Towards the end of the first seminar, a couple of teachers come to us privately and apologize for some of the uncooperativeness and uproar of the group as a whole. Following a stimulating group discussion one evening, a dozen people linger in the room, and I ask them if they would like to go into the woods with me to pray. I get some candles from the supply closet and head for a place where we can see the stars through the trees. I light my candle and we pass the flame around. Then in the stillness of the night, I lead the group in prayer, suggesting themes and allowing periods of silence for individual prayer.
Eyes are bright upon our return to camp.
The staff decides to invite all the participants to a riverside prayer the following evening. After the evening program I invite everyone who wishes to join me for a candlelight prayer walk. We pass out 150 candles and light them in the still night air. A long procession of light stretches along the path and descends the steps to a broad meadow along a bend of the river. The ever-broadening circle of light against the backdrop of pine trees fills us with awe and lifts our spirits.