I spent seven years on summer staff here and you'd think with that kind of experience, I'd probably remember that it gets a little hot. This week has seen temps well into the 80s and it has me remembering those heat waves of the past all over again - you know, kind of like when you smell something that reminds you of something else and it takes your right back . The past two years of my life were spent like many inlander's, which is to say they were spent mostly indoors. WIth a pier, a pool, and a beach all within walking distance, the temptation to venture outside during my off hours is far greater here at Caswell. I'm sure any of you who have been guests of the Assembly can sympathize with me on that one. 

Summer doesn't officially start until June 20th, which is over a month away, but my mind is already on that track. On June 11, Summer Youth Weeks begin  and another season of fun, worship, and fellowship will begin for youth from all across the state. In my travels, when I've mentioned Caswell as a place I've worked I've been surprised to hear how often folks knew exactly what I was talking about because of summer weeks they'd spent here over the years. We all hope that the folks who come in through the gate will hear from the Lord in a real and meaningful way while they're down, and this summer is no exception. I hope anyone reading this won't hesitate to join me in praying for a summer of fun, growth, and spiritual blessing for all the youth and youth leaders who visit. 

A couple of weeks ago a guest of the Assembly told me about some blackberries behind the PX. Skeptical, but knowing that Caswell is full of potential for plant life, I set out to scan the area myself and see what I could find. To my general surprise, there was a sizeable patch of these berries scattered around the brushy dunes that flank the river shore.  Unlike the any type of blackberry plant I’d seen, these grew out of thorny vines draped low along the sandy ground. Among the deep blue ripe berries there set a shock of bright red new growth, which complimented the scene nicely. Hesitating at first, I leaned down and plucked one from its nest and popped it in my mouth – delicious!

It didn’t take long for me to claim this little fruit find for myself. I planted the flag of my own inquisitive success into the story of their discovery with each telling to friends and co-workers. That lasted right up until I posted something about it on Facebook and Jamie Lloyd, a teacher in Southport and long-time inhabitant of Fort Caswell, quickly brought me back down to Earth.

“They are actually dewberries,” She told me, “they grow along the beach or in this case, the river.”

I later found out that it was common tradition for her and others to pick the berries each year. I guess I’m not a big hidden berry-finder after all.  If my ego was hurt all signs of it quickly melted away when I picked a few more and kicked back on the pier to enjoy them. You never know what is waiting just a little further around the bend or down a sandy trail, in life or at Caswell and good surprises aren’t uncommon. God is generous with blessings and lessons of all shapes and sizes -- we just need to open our eyes and hearts to them. In this case I learned that sometimes a discovery doesn’t have to be new for it to be just as sweet. 
 

A lot of folks don’t know that NCBA at Fort Caswell is more than a coastal retreat and conference center, but that we also host our own programs that are developed in-house. One example is our Coastal Environmental Education program, which gives school groups a unique educational experience; It takes classroom lessons and puts them in the real world where students can touch and see them. I was asked to step in and provide a special version of our historic grounds tour for a group of local 2nd graders who were all very excited to be outside – and the best part? We did it on a hay ride!

From Native American trails to pirates and, of course, the American Civil War, the tour covered a lot of history and seemed to be a big hit with the kids. A favorite moment of mine was taking them inside a section of our 180 year-old masonry ruins to look through the same rifle loopholes that a civil war soldier would have. As we traveled along campus, I pointed out the different eras of construction and the original purpose of our many historic structures, while quizzing them occasionally to see if they’d paid attention. For the most part, I wasn’t able to stump them.

We have lots of different age groups come through for educational purposes and I, for one, would like to see even more of it in the future. If you’re interested in the history of our facility but you aren’t a student, never fear – we offer a traditional grounds tour for kids and adults alike, but if you’re interested be sure to let our reservations office know before you arrive. Thanks for checking in!
 

This year’s theme is “Cruising with Christ” and features various different talented speakers, entertainers, and worship leaders. The theme verse is John 15: 9-10, “As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep My commandments you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” The theme of Cruising with Christ is being drawn from abiding in His love by keeping His commandments and a special emphasis on  practical adherence to those commandments is being made during the retreat’s worship services.

