Camp Fowler

Camp Fowler is one of the most important places I’ve ever been to and experienced. I went as a camper and SIT back in the 90’s, then as a staff member in 05 and 06, and now as a volunteer. Each time I’ve been has been different in its own unique way.
Nick P. does a great job describing Fowler. To live simply is something that many people wish they did more of. But here is a place to really put it into practice. You can walk slower, not have to worry about your cell phone going off every three minutes, and take a sunset canoe ride if you wish. A heavy emphasis is on sustainability. From recycling, to using solar panels, and even the new (gasp!) composting toilets, both young and old can take away key elements for their lives outside of camp.
To be able to do all these things in an inviting Christian environment is important to the core of Camp Fowler. But those who question their spirituality or even have never been to church are still included in everything. There is singing, small group activities, and «solo» time for everyone to participate and grow in. Storytelling is used frequently, and I’ve always come away from camp with my imagination sharper from listening to great stories during the week.
Camp Fowler is located in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. Right in the Southern Adirondacks on Lake Sacandaga, I’m amazed each time I see the view over the lake onto the mountains.

If you strike a match in a dark room, that single little match can illuminate everything around it. You can light a candle with that match, or start a camp fire to keep you warm.
Fowler is a place that shows you where to find the matches in the dark. I wont get into too many of my own experiences, but I can say my life has been powerfully and positivity impacted by things I learned at camp.
Creating a framework for a healthy Christian society outside of boring church can show you that God, religion, and spirituality can be fun. That church can be conducted outside, or around a campfire, and that cool people pray. That there are lots of ways to learn how to live a good life, and a teacher named Jesus had some lessons worth learning. A way of life. There is God in nature for some people, and Fowler teaches to respect that. That recycling, and using only what you need are good things.
Fowler teaches that you can go a week without your ipod. That when you go back to it you’ll have a little different relationship with it. You might appreciate it more, you might need it less. You might realize it was silly to miss it. You might realize music comes from us, and we can make it.
Fowler teaches how to be silly, and how to play games with a hundred other people. It teaches you how to climb a ladder and kiss a moose. Fowler teaches how to be part of a community. About your responsibility in that community.
Kent Busman is the coordinator at Fowler, and is a bridge from the religion to real life. He leads by example, and can tell awesome stories/​fables to illuminate what he believes. He has the wonder of a child at having fun, great laugh, and clear boundaries and rules. He is an orthodox minister, but just between you and me I think he has had to wrestle with some of the more strict church rules. Kent’s the kind of guy that would rather help somebody in the street because they needed it, than follow strict rules to make influential members of the community happy. If you ever watched Star Trek the Next Generation, he reminds me of captain Picard. Sometimes the captain would break the rules of the universe because the rules just don’t have the subtly to fit every situation.
Essentially fowler is about having fun and being in a community with a purpose. While I was staff there I saw that not every child left loving the place as much as I had, but the vast majority did. This is a wonderful place for a child (or adult volunteer) to spend a week.