Around the Fire Circle: A Story from Shiloh
Submitted by a Stony Run family to BYM Camps
The minivan was brimming with nervous excitement as we got on the road. It was packed to the roof: after Mom and Dad dropped us off at Shiloh, they were heading deeper into the Shenandoah with our younger brother and the dog. We’ve never been to an away camp like this. Mom and dad didn’t give us a lot of details. “You’ll be outside, and you’ll go on backpacking adventures. You’ll love it,” is about the extent of what they would say.
Even though it’s a long haul from Baltimore, the city streets faded into suburbs, then forests and farmland, faster than I expected. I knew we were getting close when the hills started rolling and the streams appeared. Fish, I thought. I love fish.
We pulled up to a little bridge over a creek and saw it: a cheerful sign that read Shiloh Quaker Camp. Our eyes were glued to the windows—trees, hills, tents, and then, finally, friendly faces. Counselors greeted us with big waves, pointing us further up the driveway.
When we hopped out, excitement was in the air. There were kids with their parents, and bags, boxes, and pillows everywhere. I’ll be honest: I was excited, but I was also worried. I didn’t know anyone. My brother was with me, but I knew we’d be in different cabins. While Mom and Dad helped us check in, I looked at the pond in the center of camp. Is that a trampoline in the middle? I would be in a cabin up the hill; my brother was just downhill from the pond. We’d have to meet in the middle.
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Everyone was so nice there. And the food? Amazing.
My brother is shy and usually hates being away from home, but even he started to find his rhythm. We’d hang out by the pond or catch up during meals. I love being outside—it’s where I feel most like myself, totally immersed in nature.
My bunkmates and I would run down to the river. It’s crystal clean and cold, which is perfect because it was hot. I mean really hot. We’d plunge in, looking for frogs and splashing around. Later, we’d play soccer, swim in the pond, or sit in the shade making friendship bracelets.
At dinner, the aroma from the dining tent engulfs you. Campfire beans are my favorite. And at every meal they have vegan, vegetarian, and meat. I really wanted to get that bean recipe for Dad; he loves to cook, especially beans. Sitting around those tables, talking and eating, you realize how different everyone is, yet how much we all belong.
After dinner, we did "camp chores." We rotate daily—dishes, pots, or cleaning the bathhouses. It sounds like work, but when everyone does it together, it goes by quickly. Then comes my favorite part: Firecircle.
At Shiloh, they talked about the "Light" in each of us. Sitting by the fire, we let that Light glow. We share stories and sing—lots and lots of songs. There was something powerful about all those happy voices under the trees.
Even bunk time was special. When it gets dark and quiet, we read by flashlight, tell stories, or play cards. I figured out I could hang my flashlight on a nail above my bunk, turning my space into a little glowing cave.
The "out-of-camp" adventures were the highlight. We canoed down the Shenandoah River, and hitting the white-water rapids was so fun (don’t worry, we were totally safe!). We’d pull off the river to eat, carrying everything we needed with us, and eventually set up camp in huge tents that fit ten of us.
The next week, we went backpacking and rock climbing. A counselor went ahead to set up the ropes. Some of us were nervous, but we harnessed up and every single one of us made it to the top. We celebrated each other when we were all up top. That night, sleeping under the stars was incredible. You just don’t see a sky like that in Baltimore City.
During our last few days, we played capture the bucket after dark and put on a talent show. There was so much laughter. I brought my uke (strung like a mandolin) and played a song for everyone.
When Dad arrived to pick us up, he joined us for morning Firecircle. I was so glad to see him that I even saved a sweet potato biscuit from breakfast in my pocket for him. It was a little squished, but he appreciated it nonetheless. We all sang and my brother and I danced. It was a great send off.
I really miss my Shiloh friends, but I'm already counting down the days until I can head back over that little bridge next summer.