Imagine yourself in an invisibility cloak playing hide and seek at camp — and the rest of the campers have a Marauder’s Map! In the Herbology class we’ll be looking at plants and their practical uses. Then have a handful of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans and watch as the pictures move and talk. One never knows — the campers may even learn to fly! Harry Potter will be at Pilgrim Center this summer!

Each morning, as part of the “regular” camp program, we’ll gather around the fireplace in the common room to talk about all of the interesting people Jesus associated with in his travels. Many expected he would only talk to the “important” people, but he surprised them by treating even the “least of these” with respect — the woman at the well, the leper, the tax collector, and more. What does this mean to us, as people of faith? Who are the people in our lives that we should be more willing to befriend?

The latest movie installment of the series, “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” is scheduled to be released on the last day of this camp. So, on Friday we’ll go into town for a Potter-themed scavenger hunt and then be some of the first people to see the new movie. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the students and staff at Hogwarts face many everyday dilemmas and challenges in their lives — just like each one of us. There are questions of making right choices, making friends, being a good friend, and including others. There are numerous examples of difficult decisions, doing the right thing even in the face of significant odds, facing and naming your fears, and being trustworthy. While none of us actually live the life of Harry or Hermione, we do have a lot in common with them.

Of course, there will be all kinds of “normal” camp activities like swimming, boating, nature hikes, arts and crafts, and s’mores over an open campfire. Sprinkled throughout the week campers will participate in activities taken straight from the pages of the Harry Potter books — including a game of Quidditch and a scavenger hunt trip to “Hogsmeade” (Ripon)!

Come, join in the fun of Harry Potter. Explore your own faith and friendships through this unique camp event! Pack your Harry Potter books, your enthusiasm for the Harry Potter stories, and any other Harry Potter stuff you may have and get ready to “take off” for a memorable week at camp!