Ode to Pilgrim Pines

We are going camping with a group of friends over Memorial Day Weekend. I love camping. I love just being out in nature enjoying God's creation without TV and without the computer. I love being able to detach and relax.

When I was growing up my family would go camping every summer for about a week at a place called Pilgrim Pines. It's a family camp in W. Swanzey, NH. It is my favorite place in the whole world. I have the best memories from there. We would set up our tent and that would be home.

I remember one specific trip we were laying in our cots one night watching the shadows from a neighbors fire flicker on our tent. Then our neighbor started playing his violin. It was amazing.

Pilgrim Pines is a sacred place in my memories, as is Camp Squanto. Camp Squanto is the youth camp affiliated with Pilgrim Pines. I went there as a child and I was a counselor there in college. There is no place like it.

Lounging at Swanzey Lake all day, eating Snickers ice cream from the Snack Shack, and playing games at night. All of them are dear to my heart.

Keene, NH is also near and dear to my heart. It is the town that us counselors would retreat to when the campers left. Also, the closest town for your camping and dining needs. I still crave Armadillos and Brewbakers.

So as I sit thinking about this upcoming camping trip, my heart aches just a little for my beloved Pines. So here's to you you Pilgrim Pines.