The office at Ferncliff has always been a little unconventional. Like most offices, we have the necessary staples; a photocopying machine, computers, office supplies, and a paper closet. But a more thorough analysis of the Ferncliff office, especially during the summer months, might reveal a stack of hula hoops, a bejeweled sombrero, at least three rubber chickens, and a myriad of other recreational supplies that sometimes clash with the mold of a traditional workspace. The juxtaposition of fun and business is a common theme here, and one that certainly keeps things interestingly outside the box.

This spring, Kristen, one of our Young Adult Volunteers, has essentially turned her office into a greenhouse. Shelves that have historically held binders and records now hold saplings and heat lamps. The previous aroma of paper and coffee has since been replaced by the earthy smell of topsoil. Office visitors are often intrigued by the ethereal glow coming from the makeshift greenhouse office and consequently curious about what’s going on (or growing on) in there.

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At Ferncliff we’re sowing and transplanting seeds, both inside and outside the office.

We often employ the metaphor of sowing seeds within the context of camp ministry. But are we? By definition, “sowing” means to scatter seed over the earth for growth. “Transplanting” may be a better fit because our seeds, children and adults alike, come to us with life experiences, identities, and varying perspectives. We serve such a wide variety of people from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Some come to camp for healing after a personal trauma, like losing a sibling to suicide or surviving a natural disaster; others may come with varying abilities, like kids who are deaf and hard of hearing; and some may come to simply enjoy the magic of camp. By the time our seeds get to us, they are more like saplings – those who have been bent and thrashed by the winds of the world. These saplings, like the ones in Kristen’s office, come to Ferncliff for nurturing. The literal nurturing may take place in the hoop house, but the metaphorical nurturing takes place in a myriad of ways and settings:

• By being heard, encouraged, and accepted.
• By learning to serve those in need at our Disaster Assistance Center.
• By learning how to care for creation by way of composting, recycling, and conserving energy.
• By living in an intentional community where everyone comes with a clean slate.
• By living outside their comfort zone and trying new things, all while learning that it’s okay to fail.

These saplings are nurtured, until they’re ready to go back into the world for permanent planting. Just as Kristen’s saplings end up in the hoop house or row crops, our “saplings” might be replanted in a house on a cul-de-sac, an aunt or cousin’s bedroom, or a foster home. Their roots are strong enough to go back out into the world for replanting. The most important feature about transplanting is that roots go with them: roots that have been nurtured and developed through the love and acceptance that makes up Ferncliff’s special ground. These saplings have all grown roots here at Ferncliff and are sent out into the world to bear fruit.

And the thing about fruit is that it just might feed others, too.