My father served as a Chaplain at Camp Gravatt (in the 1950’s), served on the Board of Trustees, and served as Summer Camp Director one summer. All of my sisters (3 of them) and I have served on summer camp staff (in the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s). I have two nephews who served on summer camp staff (in the 2000’s). And now another generation is growing up and I sincerely hope that my two youngest great nephews will be the next in my family to attend Camp Gravatt.

I don’t pretend to think that we are the only family with multiple generations who have attended and/or worked at Gravatt. In fact, I know we are not. I was lucky enough to return in 2001 and serve on summer camp staff. Each and every session that summer I saw someone who had been a camper when I was originally on staff in the 1970’s now bringing their children to camp. It’s a generational thing. The love that we have developed for that “place in the woods” is shared throughout multiple generations in our families.

Maintaining the “health” of Gravatt has brought changes over the years – a new building here or there, “my” archery range moved, new programming, and so many more campers. But no matter which summer was yours, it’s still Camp Gravatt. It’s still the place where we met our lifelong friends. It’s still that “place in the woods” that has shaped all of our lives in so many ways.

Continuing to maintain the “health” of Gravatt is up to each and every one of us. It is important that we share our time, talent, and resources. It’s important that we maintain the health of Gravatt for all those generations yet to come.

Donna Lawhon Trapp