Cathryn English-Straub is one of those individuals whose genuine warmth and welcoming nature is deeply rooted in her experiences at Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp. She credits this skill to
her time as a camper, saying, “I didn’t start attending camp at Flathead until High School. During that year, one of the speakers we had at camp was Dayton Edmonds. It was an incredibly
transformative experience for me. This was the beginning of camp’s ‘Greet the Morning’ tradition, and he first shared the song ‘We Come From the Water’. The stories he shared, the morning greetings in the water, and the significance of those practices deeply resonated with me. I had never experienced anything like it.” These experiences solidified her belief that creation, as a whole, is a gift, and we have a responsibility to care for it. This profound understanding of creation’s gift and our responsibility to nurture it significantly impacted her perception of camp as
an integral part of our natural world.
Camp held a special place in her heart throughout the rest of the year, even amidst her involvement in the Methodist conference youth leadership events, which were limited to weekends. To her, camp held a greater significance. Growing up, her family didn’t engage in traditional vacations or travel. Instead, camp provided her with intellectually and spiritually stimulating experiences. After a period as a young mother when she wasn’t able to serve at camp, she returned because she believed that for both children and adults, there’s a place where they can find a sense of belonging,
love, acceptance, and solace. This place, she emphasized, should also be surrounded by nature the soothing sound of waves on the rocks, the sight of deer and fawns which has a deep impact on our souls. It’s a rare and precious commodity in our everyday lives, and camp offers that opportunity.
Camp has had a profound impact on her life. One of the most significant lessons she learned was the Christian concept of drawing circles of inclusion rather than exclusion. This idea has
driven her passion for serving at camp and ensuring that every camper she encounters feels accepted and loved for who they truly are. As we embark on this Season of Giving, we invite you to consider a generous gift that supports our mission of continuing to draw inclusive circles. Your donation, no matter the size—$20, $100, $250, or even $500 or more directly contributes to our efforts of nurturing faith and fostering acceptance among the youth who visit Flathead Lake UM Camp annually.
Together, let’s make sure every camper, counselor, and individual who calls camp home feels continually welcomed, included, and loved. Thank you for your support in making this possible.