Lawrence Camp died as he lived: with presence, wisdom and love, sprinkled with a little humor. All his family was with him—a circle of love and deep admiration. Lawrence was born in Atlanta, GA to Paul and Helen Camp. He lived with his family of three brothers Tom, David, and Jimmy Camp in rural GA until he began his career in the outdoor education field. Eventually this led him to the North Carolina Outward Bound School where he met the love of his life and wife of 34 years, Holly Wiemers Camp.  Lawrence studied forestry at UGA, motorcycle maintenance, and theology at Emory, integrating his curiosity in nature, practicality and awesome transcendence. A theology professor once told him, "Lawrence, you are just as likely to experience the divine in a mechanic shop as from the pulpit."

Lawrence was a leader in Outward Bound at three schools in CO, NC, and ME. He led course area reconnaissance trips (and/or later oversaw courses) in the Florida Everglades, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru. He led outdoor programs for preschool, church camp, troubled youth, couples, parents and children, people over 55, and business executives. He went on expeditions with friends paddling on the Nahani River in the Northwest Territories, Canada near the Arctic Circle, caving in the southeast US and Mexico, and climbing at some of the premier rock climbing sites in the US including Yosemite and Joshua Tree. He excelled in scouting and became an Eagle Scout and Lodge Chief of the Order of the Arrow. A proud member of The NC Knob Mountain Motorcycle Chapter ("The Knobbies") Lawrence rode his BMW 1250 GS Adventure on highways, gravel roads, and dirt trails with grit and grace. Even when his illness progressed, Lawrence engineered a way to attach his oxygen tanks on the rear of the bike so his adventures could continue.

Lawrence was an entrepreneur. He taught himself to use a computer on one of the earliest Macs and created his own company writing data bases for individuals as well as local to international businesses. In addition to data bases and programming expertise, Lawrence had a natural ability to relate with his clients. He helped them solve office issues, build more productive and amicable relationships, and perhaps to be better human beings.  Lawrence's greatest achievement was loving and raising his and Holly's three children, Jorgan Camp, Elizabeth "Lizz" Camp Morris, and Eleanor Anne "Ellie" Camp who are now strong, independent, thoughtful adults. His latest pride and joy is his grandson, Leo Morris.

For the past few years, Lawrence faced debilitating illness with full and vital life, and when death approached, he said, "This is just the next step in The Adventure." He welcomed his end with curiosity and humble acceptance. The world has lost a beautiful being. How lucky we all are to have had Lawrence Camp as our leader and mentor, father, husband, neighbor, and friend.

A memorial service will be held July 13, 4:00pm at Grace Episcopal Church, Morganton. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. You're invited to send a 500-word remembrance of Lawrence and/or photos for a memory book which will be made available online. Submit stories/photos to eleanorannecamp@gmail.com. These can also be scanned at the reception. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The American Adventure Service Corps (TAASC) or Hospice.