FRUSTRATED BY DELAYS? A GREAT LESSON FOR 2023
FROM CAMP ALBEMARLE
ByHopeSchaefer“ I've always wanted to use my gifts to glorify God,” Shannon Johnson declared as she shared her painting, “The Tree ”
In 2009, Shannon, her husband Dr Clark Johnson, and their children, Saylor, Jake, and Mimi, moved to Morehead City to start Clark’s dental practice At the time, they had no idea how their lives would intersect with a group of dreamers from the distant past and how they'd all become “ little pencils in the hand of a writing God ”
In 1953, a group from the Albemarle Presbytery was en route to Wilmington to fulfill a dream The group wanted to build a camp They were headed to Wilmington to see if a tract of land would be suitable
“ I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world ” Mother Teresa I've always wanted to use my gifts to glorify God,” Shannon Johnson declared as she shared her painting, “The Tree ”
In 2009, Shannon, her husband Dr Clark Johnson, and their children, Saylor, Jake, and Mimi, moved to Morehead City to start Clark’s dental practice At the time, they had no idea how their lives would intersect with a group of dreamers from the distant past and how they'd all become “ little pencils in the hand of a writing God ”
In 1953, a group from the Albemarle Presbytery was en route to Wilmington to fulfill a dream The group wanted to build a camp They were headed to Wilmington to see if a tract of land would be suitable
Driving along Highway 24 at Newport, they experienced car trouble While the men worked to repair the vehicle, the women walked down to enjoy the view of Bogue Sound
As the women explored, the landowner walked out and introduced herself The women of the Presbytery shared their dilemma and their dream
On the spot, the landowner offered to sell them her 29 acres adjoining Bogue Sound for their camp
What had appeared as a delay along Highway 24 led to the fulfillment of their dream The Albemarle Presbytery purchased the land for $67,000 and established Camp Albemarle in Newport
Years later, when Clark Johnson attended a Leadership Albemarle seminar, he had no idea how impactful meeting Tom Hussman would be Tom (director of Camp Albemarle) and Clark became fast friends
Since then, Camp Albemarle has become a top priority (a family affair) with the Johnsons Clark joined the board of Camp Albemarle ten years ago
“ I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”
Mother Teresa
All three Johnson children have worked at Camp After a hurricane destroyed the long dock, Jake rebuilt it as his Eagle Scout project for Boy Scouts Shannon painted “The Tree” as a gift for the camp
Donors supporting Camp Albemarle are eligible to receive a print of “The Tree ” The joyful painting elicits memories of campers ’ carefree days of sailing along Bogue Banks Camp Albemarle serves 1500 children annually and gives over $100,000 in camperships, scholarships, and reduced rates so children of all economic levels can attend camp
In addition to summer camp (day camp, overnight camp, and PreK camp), Camp Albemarle has Alby, an after-school program, and Nature School
The purpose of the Nature School is to teach children about God through the wonder of his creation, establishing a connection to nature and getting children active outdoors Maintaining 29 acres with 15 buildings and supporting staff members for summer camps, Nature School, and Alby is costly
When you reflect on the past sixty-nine years, it's incredible to take a moment to picture all of the dreamers, doers, and donors as little pencils in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world through Camp Albemarle
If you’d like to receive a print of Shannon’s painting or learn how you can help Camp Albemarle, visit campalbemarle.org or call Tom Hussman at 252-726-4848