DISCOVER | Camp Chesterfield teacher , of the event that will be held this year on Sept . 16-17 , 2023 . “ Almost every weekend from now until Thanksgiving , we also have a workshop , retreat or event that attracts students as well as spiritual seekers .”
Walking onto the property , which was established in 1886 , is like traveling back in history . Its peaceful grounds welcome visitors to wander , and there are numerous places to rest and reflect along the way , including the Trail of Religion , which features busts of some of the world ’ s greatest religious leaders including Lao-Tse , Buddha , Confucius , Varhammana , Osiris , Zoroaster , Abraham , Mohammed , Zeus and Jesus Christ .
The Garden of Prayer , a shady , sheltered European-style grotto , provides a unique site for spiritual meditation , and the labyrinth is designed for visitors seeking better spiritual alignment . The site also boasts an American Indian Memorial located on Inspiration Hill , featuring a life-sized figure of a Native American and a totem pole , reflecting the deep connection Spiritualism has with the Native American people .
Guests and students who want to stay on the property can check into the 26-room Western Hotel , built in 1945 . The first fireproof building in the state , the hotel offers simple rooms with attached bathrooms — but no phones or TVs to provide space for a more reflective experience . The grounds are also home to mediums , philosophers , ministers and more who live in the ‘ shanties ’ that were built when the site became a permanent home for spiritualists .
A number of buildings on the grounds are not currently in use , including the Cathedral of the Woods , built in 1954 , which used to serve as a venue for large gatherings , and the Sunflower Hotel , which was built in 1914 .
There is a museum on-site , which is open from 9:30 a . m . to 1 p . m . on the first Saturday of each month , as well as every Saturday after Labor Day . Home to a large collection of Spiritualist art and artifacts , the museum will also be open during Spirit Fest . A cafeteria , and the Tree of Life Book and Gift Shop is also open to visitors .
Those who can ’ t make it to the camp can still partake in Spiritualist offerings , as services , classes and programs are now online .
“ As a spiritual center of light , we are very open to all ,” said Schlotterbeck of his hope that people will visit the camp or join them online for a service .
Camp Chesterfield is located at 50 Lincoln Drive , Chesterfield , IN 46017 . For more information , visit www . campchesterfield . com .
8 | DISCOVER SUMMER 2023