After a fairly crazy week, it was a welcomed escape to hit the road and retreat to the woods for a couple of days. It also seemed like a fitting bookend to a season I started by riding through this area to get to the International Peace Garden for a Masonic gathering a few months previous. This time, it was the Masonic Camp which was the draw, and I was honored to take part of it for a second year. Though I thought I was prepared for the event, unexpected things came up and I had to rush out Friday afternoon for Ehrhard, MN. Thanks to Amanda’s help and my earlier organization, I managed to pull it off.
I arrived around 5:30 and was happy to see my Brothers at Moccasin Valley Camp. We unloaded grab bags that I helped to assemble and chatted with others as we handed out their name badges. After a bit of discussion, I set back out to my truck to assemble ham gear complete with an antenna that I had not yet tested. In 5 minutes, I was listening to 40 meters, and a few Brothers came up to comment or check out the mobile HF station. Dang, I love it when a plan comes together.
After dinner, RWB Chuck Brust presented on his recent pilgrimage in Portugal and Spain and shared some very important lessons that tie back into Masonry. I found myself full of wonder as I looked through his pictures and heard his stories. I can relate to the deep meaning one finds when they are extremely present in the moment, and especially in the
surroundings of deeply beautiful scenery and traveling with someone that is extremely important to you. During the talk, we heard a loud meowing from outside, and very quickly made a new local friend who stayed with us throughout the weekend. We did our duty and spoiled our furry friend with offerings of food and drink. As we left, we verified that it was a stray but had been getting care on one of the local farms.
Next we headed to the Northwest Conference in Moorhead where we were met with much hospitality and friendly faces. It was a good experience to hear the presentations on leadership and get a chance to compare notes with our Northwest Masonic family including the OES and the Job’s Daughters. Collectively, we had a great conversation with Kathy Quick about growing our networks, and the contributions of our Masonic bodies. WB Steve Stobbs honored me by asking me to be an impromptu speaker, and I enjoyed talking about Covey’s first 3 habits – something that I hope will earn me additional visits in the Northwest.
As we returned to camp, I presented on the Knights of the Golden Circle and the factors that led to the civil war. Brother Evan Schroder discussed the Tria Prima and the Lesser Lights. It was a fascinating talk reflecting on Hermeticism and Alchemy. After the talks, we
did a Magic the Gathering draft and had a blast playing collectible cards – a recharge I desperately needed.
During the closing session, we reviewed and reflected on “The Egg” by Andy Weir, which led into a discussion of current developments within our lodges. As I departed for Rochester, two thoughts remained with me: first, I appreciated the opportunity to participate for a second consecutive year and to engage in a productive weekend of learning; second, I felt fortunate to be among dedicated members of this fraternity and to have the chance to connect with even
more Brothers. I would like to express my gratitude to Evan, Chris, and Peter for their commitment and leadership in ensuring the continued success of the Masonic Camp in 2025. (Special thanks to Brother Evan Schroeder for the photos).