now signifies a ramp-up. It is an exciting time to reflect with family on the hope found in the resurrection and gear up for Illahee’s upcoming 105th summer!
Beyond the egg hunts, pastel colors, and tasty brunches, Easter reminds me of one of my favorite YouTube videos. It features the Easter worship service of Davidson Presbyterian Church, where the choir sings the epic “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.
While most of the crowd stands still and silent (as good Presbyterians do), a 5-year-old girl steps into the aisle and dances like no one is watching. She doesn’t appear to be dancing for anyone’s particular appeasement or amusement, but to simply be herself.
This moment encompasses all I love about working with kids: their joy, enthusiasm, and willingness to be silly.
Sunday worship at camp often includes the song “Lord of the Dance.” It’s a catchy tune whose lyrics are written from the first-person perspective of Jesus, portraying his ministry, works, miracles, life, death, and eventual resurrection as a dance. In the chorus, he invites us, in our own lives, to dance as well.
I’m frequently asked, “So, what kind of Christian camp is Illahee?”
Today, I would say it is a place where we hope girls let go of whatever pain, pressure, or anxieties are holding them back and find the joy to dance like a 5-year-old celebrating the good news of Easter.
We wish you and your family a happy (potentially dance-filled) Easter.
Peace & Blessings,
Lucas