As a part of doing their Duty to God, all scouts are expected to participate in a worship experience as a part of every camp experience. At Camp Ockanickon, we offer a variety of opportunities to fulfill that requirement.
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Vespers:
Vespers is the name of a brief prayer service that is held around sundown, at the end of the day. The word comes from the Latin “vesper” which means “evening” and the practice of evening prayer comes from the evening prayer services which were held in monasteries from at least the early sixth century. Vespers at Camp Ockanickon are intended to be suitable for all scouts, with the focus being on the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and patriotic themes. They are not “religious” but are intended to be a meaningful spiritual experience for all. Sunday Vespers: When: Sunday 7:30pm – 7:55pm (Immediately before and leading into retreat and campfire) Where: Chapel (rain or shine) Notes: Bring whatever you need for Retreat and the Campfire.
Monday Vespers: When: Monday 7:10pm – 7:30pm Where: Handicraft (handicapped accessible) Notes: The service is the same as Sunday night’s; the service ends in time for scouts to get to their next activity.
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Camp Chaplain
Rev. Elizabeth Lerch,M.Div. Betsy has been our Camp Chaplain for both Camp Ockanickon and Camp Kirby since 2000. She is responsible for the all of the “Duty to God” programs we offer at camp, and also is available for spiritual counseling and advice to everyone at camp, including campers, leaders, staff, parents and camp visitors.
Betsy has been a member of the BSA for 30 years and is the mother of an Eagle Scout. She has received the Unit Honor Scouter award, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver. She has also earned her Wood Badge beads and is a Brotherhood member of the OA. She has served in a wide variety of positions within scouting over the years and has been a member of the Bucks County Council, BSA Executive Board since 1997.
When not involved in a scouting activity. Betsy leads worship for an interfaith congregation in NE Philadelphia, is a member and vice president of council at St. Luke’s UCC in North Wales, PA, visits hospice patients and their families, facilitates bereavement groups for children, does parish visitation and spiritual support in a retirement community, and serves as pulpit supply on request at a number of churches in the area. |
| Daily Devotionals:
The daily devotionals are an informal session focusing on one of the points of the Scout Law each day. Each individual, both youth and adult, participates in an interactive way. When: Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday Morning If you have B-meal: 7:30am – 7:50am or Where: Chapel Notes: There is no dress code. Come in your pajamas, or dripping wet from the pool. We know it’s a tight schedule, so there is no dress code to make it easier for you to attend. |
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| Jewish Prayer Service:
On Friday evening, a Jewish prayer service is offered. While everyone is welcome, this is a faith-specific service.
When: Friday from 7:30-8:00PM (immediately before closing campfire)
Where: Handicraft (Palmer B) (handicapped accessible)
Notes: This service is facilitated by the Chaplain and led by scouts and scouters.
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Duty to God Puzzle Patch Program: **For Youth and Adults** Camp Ockanickon participates in the Duty to God Puzzle Patch program available from P.R.A.Y. Publishing Co. This is the company that publishes the materials for scouts to use when working toward their religious medal within their own faith organization. Youth and adults can earn their Duty To God patch by completing five easy requirements as listed on the form available in the camp office: 1. Attend a presentation on religious emblem programs available to scouts (this presentation occurs at Monday AM breakfast) 2. Say grace at meals 3. Attend a worship service while at camp (An OSR evening vespers or a unit worship service) 4. Participate in three daily devotionals while at camp (An OSR devotional or devotionals with the unit.) 5. Complete and return the questionnaire to the Trading Post (The patches are available for purchase at the Trading Post.)
The first time the program is completed, the participant receives the patch with the kneeling scout, which is always available. After the first patch is earned, the subsequent patch of the year is earned—this subsequent patch changes each year in a rotation. Complete the puzzle picture by finishing the program four sequential times and earning all four patches.
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