Of course, there are plenty of other fun “cruising era” tie-ins that we’ve made to keep things light as well. Tuesday night we served old-fashioned Coke and Root Beer floats to attendees and earlier that same day the good folks from the Cape Fear Cruisers Auto Club brought down some fantastic examples of American cruising vehicles. Several folks enjoyed looking through the windows and peering under the popped hoods of these classics which spanned decades of U.S. automotive history.

Our Coastal Adult Retreats continue weekly this spring through May 16th. We’re already looking forward to the fall’s equivalent, which starts in September and will be themed “Reap a Good Harvest.” 
 

Sometime around early February I made my way over to the pool to discover it was still filled with water. This water, in turn, gets filled with algae and other muck which tints it a nice shade of hunter green. In the spring the water and sludge has to be pumped out so that the pool can be cleaned and made usable. Our pool is just a hair smaller than "Olympic size", so you can imagine what a big task this is.

“The first of May we have groups come to use the pool, so Elkin Valley comes and helps us get ready,” says Recreation Director, Amy Southerland, “They’re from my home church!”

I got a chance to speak with the group leader from Elkin Valley, Zack, who told me the steps they take to get the pool in top condition. First, enough water is pumped out that they can walk in the shallow end in rain boots. From there, pressure washers and cleaning agents are used to remove any stains or debris from the walls and floor. To get the surface of the floor ready for pressure washing, a group of the volunteers pushes the water and anything else that has fallen into the pool over to the deep end with big push squegees. Eventually, all that’s left is to pump the deep end, and after that they give everything a final check. The whole process takes at least a day to complete.

“I think it looks good! They did a good Job,” Amy said of the pool after the task was completed.

Indeed, it does look good and it is now ready for a full season of fun times thanks to the hard work of the volunteers from Elkin Valley Baptist Church! Thanks!

Of course, it cannot be said that this is a new pastime for folks who find themselves at the fort. From letters and historical records collected by NC scholars over the years we know that soldiers stationed here at Caswell during the Civil War were keen on fishing as well and made their way over the dunes with just about every chance they got. Before the Civil War, the lone Fort Keeper was happy to let locals fish on the land so long as they gave him a portion of their catch. Not a bad deal!

These days folks can keep whatever they catch as long as it’s within the legal limits set by the state of North Carolina. If you’re lucky you’ll pull up a few flounder, trout, or red drum! I enjoy passing by the boat basin or fishing pier and seeing families having fun together as they fish or just take in atmosphere. When my dad comes down I look forward to a little family time at the pier myself - maybe this year I will break my personal flounder record of 13 inches.

A saltwater fishing license is required to fish here if you’re over the age of 16 and can be purchased from a WRC agent or online at ncwildlife.org
 

Guests of The Assembly often comment on our live oak trees. I know they made an impression on me as a young visitor and they still do. Their twisted low branches stand in stark contrast to the straight trunks of the trees in my old hometown. These branches also make for great seats or leaning spots, giving our guests a place to rest in the shade on the hottest of summer days. In this respect, a few particular examples come to mind – the three live oaks between the boys and girls barracks. I can only imagine how many conversations have transpired under their limbs and how many folks have met there for the first time.

Something you may not have known about live oaks is that they only grow natively along the coast of North Carolina and only in the Southeastern US in general. Dried live oak lumber is extremely hard and strong, which led to its being used by 18th and 19th century boat builders for hull construction in wooden sailing ships, (one such example of this is the famed USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned navel vessel that is still afloat).

The trees commonly reached over 500 years of age and one tree, “The Angel Oak” in South Carolina is estimated to be over 1400 years old. Saplings were bent over in the shape of a lowercase “h” to serve as trail marker trees for Native Americans who made regular journeys to the coast for salt and fish. Next time you’re in Southport,  just across the river from us, stop by the park near their library and check out the famous Indian Trail Tree as an example.

“We love live oaks at Caswell,” said Assistant Director and chief green thumb, David Lloyd, “In fact, we’re trying to plant more of them.”

