When we weren’t feasting, we spent time praying, working, and enjoying the land together. Justin Johnson had some small projects we could work on to improve the property, and after that we had some organized free time. Some went fishing while others hung around the campsite playing card games or yard games, and others ventured down to see the bald eagles flying around their nest. At night after dinner we made s’mores, talked about what we learned about God through his creation and through each other, and then finished with Compline. Sunday morning after breakfast we gathered for church. One of the boys made a processional cross, and our lessons were read by one of the kids and one of the granddads. Instead of the typical prayers of the people, I had families go off together to find a quiet place and pray together. The dads and granddads were encouraged to pray for the things that had happened in the lives of their children and grandchildren for the past year, and for what is to come in the year ahead. The kids were encouraged to offer up their own prayers too. After 30 minutes we gathered back together and prayed for the Jubilee property and all who would come to know of God’s gracious love through the ministry that would take place there. We ended with communion, and then prepped for lunch and our departure.
It’s amazing what happens when kids are allowed freedom to play and explore within defined boundaries. Sticks become magical instruments, trees become bases and hiding places, even bugs become objects of wonder—or disgust! One dad was reflecting on the camp-out afterwards: “I was amazed that my kids never said ‘I’m bored’ the entire time. When we went to Disney I heard them say ‘I’m bored’ all the time! We weren’t on phones, we didn’t need distractions. They were just running around in the woods!”
Corey Prescott–Camping at Camp Jubilee https://t.co/ajj4q4n4tX #youthministry #anglican #southcarolina [Anglican Diocese of South Carolina photo] pic.twitter.com/A9AY37Mbbo
— Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) July 9, 2025