All of the Opportune Moments

The Ancient Greeks had two words for time that imply two totally different meanings. 

Chronos was used to refer to “clock time”, or time that is measurable and follows the day.

It’s fixed, immovable. 

Kairos on the other hand refers to the “right time,” or the “opportune moment.” Moments where you feel in your bones that it’s time to act, run, dare, or follow your curiosity.

The schedule here at camp keeps us within the boundaries of a day. It tells us what time lunch is, what time free swim begins, and when fourth skill begins and ends. 

But these minutes and hours only tell us when things are happening. 

They don’t tell us when it’s the opportune moment to try the nose on the climbing wall or when a particular story in cabin devotions has the power to stir conversation around what it means to love your neighbor. 

Chronos is driven by information. Kairos is driven by being open to experience. 

Fortunately for all of us, I think camp operates at the level of Kairos far more often than it does at the level of Chronos. 

This is where growth happens.

It’s how we get toward the end of a two-week session, and we can look at campers and see the growth they’ve experienced in self-confidence through friendships or growth in independence by signing up for optional paddling trips and crushing it. 

We’re grateful for the fullness of this session. For all of the campers who’ve brought exactly who they are to this place and made their way, sharing in friendship and adventure here at camp. 

We know God’s love and goodness is alive in that.

It’s alive in all of those moments throughout the day where campers decided that today was the day they would go on that mountain biking trip, apologize to someone they’ve hurt, or find someone who doesn’t have hope and give hope away to them. 

All of these moments happen at the “right time” and the “opportune moment” — not because the clock struck a certain hour. 

Your sons have had the courage to show up and be present to the moment right in front of them, and that has made this place full.

Gratefully,

Andrew Ginn

Staffing Director