Services for the Open

By Laura Mattoon

"Services for the Open" is a thoughtfully curated collection of spiritual and religious resources designed specifically for use in outdoor settings. Compiled to support the burgeoning youth camping movement of the early twentieth century, this work provides a comprehensive guide for leading worship services, meditations, and communal reflections amidst the beauty of the natural world. The volume brings together an evocative selection of hymns, poetry, scripture, and prose that celebrate the divine presence found in the wilderness.

The book is organized into themed services tailored for different times of day and various natural environments, from mountaintops to forest clearings. By integrating literature and music with the sensory experiences of the outdoors, "Services for the Open" seeks to foster a deeper sense of reverence and character through nature-based worship. It serves as an essential resource for camp leaders, educators, and spiritual seekers who value the intersection of faith and the environment. This collection stands as an enduring testament to the historical tradition of seeking spiritual renewal through direct engagement with the world, emphasizing the connection between humanity, nature, and the sacred.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025977432
• ISBN13: 9781025977430
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"