Tree dedicated to Elson at 4-H Camp Ohio
Campers, counselors, family and friends shared in celebrating the life of Michaela Elson, who lost her battle with cancer on May 11 of this year by planting and dedicating a tree in her memory at 4-H Camp Ohio on Thursday evening, July 5. Pictured back row left: Dave Wagner, Zach and Liz McMorrow, Jacque Wagner, Mary Green, Jean Haumschild, Brandon Stewart, Mike Elson, Katie Haumschild and Erin Alverson. Front row: Lillian and Olivia McMorrow, Landon and Cooper Alverson.
ST. LOUISVILLE – 4-her’s from Coshocton County, along with adult and youth counselors, family and friends gathered outside the dining hall at 4-H Camp Ohio on Thursday evening, July 5 to dedicate a dogwood tree to the memory of beloved camp counselor Michaela Elson.
Youth counselors Madison Miller, Kassidy Lahna, Evie Drennen and Luke Massie shared meaningful poems and words of inspiration with the campers from Coshocton County that sat on the ground outside the dining hall during the first Vespers of Camp 2018 #GameOn.
Miller shared, “As many of you know, we lost someone a few months ago that absolutely loved camp – Michaela Elson. Tonight we are going to dedicate our Vespers service to her and celebrate what a wonderful person she was. Michaela went to camp every year she was able to. Her last year as a counselor was 2012 and she returned in 2013 as a member of the adult staff. She also was able to come to camp one extra time when she came for Leadership Camp.
“While Michaela was a counselor she helped with outdoor rec and there were many days you could find her shooting off bottle rockets during the session’s time. She also helped put on campfires which she loved. One time she made up a dance for synchronized swimmers, dressed up in a swimsuit and goggles and dressed up some of the guys as well. Michaela absolutely loved camp.”
Evie Drennen shared a quote that was perfect to describe Michaela, “I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability” by Bruce Jenner. Through all of her trials she always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook. This is a lesson that many of us need to learn. Our mental ability means a lot more than what we can physically do.”
Michaela posted a quote on her Facebook page during her battle with cancer, “Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it is about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it.”
Luke Massie read a poem called “The Winner.”
Kassidy Lahna shared, “There are a lot of words we could use to describe Michaela, but some that we think are best are: Courage, determination, compassion, loyalty, selflessness and confidence.”
Each camper received a sticker of a dogwood flower to place on their nametag to remind them of Michaela.
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