David has been a part of planting these newer live oaks over the years as well as making sure they stay in good shape for future generations to enjoy. Last November, when I had just moved to Caswell, he had me help place 2x4 braces to support several young trees on the inland side of the property.

“When Hurricane Irene came through last year we had several of them blow over and had to straighten them up,” he said.

The Assembly extends an offer to any person or group who appreciates our live oaks to donate one to be planted and have it memorialized to a loved one. The cost is $450, most of which pays for the memorial stone which is placed at the base of the tree. In a really tangible way, these old trees become a part of what makes Caswell and coastal North Carolina what it is. In their resilience to hurricanes, their thriving in sandy soil, and their strength and size we see a fine example of the handiwork of our God the creator.

To inquire on planting a memorial tree, contact David Lloyd by phone at 910.278.9501
 

This was the first year I got harnessed up and took my place in the buckets of these lifts and it certainly leaves an impression. After going through thorough safety and operation training, I was on my way with a box full of fresh light bulbs. Heights have never really been a problem for me - I’ve gone hiking on mountain trails with steep drops and peered over the tops of a few famous skyscrapers with no issues, but there is something completely surreal about being right next to the steel supports for the roof of Hatch - maybe it has something to do with all those years of viewing its big lights from below.

While I was up there it seemed like a good opportunity to dust off a few speakers, reseat the projector cables, and even polish the auditorium’s original stainless steel cross. Before dropping the twenty or so feet back to the stage, I took out my camera and snapped a quick shot of the view to share with you all.

As such, updates to this blog will be getting much more frequent and will be in the style of an open personal journal, (so check back often!). Over time, we’re hoping to have several contributors to offer different perspectives and insights on their areas of interest.

If you’re a fan and friend of NCBA at Fort Caswell and a social media user, I have to plug our official Facebook page and Twitter feed (twitter handle is @fortcaswell). These sites offer a quick and very social way to get news and updates direct from the staff as well as view and post comments and photos from/as our guests! We think it’s a lot of fun. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook if you haven’t already.

In contrast to our social media activity, contributions to this blog will have more detail, more photos, longer stories, beefier articles, and comprehensive newsletters that just won’t fit anywhere else. If you’re the kind of person that enjoys getting the full scoop on Caswell, bookmark this page and/or add us to your RSS feed. Thanks for checking in and thank you for remembering Fort Caswell!
 

At the mouth of the Cape Fear River stands Fort Caswell, once a barrier for North Carolina’s coast against enemies on the sea. The Fort is named after Richard Caswell, North Carolina’s first governor, and was used during the Civil War and both World Wars.

In 1949, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) purchased Fort Caswell, which was designated as war surplus and assigned for disposal. Today, the NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell on Oak Island is open year-round for conferences and retreats.

Throughout the years summer camp quickly proved one of the most popular events at Caswell, and the summer camp ministry has only continued to increase its influence. During the 2009 summer, about 7,000 students attended camp, known as Youth Weeks. Last summer alone 400 students received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and 71 students surrendered to the call to full time Christian ministry.

For many North Carolina Baptists, Caswell is a place of spiritual renewal and a place they call “home.” What is it about Caswell that keeps them coming back? During a recent summer Youth Week, a few people shared what the Caswell experience means to them.

Karen Pruette
For 19 years Karen Pruette has served as youth minister at Fork Baptist Church in Mocksville and nearly every year brings her group to Youth Weeks at Caswell. Pruette went to Caswell several times as a teenager and now, serving at the church where she grew up, is making sure the next generation experiences Caswell.

Pruette knew as a teenager she wanted to serve in youth ministry. Thirty years later, “God is still calling me into youth ministry,” she said. Caswell is one place where, year after year, God affirms this calling on her life. Pruette watches as the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes the hearts of youth she had almost given up on.

Each year Youth Weeks focus on a theme, such as discipleship or evangelism. This year the focus is on apologetics and teaching youth how to be grounded in their faith. “Youth are looking for more concrete proof about everything,” Pruette said. “They don’t just take your word for it. They need to be able to answer for themselves. We want them to know the Bible is true, and not just be something they heard or something I told them.”

