By Linetta Alley
“A Way in the Wilderness” was the theme for the very first DOAC—District Older Adult Camp—held by Shenandoah District and hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Keezletown, Va. More than 60 overnight and day participants were part of this inaugural program held Aug. 25-27.
We have had an overwhelmingly positive response and are looking forward to continuing to host DOAC on alternating years with NOAC, the denomination’s National Older Adult Conference.
The three fabulous days were centered around the wilderness theme based on Isaiah 43:19b, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” The camp’s schedule included keynote speakers, worship, mealtimes, workshops, recreation, excursion day options, and an evening concert lakeside by the men’s acapella group Cantore.
Keynote sessions included music led by Scott Duffey and Linford and Janet Stutzman, Peggy Reiff Miller, and Paul Mundey as speakers. Participants were encouraged to navigate the voyage of life with launchings, voyages, and arrivals; to consider how wilderness creates epiphany moments for new and creative initiatives to emerge; and to choose a focus in the wilderness of aging that reveals God’s faithfulness and steady guidance. Current and retired district ministers led Morning Watch and Vespers around the campfire with music led by Doug and Cindy Phillips.
Five workshop/activity blocks gave adult campers a variety of options to choose from each day. Camp staff and guest speakers led workshops on how to “get your ducks in a row” as an older adult; district and denominational ministries; tech tips and tricks; the transition from Eder to Everence; Brethren Woods history and storytelling; continued conversations with keynote speakers; digital and drone photography; and stewardship of creation. Leaders from Valley Program Aging Services shared about their programs and services and led sessions on dementia support and basic Tai Chi for arthritis and falls prevention.
Recreation options included fishing and boating at the lake, a miniature landscape craft project using succulents, hiking, archery, a camp tour, the climbing tower, and swimming in the newly renovated pool. Some participants helped to make delicious Dutch oven desserts which were enjoyed by everyone for the evening meal.
On Wednesday, participants could choose from onsite or off-site excursions including a John Kline historical tour in Broadway, Va.; visiting New Community Project’s Jubilee Climate Farm and Vine & Fig sites in Harrisonburg, Va.; hiking in Fridley Gap in the national forest near Brethren Woods; completing indoor or outdoor service projects; or simply resting and relaxing at camp.
The idea for DOAC was sparked last fall during an ecumenical outdoor ministry conference at Lake Junaluska, where NOAC is held. I was in a session about expanding outdoor ministry with older adult programming and I thought, we could have DOAC! In addition to continuing and expanding the program at Brethren Woods, the hope is that other districts will catch the excitement of DOAC and consider using their district camps and retreat centers to host similar events for older adults.
— Linetta Alley is executive director of Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center.
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