Week 8: Grace Cathedral, St Paul's Beaufort, and St Paul's Wilmington
Week eight brought the largest group of the summer to Glory Ridge, with youth and adults from three churches: Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston, SC, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort, NC, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, NC. United by their shared connection to Father Caleb Lee, a longtime Ridge camper-turned-priest, these groups arrived with enthusiasm, a spirit of service, and a deep love for the Ridge. For our staffers Michael and Robert Hart, both from Grace, this week was especially meaningful, marking ten summers of shared memories and ministry.
With so many hands to serve, we formed six work teams and completed a wide variety of projects throughout Madison County. One team returned to Ms. Vickie’s to finish laying linoleum flooring and to spend cherished time visiting with Vickie and Amber. Another crew installed vinyl plank flooring at Mrs. Barbara’s house, where we were lovingly met with popsicles and ice cream sandwiches each day. A third team headed to Laddie and Phil’s, where they repaired a damaged back wall (not without a few run-ins with wasps). Phil, a hard-working neighbor, formed a special bond with one of the youth and gifted him a winter work jacket at week’s end, a small gesture that spoke volumes.
Another crew visited Cynthia and Steve, installing flooring and noticing that Cynthia’s above-ground pool, used for low-impact therapy, was broken. In an incredible turn of grace, two adult volunteers from Grace, who own a pool company in Charleston, installed a new pump so she could use it again.
Other teams spread out to serve in a variety of ways: painting a wheelchair ramp at the Walnut Community Center, walking and bathing dogs at the Madison County Animal Shelter, demolishing an old playground, and helping our friend Trish clear out her barn while writing Scripture on the walls of her new house.
Back at camp, the rhythm of the week was full and rich. We made friendship bracelets, painted new signs and plaques, played cornhole and Ultimate Frisbee, and shared in an abundance of homemade sweets donated by the churches. Our meals were crafted with love by Sara Jo, Father Caleb, and Davis, and were always a highlight.
Worship each evening was full of energy and meaning. With the theme “Be Transformed,” we explored Scripture stories of transformation, spent time journaling in Crazy Creek chairs up on the Ridge, and listened to Trish and Jeremy share how Glory Ridge has transformed their lives. Having Trish on camp was especially powerful, as this group had been the first to meet her during their visit last summer.
Music was a heartbeat of the week. Our worship band, complete with guitars, a banjo, mandolin, upright bass, and drum box, had the Dining Pavilion ringing with praise. Songs like "Montaña" echoed so loud and strong that we joked they might have caused a small earthquake. After worship, we lingered in the Pavilion for jam sessions, original songs, and time spent in laughter and conversation.
What stood out most was the deep sense of community. Though from different cities and churches, we became one group, sharing stories, offering support, and building trust. We reunited with old friends, made new ones, and by the end of the week, it was clear: we had all been transformed.
Written by Robert Hart - Lead Staff ‘25
