Live from Episcopal Conference Center - Part I

Jessica Gates is the Communications Associate for the Diocese. She is spending the week up at the Episcopal Camp, her first visit to the property. This week is the Music and Creative Arts camp program. ECC is located in the northwest corner of the state, on 186 acres of land touching Echo Lake.


Having just finished a camp lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, I am escaping the heat by ducking in to the office (read: air-conditioning) to provide you with a glimpse of life at the Episcopal Camp and Conference Center (ECC).

My husband (Alan - St. Paul’s, Wickford) is the resident chaplain for this week of ECC’s summer camp – the Music and Creative Arts Camp. I decided to follow him up here; toddler in tow, to see what ECC is all about.

My hope is to post some pictures over the next few days.

The first thing that impressed me about ECC is the noise level. The counselors and campers have a language of chants and yells and whoops that make little sense to a visitor but clearly inspire group camaraderie. The energy level is contagious, even in the thick heat of the day.

Secondly, I am impressed with the loyalty this place inspires. Many adults (visiting staff and regular staff) attended this camp as children. Many of the kids here are second and third generation campers.

It is a gentle space, old fashioned in the modern world. While many camps are catering to whims (spa camp anyone?) the ECC summer program has KP duty and work projects along with free time and fun workshops. Kids here not only better themselves, but they help to better the camp in the process. While physically old-fashioned in spirit, the camp is surprisingly “with” the times when it comes to the campers needs. Workshops include “rock band” and “comedy improv” as well as singing, drama, painting, dance and numerous others.

While sitting around the table in the main house, I hear staff member after staff member talk about their experiences here. It inspires a passionate discussion around the table about what the camp is all about. Everyone agrees that the spirit of the camp needs to be preserved for all time. There is nothing generic or cold about the place, it is worn and warm with the imprints of all the campers that came before. Tradition abounds.

Speaking of traditions, my little family was jolted out of bed this morning at 5:44 AM to the sound of pots and pans being banged while counselors shouted patriotic songs at the top of their lungs. Ouch. I am still recovering.