Jackson Perry
Jackson Perry is 22 years old, and for 21 of those years he has spent a week at Caswell. Perry’s dad served bivocationally as the youth minister of Oak Dale Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, so when the youth went to Caswell, Perry went to Caswell. He made his first trip at six months old. “This is where I grew up,” Perry said.

Perry learned many things during summer camp at Caswell, one of the most important being how to serve others. He also learned what it means to be someone who seeks after the face of God and longs for the character of Christ.

Perry worked the past three summers at Caswell doing a job far from glamorous: cafeteria dish room staff. The job was long, hot and came with little recognition. Yet, Perry made friends with other staff and learned what it means to serve others with little regard for self.

This year Perry returned to Caswell, but in a different role. This year marks his first year at Caswell as a chaperone with the Oak Dale youth group. The youth group is in transition as the church seeks a full time youth minister, and Perry said he couldn’t leave them without help. Perry didn’t just commit to working with the youth at Caswell; he committed his entire summer to serving.

Andrew Burnette
Not until Andrew Burnette came to Caswell did he learn how to and even want to grow his relationship with Jesus. Burnette, now a junior at Campbell University, still remembers as an 8th grader sitting outside Hatch Auditorium and reading in Luke about passion week. He came to the part when Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 

In that moment Burnette understood that in his own strength he could not forgive like that. The Lord opened his heart to get a glimpse at just how much he was loved by his Heavenly Father.

This is Burnette’s second year serving on the recreation staff at Caswell. Coming into his first summer on staff Burnette said he was “weighed down by a lot of stuff.” Within the first three weeks the Lord used Matthew 16:24 to change his heart. “I was putting my own dreams and desires ahead of God,” he said. “I broke down and said, ‘God, I give it to you.’”

Kylie Nall
When Kylie Nall enters UNC-Charlotte this fall as a freshman she plans to focus her studies on nursing. Nall wants to be a “nurse missionary” when she graduates. For now, Nall is using her time on staff with Coastal Explorers to focus on the missions part of her future career. “I’m learning more about my faith,” she said. “Right now I’m working on growing in my faith.”

Coastal Explorers at Caswell is a day camp for middle school students. From leading devotions to crabbing and kayaking, Nall builds relationships with the campers and looks for opportunities to share the Gospel.

Nall came to Caswell Youth Weeks five years as a camper. Last year she worked in the Drift-in, the Internet café at Caswell. Around the time Nall was preparing to come to Caswell last year her parents were going through a divorce. Being at Caswell, enjoying fellowship with staff and attending worship services “brought me peace,” Nall said. “You can feel God’s presence here.”

Dwight and Lissa Munn
In 1985, Lissa Munn and her parents set out to make the drive from Louisiana to Fort Caswell so Lissa could begin her summer job in the cafeteria. Lissa had not heard about Caswell until a friend recommended she apply for summer staff. When Lissa and her friend arrived they planned to spend their free time at the beach and had no intentions of trying to invest much time in getting to know anyone else.

They certainly didn’t expect to meet their future husbands at Caswell. Lissa met Dwight her first summer at Caswell, which was Dwight’s second year on staff. Dwight was about three years older than Lissa and after Caswell they parted ways. Four years later they were engaged, and when it came time to celebrate their 15th anniversary, they headed back to Oak Island.

Of course meeting his wife was the highlight of his Caswell experience. But Dwight, now minister of education at First Baptist Church in Monroe, La., still values the “deep and abiding friendships made in a key juncture in life.” He also learned to “pick up the towel and the basin and serve people.” Dwight and Lissa knew their work behind the scenes, whether in the cafeteria or guest services, helped facilitate a setting where youth could experience a week of life change.

+ = appropriate certification required   * = Prior experience a plus
For more information, write or call: North Carolina Baptist Assembly 100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 (910) 278-9501
http://www.fortcaswell.com/ (just follow the Summer Staff links)

Since 1946, when the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina bought the property from the Federal Government, Caswell has served as a place of peace, offering North Carolina Baptists and many others a refuge of quiet reflection and relaxation.  Each summer, thousands of youth visit the Assembly camp, and during the Spring and Fall, groups of all ages come for retreats, conferences and meetings.