Every year when summer break rolls around I'm left asking myself the same question: Why did I sign up for this? Driving off to the middle of nowhere Virginia, to take part in a Work Camp sponsored by my diocese, just doesn't sound like the ultimate start of an epic summer. What is Work Camp? Work Camp is a week in which high schoolers from the Diocese of Arlington leave the comfort of their home to take part in daily mass, community worship, and service. The service itself is unique, as it involves home repairs such as building decks, roofing, and window replacements. All done by otherwise inexperienced teens with the help of an experienced contractor and an adult supervisor.
Despite my hesitance Work Camp always ends up being one of the best weeks of my year. Although the PB and J sandwiches we have for lunch every day are not very appetizing to me some of the Work Camp quirks do have their benefits. The no phone policy forces me to actually talk to people and facilitates social interaction since the otherwise unpleasant distraction is no longer present. The little getaway from my life back home allows me to really focus on myself and acknowledge some of my areas for growth, including the unreasonable amount of time I spend on my phone and mindlessly watching bad TV shows. Although some people may claim to be able to experience something similar elsewhere there's something about the community and frequent prayer that makes Work Camp a unique experience.
Senior year was different than other years though. I wasn't just giving up a week of my summer, I was giving up the week students dreamed of all throughout high school. The choice was not a difficult one to make but that did not prevent me from facing moments of regret here and there, especially when listening to all my friends make Beach Week plans. Although nothing big and life-changing was revealed to me during my time at Work Camp, I was able to find peace in the nothingness. The lack of extravagance was calming after the otherwise hectic last few months I had. Beach Week, on the other hand, was filled with drama, run-ins with the police, and all sorts of craziness.
I don't mean to bash anyone for going to Beach Week. I know many people really enjoyed themselves. The two-hour-long phone call I had with my friends when I got back was also one I had been looking forward to all week. I'm glad they had fun but I also am able to acknowledge that Jesus Camp was the right choice for me. It was the calm and clarity I needed to tie up some of the loose ends in my life. Although the knot itself is still loose, it's getting there.
