As summer approaches and you finish your registrations, you remember that this summer, you get to return to one of your favorite places on earth: Church camp. Church camp can bring the greatest memories, the best of friends and, most importantly, can bring you closer to God. Here are my favorite moments that I look forward to every year as the camp season approaches!
1. The arrival.
Whether we have been to this camp before or not, arriving at camp is always so exciting. As we unload our cars and prepare for a week of worship, we can’t help but smile as we see the other campers moving into the cabins and lodges. We know the next couple of days will without a doubt change our lives.
2. The opening program.
After moving into our home for the week, we prepare for the time when we get to see what is in store for us. We get to know those who we will be spending time with, meet the amazing counselors, and everyone gets pumped up for what the week has in store.
3. The songs.
Worship always seems to be far better at camp. Being in a room full of others who love to sing praise is unlike anything else. No matter what kind of day you have had, we can all look forward to the worship that we will take part in at the end of the day. Not to mention the songs that become a tradition of every year that we all sing at the top of our lungs!
4. The counselors.
Church camp counselors always know how to get us excited. They help us move in, they love their job, they pray with us, they are extremely happy and, above all, they become our friends! Even though we may have just met them, they instantly feel like our older brothers and sisters.
5. The friends.
The friends you make while at camp can become lifetime friends, even if you’ve known them for a week! By walking through your faith journey with your newfound friends, you become closer to them then you could ever know. It makes the years to follow even more exciting as you know you will get to see them again.
6. The meals.
Before every meal, there’s an amazing prayer that builds everyone up for the delicious meal we are about to take part in. Perhaps it is the fact that we are just starving or the food is delicious, we are always super excited for the meals. At some camps, there are even traditional dinners during the week!
7. Knowing you belong.
While you are at camp, there is a feeling that is like no other. You become friends with people who you have never known and you become so close to everybody you come into contact with. Because of this, you feel at home. You trust everyone you are with and you know that you will always have somebody to talk to while at camp.
8. The emotional night.
No matter what camp you are at, there is always, inevitably, an emotional night. It’s the night where you let go and let God. This night can teach you so much about yourself and you become closer to God through prayer and surrendering to him. Whether or not you end the night in tears, you can guarantee that you will remember this night.
9. The closing program.
The time has come for the camp to be over. You all get together for one last program. You watch the slideshow of the weeks pictures and you all put your arms around each other as you belt out your favorite songs one last time. You reminisce on the lifetime memories you have made in the past couple of days.
10. The goodbyes.
Sadly, camp is now over. You pack your things, you hug your friends, and you take your selfies. As you finish out your week and exchange numbers so you can keep in touch with your friends, there is one thought on your mind as you pull out of camp: “I can’t wait for next year!”
