A reflection by Rev Robert Ochoa, Conference Minister
Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ
July 28, 2025
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen God’s glory…full of grace and truth”. (John 1:14)
I arrived at beautiful Placerville UCC Camp on Wednesday, early afternoon, midway through Family Camp week. After experiencing an intense start of the week and driving through a wicked South Dakota thunderstorm between Chamberlain and Wall, where I held tight to my Hyundai Tucson…praying “God take the wheel”. I made it to camp exhausted and not in the best shape to greet people. Fortunately for me, Wednesday was designated as “free day” where families had the opportunity to go off campsite and visit the beautiful natural sites surrounding Rapid City. So, I was able to go to my assigned cabin and collapse for a much-needed siesta.
The sound of a ringing bell woke me, calling all to dinner. I splashed some water on my face and tried to make myself presentable and headed for the lodge. I was greeted with curious looks and smiles by a multigenerational multitude standing around the tables to sing a meal grace to the tune of a popular song. I smiled as the folks at the tables had to compete by answering questions correctly to determine the order of going to the buffet style dinner to serve themselves. With my friend Kerry Steever, Director of Placerville, in the kitchen, I observed and waited until the end to get a plate for myself. I approached a table with an empty seat and asked if I could sit down and I was invited to do so. The food was delicious.
Once I sat at my table, the usual questions arose who I was, where was I from, was this my first time at camp, when someone noticed my t-shirt emblem of my alma mater, Macalester College, located in St. Paul, MN.
“You know,” said one of my table mates, “we have a young camper here that was just accepted to Macalester. His name is Andrew, and I am sure he’d like to meet you.”
“Really?” I replied enthusiastically, “I’d love to meet him.”
It wasn’t long before a shy young man and I were brought together by these amazing campers, who wanted to make sure I felt at home. Andrew and I discovered we brought identical orange Mac T-shirts and agreed to wear them the next day. Andrew was at camp with his mom and older brothers, and by the end of the week, they felt like family, bonded by our shared connection to Macalester.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect at a family camp. I had just served as a Jr/Sr high school camp counselor, which had detailed activities for the youth, and I didn’t think would work intergenerationally. Was I ever wrong.
The camp theme was “Celebrate God” and every day was a holiday based on the Christian calendar….okay…they celebrated Halloween (before I got there), which is not exactly a Christian holiday, yet I am positive they were able to spin a celebrate God message in dressing up and collecting goodies.
I arrived in time for Christmas in July, Easter, and St Patrick’s Day and each day had its magical moments. From creating Christmas ornaments and making gifts, Easter cards and egg hunts, wearing green and rainbows, to bible lessons encouraging us to consider the meaning of the birth and resurrection of Jesus in our daily lives, to outdoor and indoor tournaments of ping pong, bean bag, and playing cards for all ages, these families clearly were enjoying themselves and each other.
The love for Placerville was evident, most of the family campers had been coming for generations. Grandparents, parents, youth, and children were not only remembering memories, but they were also making new ones, with much cheer and laughter and a little bit of heartbrokenness for those that are no longer with us.
The families did not only come from South Dakota, like Watertown, Yankton, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, and others. They came from Minnesota, Wyoming, Arizona, Texas, and Washington DC, like a sacred annual pilgrimage.
When it was discovered that I am the Conference Minister for South Dakota Conference, I was privileged to hear their stories of childhood memories, budding romances that led to their wedding held at Placerville, their involvement in their local churches and for a few, the still small voice of a call to serve in unique ways. All because of Placerville and it became real for me when two young people approached me, separately, inquiring and seeking guidance about a possible call into the ministry. It made me want to weep with hope for the Church.
And these folks like to have fun! After every meal they sang the goofiest and nonsensical songs, and every one of every age danced and did body motions that were hysterical. And for the uninitiated like me, there were a couple of musical surprises that nearly knock me off my feet, TWICE, to the delight and laughter of all.
It was the Vespers services though, watching families together receiving the Word that became Flesh, the dwelling in Christ among us through song, prayer, and reflection that touched me the most. I was honored to be asked to bless and serve communion on the last evening to every camper of all ages who came forward. I thought to myself…surely this is the kin-dom of God!
Due to space, there is so much I am leaving out, and I have decided I will be attending Family Camp at Placerville, next year…the complete week this time. As Michelle, the matriarch song leader of Family Camp informed me, you’re adopted now and one of us! And just like that, I have found another home!
Next year’s theme will be cultures around the world. Make plans to come home to Placerville…and if you have never been, come and experience the beauty of Placerville. Like I said earlier, it’s magical.
Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto
Placerville UCC Camp has been serving the congregations of South Dakota for 105 years. These last 30 years the camp has been under the leadership of Kerry and Sharla Steever, and their offspring, Ben and Kylie, who are continuing the legacy of Placerville. On behalf of the South Dakota Conference of the UCC, I want to express our total gratitude to Kerry, Sharla, Ben, Kylie, Taylor, Emily, and the countless number of volunteers for their faithful commitment to serving our churches in offering a safe space, where all are welcome and honored.
For more information for the camps that serve South Dakota Nebraska Iowa Conferences of the United Church of Christ follow the links below:
Iowa Conference: Pilgrim Heights Camp and Retreat Center – https://www.pilgrimheights.org
Nebraska Conference: Kamp Kaleo on the River – https://kampkaleo.com
South Dakota Conference: Placerville UCC Camp and Retreat Center – https://www.placervillecamp.net