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Dozens gather at Christian camp to witness totality


Every summer hundreds of young people fill the cabins at Camp Ne-O-Tez near De Soto, Mo., but Sunday night the camp was filled with a different crowd. Families showed up from all over, some coming from as far away as Texas, hoping to witness the solar eclipse. 

Nancy Henley, a Camp Ne-O-Tez board member, told The Christian Chronicle the excitement about the eclipse started months ago when people started to realize the campgrounds were in the path of totality.

“It’s just crazy,” Henley said. “We had one guy come to us about it in February.”

Since then, the excitement has been gradually building. 

Sunday night about 100 people gathered at the camp, spending the night away from the crowds and traffic other areas have been experiencing as the eclipse draws near. They spent time together making s’mores and enjoying the peaceful camp atmosphere.

Monday morning many of the kids worked to attach paper plates around their solar eclipse glasses, an effort to protect their eyes from any damage. While they worked, more people began showing up to the campgrounds. Camp officials purchased dozens of pairs of solar eclipse glasses, hoping to have enough for everyone who shows up for the big event. They also encouraged everyone to bring their own lawn chairs.

Henley said the crowd will gather on the camp ballfield, the flattest and largest gathering spot, to witness the eclipse. She said many people brought cameras with special filters with them, hoping to capture a few pictures of the eclipse. 

When it’s over, she said the crowd will all pause together to pray and thank God for the opportunity to witness such an incredible part of his creation.


Check back later today for updates on this story and pictures from Camp Ne-O-Tez during the solar eclipse. 

Filed under: National

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