SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS

As a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, Camp Cheerio is committed to helping our campers grow morally and spiritually.

Morning Watch and Vespers

We begin and finish each day at Cheerio with a brief, camp-wide service. Before breakfast (morning watch) and after evening program (vespers), one cabin group plans and presents a brief spiritual thought for the rest of the camp community. These interactive services are held on the hillside, overlooking the valley below, or by campfire in the "vespers area," our outdoor chapel.

A typical morning watch/vespers consists of watching a re-enacted children's or Bible story (such as The Giving Tree or The Good Samaritan), listening to a few short readings or songs, accepting a challenge issued to all campers and counselors, and finally, closing in prayer.

Cabin Devotions

Just before lights out, cabin counselors lead their campers in devotions and quietly bring the day to a close. Devotions give the cabin group an opportunity to meet together and reflect on the day's activities. Unlike morning watch and vespers, devotions are on a much more personal level, giving every individual in the cabin an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings about a particular virtue being presented.