Finding Unity and Authentic Connection: A Summer at Camp Timanous

Sometimes, being a skeptical psychic feels like walking a tightrope between doubt and faith. After channeling messages from The Council, I often find myself muttering, “We’ll see.” Balancing these two parts of my spirit—one profoundly hopeful, the other hesitant—has always been one of my greatest challenges. But The Council’s wisdom is unwavering: they often speak about Generation Z and Generation Alpha’s incredible purpose to transform Earth into a place of profound Unity—a world where souls learn not through separation, but through connection, understanding, and the expansive energy that ties us all together.  

For years, my skepticism lingered quietly beneath the surface, fueled by news cycles that seemed to magnify humanity’s struggles rather than its triumphs. Could Unity truly be possible? Would generations raised in a world of division really be here to bring us closer together? The universe, however, has a way of delivering lessons when we least expect them. And this summer, it reminded me in the most beautiful way why the seeds of change and unity are already here, sprouting in the unlikeliest of places.  

This summer, John, my husband, and I stepped into a new chapter of our lives. We left Boulder, Colorado, behind to move to Raymond, Maine, where John accepted the position of Director at Camp Timanous, a boys' camp nestled on the edge of Panther Pond. This 100-year-old institution has been woven into my husband’s family’s story since 1933. While we’d spent time here when our kids were young, it had been over 25 years since those sunlit summers. I’d thought this move was about supporting John in his new role—but from the start, I felt the universe whispering that there was something much greater waiting for me.  

At the first staff meeting of the summer, John introduced an activity that underscored the unique spirit of Camp Timanous. Together with 60 staff members—only three of whom were new this year—we set out to identify three key values that define the essence of this incredible camp. In small groups, we chose words or small phrases, deliberated on their meaning, and then merged our groups to share, refine, and finally unify our visions. By the end of the exercise, the entire staff had agreed on two words/ and one phrase that were threaded into the fabric of Camp Timanous—which I’ll reveal later, but only after I’ve shared why this summer gave me hope that humankind can embrace Unity.  

I didn’t hold an official title at camp, but as the leader’s wife, I immersed myself in the rhythm of communal life. I attended chapels and council fires, joined in special events, and spent quiet mornings walking our dog through the grounds. One of the most profound spaces for connection, however, was the sit-down, family-style meals held three times a day. At every table, campers of all ages and counselors with varying experience levels shared conversations that ranged from humorous cabin moments to life’s deeper challenges. Meals weren’t just about sustenance; they were lessons in cooperation, respect, and connection. Boys took turns volunteering for chores—serving food, clearing dishes, refilling pitchers—without hesitation, all working together to keep the meal flowing.  

As someone who is neurodiverse and naturally resistant to authority, I’ve often struggled in new communities or structured environments. But at Timanous, fitting in felt effortless. The secret was a simple yet transformative phrase, passed down by counselors and returning campers as they introduced camp traditions: “Here at Camp Timanous, we…” This gentle, welcoming expression turned corrections into invitations. It wasn’t about pointing out missteps; it was about inviting everyone—newcomers, campers, and even hesitant wives like me—into the shared culture and values of Timanous.  

Throughout the summer, I witnessed something miraculous: the cultivation of genuine connection and the unraveling of societal norms that often pit individuals against one another. Whether it was the younger campers watching in awe as they were given space to help light a fire through an ancient spindle technique, or the shared gratitude offered during non-denominational prayers that reflect on the towering pines and sparkling lake, every tradition at Timanous felt grounded in love, gratitude, and wonder. Each ritual wasn’t about exclusivity or hierarchy; it was about building community.  

On my dog walks and during those meal conversations, I saw walls crumble and unlikely friendships flourish. Age, ability, background—all became irrelevant when campers shared their gifts with one another. One boy’s athleticism inspired awe in an artistic academic, whose creativity and strategic thinking simultaneously elevated the athlete’s respect for imagination and strategy. Older campers naturally stepped up to ensure younger boys felt seen, included, and cared for. Every cabin became its own microcosm of shared experiences, bursting with laughter, new traditions, and a growing understanding of what it means to truly collaborate.  

At the heart of it all was a phrase shared in our first meeting: “At Camp Timanous, the most important thing is to be your authentic self because no one else can bring your unique gifts and wisdom to the community.” At the final chapel of the summer, Pat Hayes—a wise and compassionate Head Counselor—expanded on this idea and offered a lesson that chills me even now:  

"It takes understanding to have peace, and it takes community to create understanding. Here, people are raised up for who they are, rather than rejected for who and what they are not. If you take the time to understand someone and their story, you cannot hate them. If you can hold their hopes, fears, insecurities, past mistakes, and future successes, it’s impossible not to choose repair over rupture."

This summer, immersed in the magical world of Camp Timanous, I began to understand Unity not as an abstract dream but as a way of being that is entirely achievable. I saw it in every meal, every conversation, and every tradition that celebrates both individuality and community. The two words and one phrase that the staff chose to describe the soul of Camp Timanous? “Fellowship, A Culture of Caring, and Wonderousity”

Generation Z and Generation Alpha don’t need to shoulder the immense weight of transforming Earth alone. They have already seeded the way, showing us—through communities like Timanous, through their unique gifts—that Unity begins wherever authenticity is celebrated and respect flows freely. Change-makers like them remind us that the one energy running through the universe connects us all, and when we honor this connection, we ignite hope for a future rooted not in separation but in love.  

Unity isn’t a destination; it’s a way of walking together toward something bigger, something brighter. As Pat Hayes so beautifully said, “It takes community to create understanding.” May we join our communities, embrace understanding, and keep walking—one small yet meaningful step at a time.