My first experience with MSO was in 1992 as a Junior Counselor (that’s me in the picture above in 1992). Dave Lewendowski asked me to be a junior counselor and I could not wait.
I had heard from friends, how fun camp was-from the fishing, canoeing, white water rafting, gold mining, horseback riding, Lake Alpine, and the infamous hole in the bottom of the sea.
I can still remember the drive up to camp; well some of it. I do remember the first time I went canoeing! The white water rafting trip was my most memorable experience in ’92. I loved when our guides allowed us to jump in the rapids and float down the river. I felt as if I could conquer the world.
The first time I experienced Mike Schaefer’s testimony as a teenager was powerful. He captivated the camp with his surreal stories. You felt a connection to this man that you could ascertain. Being an inner city kid and growing up without a father I felt Mike understood. Mike had a way of disarming even the toughest person. Mike’s testimony was amazing!
I thought: If Mike could make it, I could make it. For several years, when Mike would speak, I would scan the campfire of young warriors to see the faces of the kids. I would especially pay attention to the harder kids in the group. They were always laser-focused. I loved it.
I often ask myself “why do I keep coming back”? One main reason is to honor Mike Schaefer’s dream and honor the man I knew him to be.
My second reason is a bit more self-centered. I have a quote in my office that reads: “Never lose the heart of a child!” – Mencius. Simply put, I get to be a kid again! I get to hike, canoe, sit at the campfire. I get to hear Brandon Reeves chant at the top of his lungs “campers to the camp fire!”
After serving 16 years in the United States Army and enduring 2 combat tours in Iraq, I find Morning Star Outreach has often been on my mind during the rough times.
During my second tour in the middle of nowhere – close to the Syrian Border – MSO Camp was often my ‘happy place’. I remember one particular moment on a Osprey Helicopter I laughed aloud thinking about a hilarious story that happened at MSO years back. That brief moment of serenity was much needed break in a stressful deployment.
