"What was it like to travel to an early camp meeting? What drew people there? What did they find at the camp ground upon their arrival? The experience varied with different times, places, cultures, and denominations, yet it spoke to universal human, especially spiritual needs. In their heyday these annual events gathered people from considerable distances to seek the presence and power of God in their lives. Whatever else they accomplished was secondary to this foundational purpose. So important was it, that a preacher or lay participant might attend more than one, if that should become feasible. Reaching neighboring regions and across state and national boundaries, they attracted people in ways that justified the sacrifices such travel entailed"--.