Wisconsin Camps Train Pro-Life Teen Leaders
By Joleigh Little
What do you get when you take 15 – 30 teenagers and put them together in a room for two or three days in July, without air conditioning? You might assume that “chaos,” or “short tempers,” would be the answer, but only if you haven’t been to Camp Esther or Camp Nehemiah.
When junior high through college-aged young people from around Wisconsin, and a few from out of state, converged last month, they brought with them an eagerness to learn and a determination to make a difference in defending the rights of the unborn and medically vulnerable. When these young pro-lifers left Camp Esther and Camp Nehemiah, they departed better educated and more passionate than ever to take on the death culture--and win.
This all took place when Wisconsin Right to Life (WRL) hosted its third annual summer training camps for teens.
Camp Esther, the “beginner” camp is based on the biblical story of Queen Esther. She was called “for such a time as this” to save an entire group of people from certain destruction. Teens who attend Camp Esther learn that they, too, are called for just such a time, and for an equally noble cause--saving unborn children and vulnerable adults from a culture that says their lives have no value.
Camp Nehemiah, the “advanced” camp is built around the story of Nehemiah. You remember when he learned that the walls of his beloved Jerusalem were in dangerous disrepair, he immediately implemented a strategy to rebuild them. Nehemiah campers learn that they have a stake in rebuilding the “wall” that protects life in America and around the world.
But this bear outline doesn’t even begin to convey the entirety of the experience at these camps. Something amazing happens when pro-life teens get together, especially when many of the sessions include pro-life teens doing the training.
Over 3/4 of the speakers at the basic camp are graduates of previous camps. This strategy to turn campers into leaders benefits everyone involved.
This year in particular, it was pretty obvious that God had some incredible things in store. To start off, camps were being planned at the same time the courts were repeatedly denying the most basic of rights to Terri Schindler-Schiavo.
Shortly after Terri’s death, it became apparent that this year’s camps would need to focus a good deal on end-of-life issues, particularly as it relates to those with severe developmental disabilities or injuries. Terri’s brother, Bobby Schindler, quickly agreed to speak at Camp Nehemiah.
Through a series of what seemed like divinely orchestrated events, the south camps ended up at the Inspiration Center, in Walworth, Wisconsin, a retreat facility that serves people with disabilities. These two factors, Bobby’s presence and the atmosphere of the Inspiration Center, combined to make a camp experience no one could possibly forget.
What started out as separate camps – the Inspiration camp and the WRL camps, quickly blurred into what, at times, looked like one slightly hilarious, but long overdue family reunion. Nehemiah campers joined the Inspiration campers for chapel and a talent show, while Inspiration campers and staff filtered in for an impromptu evening question-and-answer session about the Terri Schiavo case, then decided to come back for more sessions throughout the week.
While campers were learning about topics such as euthanasia, post-abortion syndrome, the history of the pro-life movement, infanticide, stem cells and cloning, and too many others to mention, other factors were at work. Friendships were being formed and pro-life convictions were being turned into pro-life action. Most amazing of all, teens were getting a chance to interact with some of the very people for whom they were learning to fight.
Speakers came away with new sense of purpose, too. At the end of his session entitled “Terri’s Legacy: Fighting Euthanasia on Every Front”, Bobby Schindler told the teens, “I’ve told you my sister’s story, but I haven’t said much yet about her legacy. You guys are her legacy. You’re the ones who are going to change the laws.”
Sean Stephenson, a staffer representing Congressman Mark Green told the teens, “Don’t ever doubt that you can make a difference, because you can… especially at your age!” WRL Executive Director, Barbara Lyons said, “These kids are absolutely incredible – and so inspiring!”
And, of course, as is the case any time you have that many teenagers and adults who love them, in the same room for an extended period of time, there was plenty of laughter. One of the funnier moments occurred when State Senator Neal Kedzie, speaking on “How to Get Your Legislators to REALLY Hear You” asked for the youngest and oldest campers to identify themselves.
James Balch, 10, of Fredricksburg, Virginia. raised his hand as the youngest. Much to the amusement of the senator and everyone else in the room, Bobby Schindler raised his hand as the oldest camper – a title he more than earned after surviving sand volleyball, the ropes course, and a surprise appearance in the other camp’s talent show.
Fourteen year-old Sarah Schmidt spoke for everyone when she said, “We were able to feel comfortable, be funny and learn all at the same time.”
At the end of the week, everyone was educated, energized, and more than a little exhausted. Yet all left ready to take their pro-life convictions to the next level.
One 13 year-old girl summed it up best when asked if she would become more involved in the pro-life movement as a result of camp. She replied “Definitely. Now I don’t think I’ll be too shy to speak out. I’ve got a lot I can do, now that I know more!”