This was probably my third trip to Camp Quinipet and each time I say to myself that it is a lovely place to spend a retreat for a day or a week. I noticed that many improvements have been made, such as, new energy efficient windows and new siding on many of the houses at the site. As a trustee of the New York Conference, I am aware that it takes money to maintain this property and to improve it year after year so that we preserve what has been given to us.

Our Commack church is celebrating its 225^th Anniversary this year and, in many ways like the camp, it has been given to us by all who have preceded us. We must care for our property so that we can pass it on to those who will follow us in better shape than we received it. 

While sitting for lunch at the long L shaped table, I heard someone say to me, “What happens at Camp Quinipet stays at Camp Quinipet.” Of course I said yes, but all that I saw and heard was good. I saw Mike Hervey cooking hamburgers and franks on the outside grill. I tasted and enjoyed Mel Walker’s famous spaghetti sauce and meatballs. I saw that everyone had assigned tasks. I noticed older kids playing games with the younger children and keeping a watchful eye on the smallest ones.

I learned that an April day could be as warm and beautiful as a summer’s day on Shelter Island. I was constantly reminded of how fortunate I was to be in the midst of warm and caring friends in a place where we could appreciate the beauty of the earth, Southold Bay and the glory of the skies.

When I arrived back at the parsonage Saturday night, I immediately made a cup of green tea and enjoyed a delicious chocolate cupcake that the children had made earlier with guidance of Penny White. It was the end of a perfect day.

John E. Carrington