About 11 years ago, I walked into the camp I grew up in to attend my first week-long session.
Tomorrow, I start my first day as a counselor there (even though I won't have a cabin yet.)
It is amazing to reflect back on all the time I have spent there over the years and realize how much I have changed; really, how it has changed me.
How God has changed me.
Ironically, the cabin I will have for the summer is the very first one I stayed in as a camper.
Camp Hunt was founded in 1947 and has been changing lives ever since. It got me through my years of school as a blossoming Christian in an area that just didn't have many Churches of Christ around. I lived for youth rallies a few times a year, when other small youth groups from a few churches several hours away got together to fellowship for a weekend.
My school year truly ended when camp began. When my worldly stresses could fade away for a few weeks before it all began again.
The one place where I felt truly accepted and safe, in the hands of God and those who serve Him. Truly heaven on earth. That describes camp for me and my experiences there.
Now, I am about to get the opportunity to change others' lives the way that my old counselors changed mine. It is a difficult and exhausting job, but it will be so worth it.
The counselors have many responsibilities, save for their 23 hour day off each week. They supervise up to 8 children all hours of the day, and bring them to various activities throughout the day. On top of that, they plan daily campfires, recreation games, and devotionals at the same time. They are worn out quickly and a (not guaranteed) one hour nap each day does not help compensate much. In addition to this, they display Christlike attitudes toward even the most difficult campers at all times and help correct any behavior that is out of line in a stern but loving manner.
The rest of the staff also love unconditionally and work to serve with happy hearts. An environment like this is the closest earthly thing I can imagine heaven will be somewhat like. And I'm sure it won't even compare.
But for now, I can see how much value camp has brought to my life over the past decade. I thank God so much for allowing me to attend each summer consistently, and all the friends I made that I would not have gotten by without. When I was a struggling Christian, it was the only thing that forced me to rethink my faith and reconnect with my Lord. Now I have the privilege to attend a Christian university and it is my 2nd favorite place on earth. Third is my house.
I see so much beauty in God's creation when I am there. I mean, look at the cover photo. Who could not be happy and amazed at a place like this? Also, the stars are amazing at night.
