Remember summer camp as a kid? Whether it was scout camp, band camp, sports camp, or church camp, you probably remember warm days in the sun, a cool swim in a lake or pool, new friendships, and maybe a few cabin pranks along with whispers and giggles in the dark long after lights out. And campfires.
I was privileged to grow up at a Bible camp where my dad was director. The evening campfire was a special time to unwind from the activities of the day. With the darkness lit by dancing flames, we’d sing songs accompanied by guitar. Counselors would often give an object lesson, relating truths of the Bible to ordinary things like a banana or the lights shining on the lake beyond.
If you’ve ever been near a lake at night, you might have noticed something about the way light reflects off the water. Whether it’s the moon rising on the other side of the lake or the glow of a dock light from the opposite shore, the reflection forms a beam of light between you and the source. As you walk along the edge of the lake, that beam of light appears to follow you, always reaching toward you, always connecting you back to the source.
It’s a wonderful analogy for God’s presence in our life, His watchful care over us.
When I decided to write a novel, I knew I wanted a camp setting, like my home for twenty years. But what kind of story? At the time, two of my children had friends from different families whose mothers told them, “I don’t want you anymore. You have to go live with your dad.” Neither of these kids were behavior problems. I would’ve welcomed them into my home, so I couldn’t fathom the depth of pain those words must have planted in their hearts, nor could I imagine what would make a mother say that to her child.
As I grieved for these teens, I sensed the Spirit nudging me and saying, “There’s your story.” And so, my Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series was born. They’re stories about kids who bring their baggage to camp and leave it at the cross. Stories of kids who come to camp feeling abandoned, and leave knowing God is real and that His light of love shines on them no matter where they go, reaching out to them, connecting them to the Source of love and forgiveness and healing.
In Hear No Evil, thirteen-year-old Brady can’t believe his mother’s words when she drops him off at camp.
“I don’t want you anymore.”
Surrounded by hundreds of campers, he’s never felt so alone. And a camp bully only makes things worse. A betrayal, a disturbing phone call home, and a harrowing attempt to escape the camp challenge Brady to uncover the truth. But will the lessons he learned at camp be enough to help him face the problems at home?
Hear No Evil introduces a memorable and often quirky cast of characters that make up the Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series, including Brady’s blind cabin mate and his spunky girl pal, a camp director who teaches with a sketch pad, a motherly cook, and a camp nurse who would rather be fishing. It’s summer camp so real, you can smell the campfire. No bug spray needed. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Mary L Hamilton draws on her experience growing up at a Christian youth camp for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. She also writes adult contemporary novels set in Texas where she makes her home. When not writing, Mary enjoys reading, knitting, and enjoying nature with her dog at her side. She and her husband have three grown children and two adorable grandsons.
Thank you, Jennifer!
Loved reading this post! Great time to read or reread a book abou summer camp!♡