SERVICE
A Life Unafraid BY TINA V. BRYSON
W
hen at Camp AJ, they call her Tink, like the fairy from Peter Pan’s magical story. Unlike the fictional character, Marjorie Conkwright knows that all children must grow up, and she is striving to give each one the chance to spread their wings and fly while they are still young. Conkwright is serving as a oneyear volunteer and AmeriCorps member through Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Camp AJ in Jackson County, Kentucky. There, she primarily teaches art in the summer. Long-term camp volunteers at CAP also provide much needed in-school support for our local school districts during the academic year. During camp’s offseason, Conkwright assists with math and arts education at Sand Gap Elementary School.
Conkwright, and her husband Charles, came to Camp AJ in 2018 just after she finished her master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and community development at Eastern Kentucky University. “That first summer was full of magical small moments found in hiking with new friends, random gifts of avocados, and God’s splendor seen in glorious sunrises and sunsets. My most treasured moments that I hold close to my heart were unexpected explosions of joy found in creativity that led a camper to an impromptu dance with a paintbrush in seeming abandon to everything but happiness. Just before that was a time of frustration in the process of crafting, but personal perseverance led to a great accomplishment and pride. I will also never forget a simple thank you from a teenager that had never had a chance to paint before.”
“That first summer was terrifying and yet one of the greatest adventures of my life,” said Conkwright, who grew up in Paducah, Kentucky. “I learned that I love silly, repeat-afterme songs, camp magic, smores, and the light of pure joy that shines through over 500 pairs of eyes shown unconditional, unending fierce love of camp staff and counselors.”
Michael O’Brien, coordinator at Camp AJ, had spent time the previous year connecting to Steven Davis-Rosenbaum with Berea College’s Craft Education Center and Outreach Program. The addition of a skilled artist in Conkwright enabled Camp AJ to grow this partnership with Berea College in a way that will celebrate the Appalachian heritage of the region with students.
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The Mountain Spirit Spring/Summer 2020
