Camp, a four letter word, that contains so much joy hidden in the context. Camp is the place where I got to be a kid again, actually, scratch that, it is the place where I got PAID to be a kid again. Going to camp during the summer was a huge part of my childhood and going back and getting to work it makes you gain a whole new perspective on it. For those who have worked camp before, or want to work camp in the future, this is for you. Camp didn't change my life, God used camp to change my life.

1. "Camp Friends Are The Best Friends."

Well, obviously... But who knew I would be so lucky and get the best bunk buddy? Or fall in love with my cleaning team? #RUSHBAIN Or that I would be filled with joy thinking of all the stressful times I shared with my Shack team. (Sass Team 4 For Life!) I absolutely wasn't expecting so many bathroom floor heart-to-heart talks with girls I barely knew.

2. The Word 'Gospel' Has A Whole New Meaning.

I have said that word more in the past 6 months than I ever have in my life. "Hey, have you heard the 6 points of the gospel?" "Have you read through the gospels?" "Can I talk to you about the gospel?" To be completely honest, I didn't even truly know what that word meant before I got to camp. (Sorry, Seth.)

3. Kitchen Week Humbles You.

Yep, it sounds awful, and you'll leave for the night wondering what foreign substances are all over your clothes. But it's so worth it. It is the most basic way to not only serve the students but also your fellow staffers. Kitchen week is stressful, don't get me wrong, but it is also where I saw the most growth in myself.

4. You Will Learn Just As Much As The Students.

If not more. Yeah, I know, you might technically be the small group bible study leader or whatever, but those kids man, they'll teach you somethings. My girls taught me how to have patience, how to smile even when you've already been up for 12 hours. Those girls, my girls, they made me love it. All of the hard work and personal trials, it was worth it to get to be a tiny part in the walk with Christ.

5. Reunions Are The Best.

I mean we already know this from watching our favorite TV reunions and getting to watch those YouTube videos of best friends reuniting after 50 years. So I'm just saying that when you live with the same people for 2 and 1/2 months, and then you all go your separate ways, it just makings coming back so much sweeter. You can meet up at random concerts or festivals and take cute pics. Or throw huge get-togethers to bring everyone back together. Whatever it may be, it will always be less painful leaving them again when you know you'll just reunite again.

6. Cleaning Is Not As Bad As It Seems.

Take it from me, I was on toilets the entire summer. And the most important thing it taught me is that it is what you make it. I mean can you imagine cleaning a room where 8 middle school boys just stayed for a week? You probably don't want to. Well, it honestly wasn't the best. But... I got to do it with a smile on my face knowing that new students were coming later that day and their camp experience was just beginning.

7. This Might Be The Most Superficial Reason Of All, Just A Warning...

Camp = Free Stuff. I can't even begin to list off all of the camp merch I got. There's the shirts, the water bottles, and you can't forget about the hat. But, the best part of getting all of this gear is that when you're back at school and someone asks you what you're wearing, you get to tell them how you got to tell kids about Jesus all summer.

8. Time Alone With GOD Is A Must.

Camp days are basically the equivalent to a normal person's week. They seemed to last 98 hours, so doing it on your own strength is not possible. You have to fill yourself up with God daily. You aren't alone, so don't try to do it all on your own. (Trust me on this, this can lead to multiple mental breakdowns in my experience.)

9. Worldly Problems Do Not Exist Inside The Camp Bubble.

This isn't because they aren't important, or relevant, it's just that you don't have cell phone service or internet to even know they exist. (Especially in good ole Bagdad, KY.) I didn't even have to worry about school, or drama back at home because I was so focused on what was happening right there.

10. This May Be The Most Important Reason Of All.

It taught me how to be able to talk more openly about my faith. I came into this new school year with so much more confidence about discussing my relationship with God. I can only thank God for using camp to push me outside of my comfort zone. Without this experience, I probably wouldn't have been able to write this article.