Summer is Fairwood and Fishing

Some of my best memories during my teen years were time spent at Camp Fairwood in Westfield Wisconsin. Then, as a young man, I remember driving some boys from our church to that camp in my 1964 Thunderbird. Later, when I was getting to know Cindie (who has been my wife now – 45th anniversary on July 3) we spent time at that camp. Camp Fairwood was one of the places we would go for family vacations. Men’s retreats are always special at camp.  We have taken many groups of young boys to camp for winter retreats. What a blessing.

Camp Fairwood memories

Workers at Camp

Cindie had worked in the camp office as a teen, and both of our children worked there as well. Our daughter was a lifeguard, and now she sometimes serves as the camp nurse for a week or two. Our son is now serving as a pastor, so he often takes not only his two daughters, but other teens from his home church as well. Summer! What a blessing.

As a retired adult, I have been to camp more than once to work on various projects. One time another retiree, Larry, went with me and we built picnic tables. On another trip my friend JP and I went up to camp to do some painting. Even as a teen I remember going to camp with my father and brother Russell to work on projects.

Larry and Wayne building picnic tables.

Fishing was also a wonderful summer activity as we were growing up. My father was very good in scheduling many Saturday fishing adventures, and even some evening trips to local lakes to catch fish in the early evening hours. We eagerly looked forward to those times on the lake catching monster crappies, bluegills, sunfish, perch and even some northern pike and largemouth bass. It is a blessing to live in a state that has beautiful lakes that are teeming with fish. But we also fished at Camp Fairwood. Sadly, the lake has gradually filled in with debris over the years, and it cannot be restored without special permission from the state government. Still, the existing portions are a blessing!

Giving Back and Continuing to Serve

Now that we are “retired” we contribute to the ministries of Camp Fairwood. It is a joy to be able to give back for all the things Camp Fairwood has given to us. All of our six grandchildren have been to this camp, and I believe all will be there this year as well. To add icing on the cake, our oldest granddaughter, Violet, has continued the family tradition by working at camp for a couple of weeks each summer. Summer! What a blessing.

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

They care about treasure that lasts. The things that are learned while at Camp Fairwood are priceless. They also generate lasting treasures.

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Camp Fairwood Link: Camp

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.