“When you open your eyes in the morning and look at nature, it subtly
connects with your original nature and inspires feelings about a new ideal that can sprout forth… What is nature? It is an exhibit that God has given us as a gift, something He prepared for the birth of His beloved sons and daughters. Even the song of a bird and a plant growing are decora- tions prepared to bring beauty into the lives of His beloved sons and daughters.” (CSG Bk 1 Sec 5.4)
Nature is one of many ways God expresses his love and joy for us. A place for us to enjoy with others. This past weekend 20 young adults from the Bay Area community went on a camping trip to Pinecrest Lake around 2 ½ hours North-east. It was a wonderful time being able to take a step back from our day to day life to get in touch with nature.
We hiked, cooked, made a campfire, played games, did light photography at the lake, and watched star gazed by the lake.
The hike we went on was 6.7 mile loop around the lake which included a detour to Cleo’s Bath higher up in the mountains. It was a time to enjoy nature, have meaningful conversations with each other, relax, take photos, but also challenge ourselves! As we approached the final stretch of the hike we had to climb through the rocks and trees on a steep hill, which at one put almost was like rock climbing through the trees and rocks. At our destination which there was a pound and mini waterfalls around the area which is called Cleo’s Bath. Some of us jumped into the cold water to refresh ourselves, took a nap on the rocks, and explored the area climbing around the rocks to get a better view of the waterfalls and find new views.
In the two evenings we were there we all gathered around the campfire enjoying dinner and each others company around the warmth as the evening got cooler. It was a fun time around the campfire having meaningful conversations, roasting marshmallows, relaxing, and playing games which each other.
Nature is a place to quiet our minds and listen to what God has to share with us. It helps us to reconnect to the original nature that is within us. Going on this young adult camping trip was rejuvenating and a relaxing experience.
“The camping trip really helped me to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Being in nature and away from schoolwork and everyday routine was a great way to come back feeling refreshed and also cleared my mind so I can filter out what is my priorities in life;school, personally, and CARP, and what isn’t. I also really appreciated getting to know the greater community of BAY area and connecting with those we don’t see so often. I hope we have more trips in the future.” -Karen Ishiguro
“The young adult camping trip was a refreshing time away from school and the city. A memorable moments was one night that I suddenly woke from my sleep and had a thought come over me, "You don't pursue things enough in your life". It felt extensional with the cold, crisp air and the sounds of the night. The morning after felt strange but at the same time I felt the need to take action from my experience the night before. I believe my takeaway was that I often stop at where I'm comfortable and fail to strive beyond. I'd like to challenge myself and push beyond those boundaries and limitations where I hope to find growth and fulfillment.” - Josh Fujikake
Report Written by Elissa Dilorenzo and Gabby von Euw
