July 24th through 27th, 2025
To all Friends Everywhere,
On Friday, we gathered at the beloved Quaker Knoll Campground, where God’s creation welcomed us with open arms. Our journey began with a visit to Great Council State Park, where we learned about the Shawnee tribe and how they lived in harmony with the land.
Our spirits were lifted at Young’s Dairy, where we delighted in ice cream and the simple joy of feeding goats and watching others savor fresh cheese curds. In these moments of laughter and connection with God’s creatures, we felt the Light working through everyday pleasures.
That evening, we deepened our understanding of devotional practice, learning not just what a devotion is, but how to create and share one. This prepared us for devotions for the adults the next morning. Katie and Jason Hollingsworth then shared stories from their work in Kenya, telling us of the profound gratitude of the Kenyan people, who gave them chickens as gifts. Their witness showed us how love transcends borders and how service opens our hearts to receive as much as we give.
On Saturday, we led devotions for the adults, sharing our theme: “God created Quaker Knoll and it was good, it gives us Peace.” We then served a bountiful lunch with plenty of cookies.
During our trip to the lake, we began planning what would become our lily pad mission – more on that shortly! Ann Nunes blessed us with a “Faith and Play” story that helped us understand how God dwells within all of us, in our meeting, and all around us.
Next we moved to Cowan for swimming and disc golf but shortly after we were interrupted by thunderstorms and returned to Quaker Knoll, but shortly after our return we were gifted with a most wonderful rainbow – a reminder that God’s beauty often follows life’s
storms. After some much-needed rest, we returned to the lake to complete our lily pad mission, collecting these gifts from Cowan Lake for Jack Hoefer to return to Tennessee.
Evening brought us together for more songs and a joyful time of recapping our weekend as we brainstormed for this very epistle. The non-stop giggling from our recent memories reminded us that joy is a form of worship.
On Sunday, we attended yearly meeting closing at Wilmington Friends, participating in Sunday service before our departure.
In the Light and love of Christ, The Young Friends of Wilmington Yearly Meeting
Chaperons: Jordan Snarr, James Godfrey, Jon Goff
Youth: Abigail Puckett, Fletcher James Donovan, Campbell Donovan, Millie Bunganstock, Jillian Snarr, Evlin Nunes
