The church camp I am talking about is Camp Bratton Green. It is located just on the edge of Canton, MS. I have been going to this camp since I was about 5 or 6 years old. When you are younger, you go for only a weekend and typically bring a parent with you and then as you get older you start going for a week by yourself.

When I first started going, I would always get really nervous because I would get really shy and I was scared I wouldn't make any friends. However, the counselors and other staff helped me become more outgoing and would introduce me to other campers. I have now made lifelong friends over the years and could not be more thankful for them.

I have made some of the best memories at CBG. I have even spent a few New Years Eves out there. From your sophomore to senior year, you are eligible to go to winter solstice. The sessions are mainly in the summer but this one is obviously in the winter. Winter solstice is a week typically from December 27th through January 1st. On NYEs there is a dance that goes past midnight and you get to go outside at midnight and watch the fireworks across the lake as you bring in the new year. It truly is my favorite session.

Even though I have aged out as a camper, I now have the opportunity to go back every year and be a counselor. I have staffed a few times and it truly has been so rewarding to be able to be apart of the camper's memories. I have throughly enjoyed getting to have fun with them throughout their time there and being able to catch up with people I was a camper with. My church goes every year to as a community get away. We call it parish weekend and even though it is a weekend we typically go up on a Wednesday.

I am very grateful for CBG and the impact it has had on my life. I hope that I will be able to take my kids to camp someday.