For the third summer in a row, the Christian summer camp I direct in Mapleton, Maine has had a drama camp. Campers ages 12-18 enrolled for a week that not only included traditional camp activities, but instruction in drama by my coworker from the southern part of the state, Maureen Seavey. They produced a 25 minute play written by Maureen that juxtaposed the three parables of Luke 15: the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost (prodigal) son. Although the intent of the play is to be performed at our closing service - which it was - we also took it on the road for a dress rehearsal at the Caribou Nursing home.
The play was humorous yet meaningful, and Samantha, a 14 year old camper excelled in the role of the shepherd. Maddie, another camper, played the lost sheep but the scene stealer was Ben, who played the old lady who lost her coin. But, being Baptist Park, just an original play that intertwined three different biblical parables and was rehearsed for only four days wasn't enough. We did a whole variety show.
It opened with me producing both my rabbit and doves through illusions. Then our counselor led worship team sang three hymns, and many of the residents spontaneously joined right in. There's something about music that ministers deep in the human spirit. After this, five of our counselors: Emily, Isaac, Brianna, Sarah, and -of course- my daughter, Rose, juggled a variety of props. All but Sarah are former students of mine, which explains the high percentage of jugglers we hire here at camp. After that, the same Samantha who had the lead in the play sang a song and accompanied herself on ukulele. She has a beautiful voice and when I heard her sing at the camp talent show Wednesday evening I knew she had to reprise the performance for the seniors.
By now we had spent 25 minutes or so with the residents of CBN, and it was time for the play to begin. When the program was over, the campers and staff -as well as the rabbit and doves- visited the residents. I don't know who was blessed more; the residents or the Baptist Park contingent.