Time Well Spent

On Thursday night at Camp Singletary, Rick McKenzie was celebrated for serving in the kitchen for almost 40 years! Rick said he spent over half of his life at camp, summer was not summer unless he went to Singletary! His favorite thing about camp is seeing the sunset off the pier during Vespers. Psalm 113:3, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

Rick’s funniest memories were when a feral cat got into the mess hall and the assistant pastor and another man chased the cat with brooms. Finally the cat ran up the chimney and got away. A music lady set her podium by the edge of the pier and as she walked around, she fell into the water. Rick reached down and pulled her up, soaking wet. Vespers continued like nothing happened. When the camp road was being paved the large equipment was left along with the keys! “Scary Berry” hid in the dark and as the youth walked by he hit “start" and scared them! Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Camp shenanigans continue!

Some weeks the weather is nice and sometimes it is blistering hot. One time it was so hot that they were trying to make candles and it was too hot for the wax to set! There have been times it was so cold that they had to put on everything they had. His favorite memory of camp was when his daughter was little, sitting on his lap on the pier. Rick said, it was “time well spent!”

When asked what message Rick wants to share he said he “encourages anyone, especially men, to go to camp. You will see kids blossom and you will cherish those memories. It is a worthwhile investment. If you don’t make memories with your kids, someone else will!” Thank you, Rick, for years of kitchen service showing love to us all! You are loved and appreciated!