We spent the weekend at Camp Tockwogh on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a retreat with our congregation, and honestly? It was kind of perfect. The weather showed up for us—blue skies, warm sun, a light breeze coming off the bay. One of those days that feels like a reward for surviving a long winter and a chaotic spring.

We left early Saturday morning and got there around 9:30, just as the camp was waking up. Some folks had already arrived, and the place was buzzing in the best way—kids running around, grownups catching up over coffee, lots of hugs and waves and “it’s so good to see you!” energy.

We didn’t waste any time getting into the fun. First stop: the climbing wall. My daughter made a beeline for the tower and was completely locked in. She climbed steadily, took her time, and didn’t give up—even when it got hard. The cheers when she reached the top were loud and heartfelt. There’s something beautiful about watching your kid succeed and having a whole community cheering alongside you.

After that, we walked over to the archery range. Everyone got a chance to try it, and the staff did a great job keeping things safe while still letting us have fun. My daughter, who had never shot a bow before, picked it up quickly. By the end, she was hitting the target like a pro—and loving every second of it.

Lunch rolled around right on time. Burgers, salad, home fries—simple, satisfying, exactly what you want after a morning of climbing and archery. We ate outside under the trees, the bay sparkling in the background, and the conversation easy and light. I got to talk to people I hadn’t really connected with before—people I usually smile at across the sanctuary but hadn’t gotten to know. Out here, in the middle of camp, it was easier. Everyone was a little more open, a little more relaxed.

Then came beach time. We changed into swimsuits and headed down to the bay, which looked like something out of a postcard. The kids took off for the water, paddleboards and kayaks everywhere, while the adults claimed a patch of sand. I went for a motorboat ride (wind in my face, stress nowhere to be found), and then stretched out on a beach towel to soak it all in. There’s a certain kind of peace that only comes from being near water with people you like.

The kids? They were in heaven. Hours passed, and they never stopped moving—paddling, splashing, laughing. It was the kind of afternoon that leaves them sun-kissed, waterlogged, and absolutely exhausted in the best way.

Dinner was pasta—generous portions and good conversation. And just when you thought the day couldn’t get better, we had singing, a sweet and silly talent show (yes, there was interpretive dance), and then everyone gathered around the campfire for s’mores. Sticky fingers, smoky hair, and stories shared as the sky faded into night.

I went into the weekend looking forward to the change of scenery, but I came away with something more. There’s a real magic in getting to know people outside of Sunday mornings. In watching kids cheer each other on, in sitting shoulder to shoulder with someone you’d only exchanged pleasantries with before, in sharing meals, jokes, and stories under open skies.

This is what community looks like. And I’m so glad we showed up for it.